OPERATION
REMOVING BUTTRESS ROOTS
A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of the tree above the ground. Remove
large buttress roots prior to felling. Make the horizontal cut into the buttress first, followed by the
vertical cut. Remove the resulting loose section from the work area. Follow the correct tree felling
procedure as stated in Proper Procedure For Tree Felling after you have removed the large
buttress roots.
PROPER PROCEDURE FOR TREE FELLING
• Felling a tree — When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or
more persons at the same time, the felling operation should be separated from the bucking
operation by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not
be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any
property damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the utility company should
be notified immediately.
• Operator should keep on the uphill side of terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide after it is
felled.
• Pick your escape route (or routes in case the intended route is blocked). Clear the
immediate area around the tree and make sure there are no obstructions in your planned
path of retreat. Clear the path of safe retreat approximately 135° from the planned line of fall.
• Consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree, and the
location of large limbs. These things influence the direction in which the tree will fall. Do not
try to fell a tree along a line different from its natural line of fall.
• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where felling cuts are
to be made.
• Notched Undercut. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of the trunk on the side of the tree.
Make the notch cuts so they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall. This notch should be
cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw, always make
the lower cut of the notch before the upper cut.
Vertical Cut
Loose section
Horizontal
Cut
Planned Line of
fall
135°from planned
line of fall
20
Path of safe retreat