How to Fell a Tree Using a Chainsaw

By Steve Nix, About.com Guide

The direction of safe retreat is at 45 degrees from the sides and back on either side of your cutting position. NEVER move away directly behind the tree. You can be seriously hurt if the tree butt kicks back during the fall.

Don't turn your back on the falling tree. Back quickly away to a distance of 20 feet from the falling tree. Position yourself behind a standing tree if possible.

"At this point, it is best to be uphill at a 45 degree angle from where it (tree) is falling and as far away as possible. It will probably be loud when it hits the ground so don't be too nervous about that."

Previous

• Cutting a Tree With a Chainsaw - Safety Always Comes First
• First, Determine the Felling Direction and Clear Fall Path
• Begin Cutting by Creating the Notch or Face Cut
• The Top Cut and the Bottom Cut Makes the Notch
• More on the Face Cut - Try for a One Piece Slice
• Making a Back Cut, the Third and Final Cut
• The Falling Tree and a Felling Retreat
• Limbing and Bucking - Let the Real Work Begin!

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