Tree felling using a split level cut, with a Husqvarna 346xp chainsaw

[jjs488]

this was not safe your body was directly behind the hinge in the "kill zone"

[mikepepler]

@jjs488 I see what you mean, but when using a lever, there's not anywhere else to stand. I don't think it was an issue for this tree, which was not that large and was also a Sweet Chestnut, which isn't prone to splitting in the same way as an Ash, and it wasn't heavily leaning (which would also create a risk of splitting).

[djakeman469]

I think a better idea would be to just notch the tree out and back cut rather than waste four hours on it. But what do I know

[mikepepler]

Sure, I'd always prefer to use a standard felling cut when possible.

In this case the tree was right at the border of our land, but leaning slightly back towards the border. And the wind was trying to blow it back to the border as well!

So the split level cut let me get the felling lever into the back cut without risk of it closing up due to the lean on the tree, then it was possible to push it over in the opposite direction to where it would have wanted to go.

Mike

[chrisbm123]

you tend to cut a bit high dont you?

why not cut lower?

[mikepepler]

The main reason is that the bottom section of the stem is curved (as is common with chestnut coppice), and as I only wanted the straight section in this case I'd be cutting this bit off anyway. So I did the felling cut at the bottom of the straight section. It's also quicker to cut through the thinner bit higher up! ;-)

Although it's not on the video, after felling I cut off the stump very low and almost flat, with a slight lean away from the centre of the stool, so that rain doesn't collect.