Recommended cutting methods for trees under tension
Storm-felled trees are often exposed to high tension in the trunk because of the lean of the tree or because the tree is jammed with a bent trunk.
You can release the tension in a controlled manner by cutting through the trunk in phases using the following techniques.
Safety first! Always stand on the inside of the arc of the curved trunk if the tree is lying down and under strain.
For high tension: Opening on the pressure side
Saw from the inside of the arc (pressure side).
Make a cut like an open directional notch with a larger opening angle.
Saw a little at a time on both sides until the tension starts to release. The tension is released slowly under good control and direction. Be careful with the nose of the guide bar to avoid kickback!
For moderate tension: Open counter cut
Cut an open directional notch on the inside of the arc of the curved trunk, to about 1/3 of the trunk’s thickness.
Remain on the inside of the arc and cut in small stages from the outside of the arc, in the centre of the notch, until the trunk breaks.
