Techniques

Techniques

By Tim Ard, Forest Applications Training, Inc.

The past week I have had several great experiences with workshops across Pennsylvania. As always, it is a pleasure to meet and learn from attendees and pick up understandings, new ways of communicating, chainsaw applications and safety for the future. Some thoughts came to me that I would like to share with you… on Technique.

What is a Technique or where do Techniques come from? Technique is a way of doing something that someone has been taught or learned from one’s experience in accomplishing a task. Sound logical?

How do we know what we are using is the best, safest Technique for the application? Is it because we have seen it, believe in it - or is it because we tested with our plan the Technique’s ability to accomplish our task…. Luck or fact? Experience!

I published an article recently on (taking/observing) tree lean information in the planning process. It’s how I was taught to make sure the information of lean, that I observe and confidently place into my felling plan, would afford me accurate results. The way I was instructed seems to be different than a lot of understanding out in the field. I understand there may be other ways to read the weighted lean of a tree but you know the lean is only part of a great, safe and productive way of felling a tree.

So, how do I know a good Technique? What’s right? What’s wrong?

Simply to begin the answer, lean is not a Technique, part of, but not a Technique. It is one of the most important parts of forming a complete plan and final Technique selection. It remains the hardest part of tree felling for most of us to grasp. It’s a major reason trees go directionally wrong. Because of lean we commonly find our position to be in the wrong place and someone or our saw pinched by the unexpected movement of the tree.

Now, to pass along my thoughts of the Technique selection process I have to better understand every part. For making my point, I am choosing to seek a better platform or illustration of the way lean effects the Technique used in felling a tree.

Technique Exercise

To complete the experiment you will need (1) a string and (2) a weight of some type on the end of the string. You also need (3) a piece of paper with a line drawn on it or a line drawn on the ground. Ready?

Make a plumb line by attaching the weight to the string. Allow the weight to swing free on the string. You have now built a plumb line that will designate a measure of gravitational pull. The weight now centers itself to the earth.

Draw a line on a piece of paper or the ground. That line represents your holding wood or hinge on the stump of your tree. It’s the pivot point or fulcrum on the stump that the tree will pivot on, forward or back. This exercise is illustrating only forward or back lean. (If the hinge does not break and holds the tree attached, the side weight is not a factor in the fall. As with a door, the tree will pivot to the targeted latch on the hinge).

Hold the plumb line in your hand above and on the line (hinge). Your hand represents the center of the crown of the tree. Now line up the plumb line with the line on the ground. At this position your tree is perfectly straight, balanced on the hinge.

Now move your treetop (hand) backward. You have just moved your tree crown’s center weight behind the pivot. The weight of your tree and crown just became back lean.

Move your treetop (hand) forward. You have just moved your tree crown into a forward position in relationship to your pivot hinge. Your tree just became a forward leaner.

Just as you could not deny or change the reading of gravity by your plumb line, you cannot deny the fact that the center weight of your tree crown, in relation to the pivot line (hinge), places the center of your crown into a forward or back lean condition.

Understanding the above, the face notch does not make the tree lean, tilt or swing. The notch allows the hinge to work during the pivot on the hinge but doesn’t change the trees weight movement. With this understanding, if your back cut is not considering the forward or back weight movement in position of the hinge, you will lose control of the tree or the tree will set down on your chainsaw bar. The tree must be supported (wedge or rope) or lifted forward from back lean positions.

Not to have an unplanned, accident event… you must look for Hazards and obstacles, measure and note the two Leans, prepare and use an Escape or retreat path, have a clear plan of Hinge placement and dimension and finally Back cut the fiber up to the hinge, supporting the tree or releasing the tree at a preplanned predetermined time.

Before you begin cutting – Prepare and wear your P.P.E. Make sure your saw is up to condition. If you do not know these, review your manufacturers’ operator’s manual before you pull the starter rope.

There’s not a reason to debate other issues of tree falling until you understand how to measure the two leans and assess the other areas of plan information to form a solid Technique.

I hope this article helps? Questions or comments? Contact Tim by email TimArd@ForestApps.com

Visit www.forestapps.com for more information on planning, techniques and training the operator in chainsaw applications.

© Copyright 2011 Forest Applications Training, Inc.