Limbing Branches

Generally, unless you are falling a Christmas tree, you’ll want to remove as many of the branches, making it easier to transport the logs to their final destination.

This process of removing tree branches from fallen trees is called limbing.

When limbing branches from a still standing tree, NEVER limb (cut) above your shoulders. When you attempt to cut above your shoulders, you have to hold the chainsaw at or above your head. It is very easy for you to you lose control over the saw in this position, which can result in a very serious if not fatal injury.

The next simple rule after you have fallen a tree--take five from a safe distance from where you’ve fallen the tree. At your safe point, examine the area where the tree lays and see if there are any smaller trees, which have been bent over and trapped by the felled tree, these are called springpoles. You also want to see if there are any branches that are holding the tree partially up, or if the tree is on the level ground. Next, look up—see if you can detect any dead branches, or any form of debris that is hanging above the area where the tree lays, and may still fall to the ground. Dead branches and debris are called widowmakers because it has been well-documented the number sever injuries and deaths, which have occurred from falling debris several minutes after a tree has been felled. Which is why, we say take five. This give you time to catch your breath, and become aware of any overhead hazards.

Next, you need to assess the fallen tree. If the tree you fell is lodged or wedged between adjacent trees and did not fall completely to the to the ground, do not attempt to walk underneath the tree. Trees that are hung can fall without warning and are especially dangerous. These trees should be moved by means of equipment that either pull or lift the tree so that it will not rollover.

Once all hazards and obstacles have been accessed and removed, you can now start limbing the tree. You want to begin at the bottom of the tree, removing branches on the opposite side from where you are, and work your way toward the top. In this way, the tree is between you and the chainsaw, providing additional protection for you.

When limbing, do not stand on the downhill side of the tree, the tree could roll downhill and trap you, if you happen to cut a branch, which is supporting the tree log in place. While cutting, keep an eye on the tip of the chainsaw to avoid kickback. As you cut, you want to from time to time stop, turn your chainsaw off, and remove all debris from your work area. This will also help you avoid kickback.

When limbing trees that have very large and heavy braches you have to take extreme care. As you removed branches from the tree, the log can shift unexpectedly, which is why you must have good footing and have good balanced so that if you need to move, you will have the freedom to do so.

Springpoles are smaller tree, which are bent over and trapped by a fallen log. Springpoles have a huge amount of stored energy and present possible the greatest dangers of the limbing process. This stored energy can be safely released in two simple ways. The first method is to use an axe to cut the springpole at the apex of its bend. The second method is to do the same, only using your chainsaw.

To locate the apex, imagine a vertical line rising from the base of the tree and a horizontal line extending from the highest point of the spring pole. Where these two lines intersect, imagine a 45-degree angle to the spring pole. This is the apex and where the maximum amount of tension is located.

You can cut a springpoles from either underneath or from the above. When cutting it from the top, you have to stand at 45 degrees to the tree to avoid from being struck by the spring pole if the tension is suddenly released. From At this position, you can use the chainsaw to make a series of small cuts at the apex until the fibers begin to break on their own. When making this cut the chainsaw has to be at maximum RPMs with a slow rate of feed. Once the fibers begin to break, quickly move away from the tree and let the pressure release itself. Now, the springpole can safely be cut.






 

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