Article DetailsWhy angled back cuts are dangerous |
| Date Added: March 30, 2008 03:27:15 AM |
| Author: Eric Frei |
| Category: Tree Services |
Why Angled Back Cuts Are Dangerous A common sight and especially used amongst people who are new to felling trees is using an angled back cut. It is a false sense of security and not endorsed by any training organisation.As seen in the picture adjacent the cut is not parallel with the ground. This particular cut isn't as acute as I have seen. The mystery of where this practice originated from is unknown. It is a global phenomena with an initial perception of being a clever way of felling and offering some security agains the tree falling backwards or it hitting the ground and jumping backward toward the stump and faller. To understand why it wont do those things and why it isn't used or endorsed by professional fallers and arborists world wide you need to understand the physics of what is exactly going on when felling trees. After completing a back cut a strip of wood is left which the tree hinges on, just like a door hinge the tree folds over. This is used to guide trees to the ground. You dont actually cut all the way through leaving nothing for the tree to hinge on. In many instances to get the tree moving wedges are used. In some instances trees might be leaning slightly backward or the wind might blow them backward so wedges are used in the cut behind the saw bar to prevent it, however in extreme cases you better rope the tree up higher. On a standard horizontal back cut a wedge lifts the tree. However with an angled back cut the wedge will try to push the tree forward, against the grain. That's one problem, the other is the weight of the tree is also now mainly on the hingewood and little shared with the wedge. In a pictorial thread at Tree World you can see diagrams and further explanations plus interact, ask questions or share your experiences. Written by Eric Frei qualified arborist and business owner of Palm & Tree Services Brisbane |
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