Fire-damaged trees
Fire-damaged trees might be burned on the inside and may only be standing on the root protrusions.
A tree like this should be felled in its natural direction of felling, as follows:
Make the directional notch in the usual way, on both sides of the damage if you are felling from the front of the hollow.
Make a bore from one side and cut backwards a little. The width of the hinge should be at least 10% of the trunk’s diameter, or more if the wood is poor.
Safety first! Felling a fire-damaged tree is particularly hazardous and should only be performed by a person with sufficient knowledge and experience. Plan the felling thoroughly and consider all the risks involved.
To fell a weakened tree in a controlled manner, apply the same technique as for the directional felling of healthy trees with the directional notch, felling cut and hinge. But as the timber is greatly weakened, or partially missing at the hinge, you should either fell a tree in its natural felling direction or secure with ropes.