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How to Fell a Tree Using a Chainsaw

By Steve Nix, About.com

7 of 8

The Falling Tree and a Felling Retreat

The Falling Tree

The Falling Tree

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."

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