So, you've seen it- folks asking this age-old question: how to cut a leaning tree the right way. And, so, you, too, thought of introducing a full fledged guide on such a topic. After all, you're still new to felling trees (even if you're not a tree expert, that is). But just how do you "learn"? In this article we will provide some tips for cutting a leaning tree.
There are many reasons why people fell trees- some of which have to do with the weather (very cold or very warm) and others have to do with people and their destructive nature (ripping off huge chunks of live tree). It is important for you to remember that felling trees can cause damage to properties around it as well as injury to people and animals. Falling trees can also be very dangerous. When you are near a tree which is leaning or falling, stay clear. If you have pets around, keep them away as they can also become injured when they try to get close to a tree which is leaning or about to fall.
In addition to staying clear of the area, you also need to remember a few key safety precautions. First and foremost, never run at or toward a tree which is leaning or about to fall. Running towards a tree with its lower branches hanging down can cause serious injury to your body if you accidentally trip over them. Always take care to look both ways before stepping into a tree- this is especially true if the tree is leaning or falling. If the direction of the falling branch or the direction of the leaning tree is different from the direction in which you're stepping, don't step over the branch that is leaning but rather the one that is coming from the opposite direction.
Once you've safely made it into the tree and started to cut, make sure to wear thick soled shoes. This will help you to prevent injuries if you slip and fall. Make sure your stance is straight and your feet are shoulder width apart. You can then move forward in a smooth and controlled manner, but watch out for tight turns and twists as these could potentially cause injury.
The next step involves balancing yourself on two runners so that your weight is evenly spread across your two feet. You then need to put both your hands on top of the runners, so that you form a right angle. Start to lean the trunk of the tree backwards until it is at a 45 degree angle from your starting position. From here, you can cut along the inside perimeter of the angle. When making your cut, make sure you begin at the highest point of the angle, which is the offset center of the tip of the trunk.
Cutting trees that lean to the opposite direction is slightly trickier than those that lean in the same direction. To lean the tree the other way, you need to angle the tree's tip downward by up to 15 degrees. As you make your cut, be very careful and watch out for any and all rocks or other obstacles that might be in your way. If you have to stop and rest while cutting, do so in a safe place so that your equipment and hands are not injured in the process. Following these steps will insure that you properly take care of this tricky job.