When the hinge is properly set, the felling cut will begin the fall in the desired direction.

Felling cuts must be appropriate to the tree size and form and consistently accurate.

The felling cut should stop before it meets the sink cut to create a hinge.

The risk of splitting can be minimized by the use of advanced felling cuts.

Clearing around base of tree to enable placement of felling cuts.

From the opposite side of the wedge, the felling cut is made horizontally and slightly above the bottom cut.

Placing a wedge in the felling cut can prevent a sitback from pinching the saw.

A 'felling cut' is the horizontal cut made into the rear of the tree, just above and towards the sink cut.

As the felling cut was completed, the tree spun around and became wedged on the loaders arm, causing the tractor to overturn.

Before the felling cut was complete the tree started to go over but, despite the tension being applied by the tractor, it turned and fell back towards the road.

Some species of trees, such as Ash, are more liable to split when being felled using conventional felling cuts - particularly if these trees are overhanging.

It appears that the contractor had difficulties in making the felling cut and had failed to create a sufficient hinge to help control the tree as it fell.

The 'danger zone' is an area to the front and rear of a tree, where the tree is most likely to fall either during or after the sink and felling cuts have been made.

First part is demonstrating specific knowledge of working with a chainsaw and consists of five disciplines (Fitting a new chain, Bucking by combined cut, Precision bucking, Undercut and Felling Cut, and Limbing).