Safety isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life.
First and foremost, make sure you have your PPE on. Starting at the top, a helmet, safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, chainsaw pants or chaps, and finally, boots, preferably with steel toes.
Now determine what equipment is needed to assist the tree in its intended path of fall.
You will need a well-maintained and properly running chainsaw that has an engine which can safely operate a bar length slightly longer than the diameter of the tree. The chain should be sharp and in good repair.
If the tree has back or side lean, a throw line and rope or mechanical advantage set may be needed to help pull the tree over.
Wedges are required equipment on-site any time a tree is being felled. You may need multiple wedges and an axe to drive them. Wedges are a great way to provide mechanical advantage to a tree.
It is a good practice to place a wedge in the back cut of any tree being felled, regardless of the direction of lean.
Move all the equipment you have determined you will need to the base of the trunk. If you don’t have all the equipment you need, then walk away and save the job for another day when you do have the equipment.
Help Fight Crime
If you are a landscape professional, know a landscape professional or employee a landscape company who has been a victim of theft, please share this with them.
These crimes are escalating – a local company was shot at and robbed at gunpoint. The Georgia Urban Ag Council is tracking these crimes to give data to local law enforcement. Email mkw@georgiauac.com or call 1-800-687-6949. Please help spread the word.
She currently coordinates national and statewide urban programs in water issues, safety training, turfgrass, Integrated Pest Management, and arboriculture. Prior to joining the Center for Urban Agriculture she helped create AWIS Weather Services and served as Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing of that company for seven years.
She holds a M.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell College. Dr. Bauske has had the great pleasure of working in plant breeding, biological control, Integrated Pest Management, and Extension.
- The Five Step Felling Plan – Step 2 – Gather Your Equipment - April 24, 2017
- The Five Step Felling Plan – Step 1 – Heights, Hazards, and Lean - April 18, 2017
- Cool Cut: The Stump Cut - April 4, 2017