This Felling Technique Could Save Your Trees From Splitting

Aspen trees tend to split very easily. If you use this tree felling technique you might be able to prevent that. We are using the Husqvarna 390 XPG with a 30 inch bar to cut down the tree.
We generally only try to reply to comments the first 24 hours after the video aired due to the amount of comments we receive. Feel free to get in touch with us via facebook or email.
_
If you want to help us out you can do so by shopping on Amazon via one of the links below. The links are affiliate links which means we receive a small commission from Amazon while you shop without any extra cost for you:
US Amazon Store: amzn.to/2zk5VXW
Canadian Amazon Store: amzn.to/2zA7lkh
UK Amazon Store: amzn.to/2znvMR1
German Amazon Store: amzn.to/2izYgwN
French Amazon Store: amzn.to/2zn82fI
Italian Amazon Store: amzn.to/2Ad1D43
_
Swedish Homestead Merchandise: teespring.com/...
Support us and become a Patron:
/ swehomestead
Link to our Facebook Page: / swedishhomestead
My parents' blog: www.derhofamsee.wordpress.com
My mom's Instagram account: / derhofamsee
Do you like what you see? You can make a donation to our channel here:
/ 117708921611213
Tools I use daily (affiliate links: amazon.com)
Leatherman Surge: amzn.to/2jm6dbJ
Hultafors Utility Knife amzn.to/2q7miSe
Head Lamp Petzl Pixa 3: amzn.to/2iPEjjR (during winter time)
_
Clothes I use:
Merino wool / no smell long underwear: amzn.to/2iMl4Lr
Merino wool / no smell long sleeve shirt: amzn.to/2iOt904
www.pfanner-aus...
_
Other Tools We Use / Are Planning To Get
Carpentry:
Hultafors Handsaw: amzn.to/2mj4mT0
Hultafors Hammer: amzn.to/2nfOrsA
Stanley Level: amzn.to/2nlEgzD
Stanley Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2n0YzFi
Axes:
Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe: amzn.to/2iSuXrm
Gränsfors Scandinavian Forest Axe: amzn.to/2hZUvU1
Gränsfors Carpenters Axe: amzn.to/2iOjFlK
Fiskars Splitting Axe: amzn.to/2j1ieA4
Battery Driven:
Hitachi 18V Drill: amzn.to/2iOrcku
Knifes & Pruning:
Mora Knife: amzn.to/2iSziuK
Felco Hand Pruner: amzn.to/2i3aQp9
Silky Handsaw: amzn.to/2iSC5Eo
Swiss Army Knife: amzn.to/2imOCfs
Garden Tools:
Dutch High Quality Garden Tools: www.sneeboer.co...
Fiskars Light Weight Rake: amzn.to/2iOxO2g
Wolf-Garten Hand Trowel: amzn.to/2iOALQb
Soil Blocker: amzn.to/2mff2nU
_
Poultry Equipment
Bell Waterer: amzn.to/2iSwDBa (we use a different brand)
Electric Poultry Netting: amzn.to/2iSwP3m
Solar Energizer: amzn.to/2iSDXww
Poultry Leg Bands: amzn.to/2iMvFGn
Water Nipples: amzn.to/2iFC7Mm
Ceramic Infrared Heater: amzn.to/2jDjfle

[@GettingtheTruthOut]

Your brother should have his own channel to teach his skills. I'm sure it would be a big hit.

[@michaelclark1934]

Great video my maple hsvd ben splitting especially with a hard lean I'll give this a shop this morning

[@NikeMS11]

Looking at the comments, maybe we should remind some people that you plant trees too. There are many purposes in cutting trees down...fire prevention, matches, paper, firewood, possible damage to property, creating more room so other varieties (which may be nitrogen rich and good for the soil) to grow, etc. You use their resources in an ethical way. I appreciate that about you. Thank you

[@frodehau]

In a wet and cool climate the forests grow back with great vigor even without planting. Monoculture plantations is what ruins forests.

[@samuelluria4744]

"matches", Lol😂😂😂

[@littlewhitedory1]

Simeon, your brother Tim has a very nice way of explaining his intentions. Tim's English is so pleasant to listen to and has an incredibly calming effect. Thanks to both of you for this educational video.

[@richardsullivan1776]

Love the forestry videos, Simeon and Tim! Like the early days of the channel. PLEASE keep them coming!

[@Fletching099]

Your forestry videos are the best, i wish we could have more of them ;)

[@briandean7206]

Nice job on the tree! I've been logging for over 40 years and my part-time. I always seem to pick up something new from your Channel. Thanks Brian

[@aleblanc3547]

I know nothing about taking trees down, but I knew exactly what you meant about the tree splitting when you first talked about it. It actually helped support what you were talking about when it split a little in spite of your technique to prevent it completely. Thanks, Tim (and you too, Simeon)! :>)

[@lint2023]

I appreciate the "why". Making me more knowledgeable.

[@dannysulyma6273]

One of the best "how to fall a tree" videos that I've seen and I have seen many. Absolutely no B.S. just solid information and a well filmed demonstration. Your undercut in this instance looks about the same as we commonly use here in B.C. other than we use the Humbolt rather than the conventional cut you've shown here. A great video as have been the others, thank you for them all.

[@georgegibson707]

Always good to see an experienced professional at work, Thanks.

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Fascinating video . . . very good technique, like to see you fell a tree, that is leaning in the opposite direction, to the way you want to fell it. May dad worked in the lumber camps as a young man and he could fell a tree in any direction he wanted, always found it a fascinating art.

[@annetteanderson6845]

Another great video and I loved watching and hearing the tree fall completely :-) Good to see your Brother again. Have a great evening.

[@digbyodell2924]

Yes, another who puts the angle cut in first; I think it is so much easier to match up the horizontal cut of the notch that way. I see so many who put in the horizontal first and then have problems matching up the angle cut and either leave a bypass or spend more time cleaning it up. I think I do about 70 degrees as well on larger trees with no special circumstances.

[@niall_o_donovan]

Thanks for the explaination, now I understand. I really enjoy these forestry videos. TIM-ber!

[@lukep6017]

Excellent VIDEO content. Thank you.

[@doublez724]

The video of the plunge cut was awesome.

[@wallykrueger3627]

Thx for explaining the "70 degree" cut. I wondered why you guys were cutting at such a steep angle. Your aspen cut was more like we used to do. I think 50 degree was what we used mostly.

[@fredthorne9692]

Another excellent video. Even though I will probably never have reason to fell a tree of this size, it is nonetheless, astounding. Thanks.

[@brianfoley4328]

Great channel, great video....and your English skills are outstanding...making it difficult for some Americans to understand.

[@triple6758]

For reference, here in Midwest USA this is a fairly standard Bore Cut. Our hardwoods tend to barber chair, so this technique is used a lot. Many times with an even smaller face cut. Thanks for the video!

[@oysterman2517]

Good video. Not often one sees an aspen that big without a rotten core. Cheers

[@orlandovasquez4325]

Nice and clean job,hello from COSTA RICA.

[@1d1hamby]

Nice new saw. Wait till it breaks in and you get more power, you'll love it.

[@coryboettcher9702]

Nice hinge! You guys have very different techniques from here in California but what few people realize is that there’s a million ways to skin a cat. A trick I learned falling timber in Humboldt was to make an cut perpendicular to the hinge through the holding wood. The purpose was to just eliminate the tearing of the stringy sap wood. Severing that only leaves the more brittle heart wood, consequently you then have a little less control but you save the log from damage. Just a thought. In my experience it works wonders on every species when applied to the proper situation. If you make an even shallower face cut say 30° or so depending on the lean, it closes at just the right point when the fibers have been creased from the bend and the tree has enough energy to simply pop all the fibers cleanly, leaving shorter strands and less pull out from the log. It’s worth experimenting with in a safe situation. Another trick which is SUPER dangerous and only professional with exceptional skill should try is remaining at the base of the tree as it’s falling continually cutting the fibers as it falls leaving just enough to keep it on the stump. It’s a great way to get killed but it also saves you and the mill money.

[@David-kd5mf]

Really enjoy the tree felling instruction. I actually started cutting trees like you guys do in Sweden, especially when there is a heavy lean to the tree.

[@darbycrash55]

Hello from Michigan, USA! Keep the good content flowing!!!

[@scottreid5555]

Thanking you both from British Columbia. Nice to know how to have cleaner cuts.

[@itsPeeGee]

the forestry videos have all been really great!

[@NikeMS11]

I always enjoy your instructional videos and the collaboration with your brother. Thank you for the videos you share.

[@eddeetz493]

Glad to see your brother again. Great technique and no pinched saws. Spring is coming it was 75 in San Diego. More tax than sun.

[@rolliecarso]

Damn. Nice cut! Nice and clean.

[@gdwright65]

Very good video. That is good information about the tear out on an Aspen. Please tell your brother I enjoy watching his skill in taking down trees.

[@mikeboone4425]

Will I'm never to old to learn something and today I did for sure thanks Men . Happy Trails .

[@berendbeumer9204]

Awesome camera quality! Love the forestry videos!

[@johnblecker4206]

That is a nice clean cut thanks.

[@Marek.Synowiec.PhotoAdventures]

your brother looks like Chuck Norris, when standing with this chainsaw :) I really like your movies, I'm starting to use chainsaw in forest, you have a lot o heplfull informations in your movies. Enjoyed watching this, stay safe, greetings from Poland!

[@levigodro9827]

Use a humbolt cut. Saves board footage, controls the tree longer, gets tree butt on the ground faster. Also a corner notch will prevent that side split you had as well as lessen barber chair chance.

[@VincentArboriste]

Curve cuts 5cm under your hinge, on each side, would prevent that side tear. Great video. Cheers from Canada.

[@davidwolter4263]

Great video! I really like the forestry videos and the farm videos and the family videos...... Well heck I like your whole channel. Keep up the great work.

[@LarsRibe]

He is very skilled with a chain saw! Nice job.

[@maehay4065]

I love watching you show the Swedish style of cutting your forest trees! That would make something beautiful to make for your family farms. Do you use this for firewood or lumber for other uses? Thank you for sharing this with us today and I hope you all have a blessed day 👍👍👍🙏🏡

[@stuartyoung4568]

Nice job,, a little cripple of the hinge would prevent the tear😁

[@kevinbyrne4538]

I've seen others make these "plunge" or "bore" cuts, leaving a "strap" behind the face cut (in order to avoid having the tree split or "barber chair"). I wouldn't dare to make a plunge cut. (I'd be afraid of "kickback" when I touch the saw's tip to the tree.) Tim did a very nice job. I wish that I could have him trim some trees on my property.

[@JohnMcNerney]

Kevin - that bore cut is not dangerous if you use the proper technique. It's taught in chainsaw safety classes here in the US by "Game of Logging" instructors (gameoflogging.com/). GOL was brought to the US by Soren Eriksson (a Swede) years ago. Most of the franchises teaching it are in the Northeastern US these days, but there are others teaching the same techniques in other areas. (Tim Ard is one - he used to work with Soren Eriksson. I think Tim more in the Southeast.) Defintiely worth checking out if you are using a chainsaw in the woods.

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Thanks for the response and the link, John. I'll check this out.

[@JohnMcNerney]

Here's a link to a video series put out by Husqvarna on chainsaw use and tree felling. It largely parallels the Game of Logging classes I took. They go into some detail on bore cuts (I think it's either in the first video in the series, or the one entitled "... Notch and Hinge Techniques"). It doesn't take the place of live training and practice, but it's a pretty good explanation of the technique as well as the "why" behind the recommendations

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll look at these videos as well.

[@jaylittleton1]

Thank you very much Tim and Simeon.

[@joelhill4107]

Ahsome job! I was wondering when you were going to get out a wedge so you wouldn't pinch the bar! Obviously have done that once or twice! There is a bit of science felling trees. Wouldn't want to do that one with much wind though. Husqvarna, excellent saw!! Much prefer to Styl. Nice poplar/aspen. In Canada need to be very careful, with center rot, why I would not be so inclined to make a cut like that. Great video!

[@bikedeefer]

You guys make great videos and I love your chainsaw/firewood/tree felling content!

[@Sanados]

To also get rid of the last tearout we use "Splintschnitt" and "Bruchstufe" in Austria (and 45°)

[@lukep6017]

Excellent job guys

[@ABlueDahlia]

You guys are so awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[@Mikdeelow]

i heard when the hinge broke. very good video, tyvm!

[@dvoz9023]

Could you make a video to show how you cut down a tree with a bar that's smaller than the diameter of the tree?

[@m1spartan989]

Love your videos

[@madbutcher63]

Good Job bro 👍

[@juliusspiik8498]

This tree is an aspen, you can tell that it's an aspen because of the way it is. WOW

[@OpasJDGarage]

Great saw work, impressive tree.

[@HansBrevik]

I learn so much from you guys! Knowledge is important ;)

[@dopeasjohn5562]

did u cut from both ways or just one its kinda hard to tell this makes it looks so easy

[@wasatchrottweiler5684]

Perfect. Well done.

[@laurencelance586]

Here on the Pacific Northwest of America we use a center cut on a hard leaning tree to prevent barber chair. Your tree didn't seem to be much of a leaner, and so I'm wondering why the center cut instead of a traditional Humbolt and back cut?

[@thatsurprisedguy3646]

Here in the netherlands we do the little Sidecut and leave the hingewood thicker it might help you

[@verteup]

that surprised guy thicker hinge wood is the reason for barberchairs. His hinge was almost too thick right there. Softwoods are more lenient but a hardwood will split with too much hinge.

[@msim7087]

Great video, as always!

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Very helpful tips!

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Great Video! Please next time show us the pic of the butt cut after you cut that 1 inch slice off at the end. It would be nice to see how much the split went into the trunk. :) Liked !!

[@wrad2667]

Great saw!

[@matthewjohnson3910]

Great video guys

[@newenglandyankeeliving5052]

No Stihl? Lol I’m kidding I love your forestry stuff

[@1d1hamby]

That's a big saw. How often do you make cuts like that?

[@marybelfordsmith8421]

Thanks again! Interesting content!

[@asanoen1777]

Great advise thank you..

[@si.taze10]

I cut trees for a living as an arborist in the U.S. and we use the 70° measurement too, but we don't use a bore cut. We just lay a 70° notch and then back cut level with the apex of the notch leaving 1 inch of hinge wood. You can lay trees wherever you want them if you can read pitch and lean.

[@ed509075]

How do you keep the bore cut level. I seem to go below or well above the directional cut. Is there any method I can practice

[@davidhickenbottom6574]

I had a walnut split on me last year. Nice barber chair that's What We call them here in the States

[@kennethbrown3007]

Very pretty wood.

[@samorr4]

What is the brand and cost of the upper body protective jacket that the faller is wearing in this video?

[@donaldrobert6805]

Great video really enjoy your forestry videos. Why the bore cut first when you went around the stump to help from tearing as well?

[@JohnMcNerney]

The bore cut lets you set the hinge thickness exactly where you want it, but with the tree still held firmly in place by the wood behind the bore. Once you've got the hinge established, you can cut out most of the remaining wood, leaving a small "trigger" that you cut when you are ready for the tree to fall. The technique of setting the hinge thickness first helps avoid barberchair and splitting, which can happen when the tree starts to fall before you've gotten the hinge as thin as it needs to be.

[@georgedoorley5628]

could you put a ratchet strap around the tree above your face cut to prevent the tree splitting ?

[@rille404]

Great vid as always 👍

[@1bigsample]

It would have been helpful to get a close up from the side prior to the last cut. I am not clear if the back cut was done at the bottom of the hinge or in the middle of the hinge

[@RR-et6sh]

In America its called a Barber chair. P.S. I have a question for you Swedish gentlemen, have you ever ate a potato? Their delicious! Two of the greatest foods that complement each other is 1. Potato , 2. Sour cream. Enjoy!

[@5imok]

Cool video!

[@naashawginosh4570]

Your country has superior forestry management compared to Canada. Nice cut, works great for me too.

[@kimschlebaum]

Bra jobbat :-) Med hälsningar från Danmark

[@427Ron]

Great info

[@justastudentoftheworld3940]

I'm thinking of buying a Husky 465, I don't cut a lot so pro saw is a waste for me. Just wondering if you could do a review of it?

[@ryanssawmill8224]

I would love to mill some of that good cutting I'm impressed

[@dpower02]

Good video

[@ftoftheX]

Very nice

[@CoachJoshsteel]

Outstanding.

[@philliplee2064]

Dude you guys are awsome

[@almollitor]

I love your forestry videos! It seems ironic that such a large tree would be used to make something as tiny as matchsticks. Too bad matches aren't made from smaller lower-quality trees.

[@verteup]

Al Mollitor its an aspen. Pulp or matchsticks is all its good for.

[@JohnMcNerney]

It does seem ironic, but when you sell a tree, you go where the best market is. I'm guessing matchsticks gives them a better price than other outlets.

[@johanhaggvik9116]

You guys are working full time as arborists on the Swedish countryside? In which area? What do you charge per man per hour? Regards Johan

[@gregacotar6464]

The husqvarna 390xp looks brand new. Why did you choose the 390xp over 395xp Tim??

[@Dreyno]

Would it be possible to put the angled cut underneath and the straight cut above? A reverse notch. So there is no angle promoting a split in an upward direction.

[@Lozzatrees]

That is what is often referred to as a Humboldt notch and is usually used to save out more tûmber. The bore cut is what prevented splitting and more importantly a barbers chair.

[@stephenlawlor211]

Hi Guys good work ! What brand is Tim's jacket With the hi-viz ? Thanks Steve.

[@bflatsdrummer]

Why not cut the outsides of your hinge slightly to prevent the tearing?

[@ArsonistArborist]

You guys ever rock the Humboldt cut?

[@janetgould9140]

Interesting, before chainsaws we would make a facecut, then take out the sides leaving a triangle to the hinge ,widest at the hinge and then cut fast the back cut. Would normally prevent splitting.

[@elfi9003]

I saw hantverkslaboratoriets video about felling oak (old school style) and they explain that you have to cut the core fibers to stop the tree from spliting and springing out. Are there different technics for felling oak or aspen or is this technic applicable for all wood that have a tendency to split? Best regard. Very interesting video

[@verteup]

Elfberg same technique the species matters not.

[@mikagami69]

The bore cut is critical as well, to avoid a barber chair.

[@gordonreed248]

Interesting way to reduce splitting. To avoid barber chair I was taught to use a Humbolt cut with a plunge for the back cut. The plunge prevents having the saw racing the fall to the hinge. I have never seen a tree that will split easily on the side like that aspen did.

[@julier1080]

Unless there's reason to think the tree will bounce back at you (large crown, felling uphill, etc) I was always taught to continue to cut the hinge as it falls. With proper timing there's very little hinge left as it hits the ground, reducing chance of splitting or tear out.

[@gordonreed248]

Your "proper timing" is that you race the torque of the falling tree to the hinge. It does not allow you to get a safe distance back while the tree falls.

[@verteup]

Gordon Reed he did plunge cut that tree.

[@JohnMcNerney]

You pretty much have to continue to cut the hinge as it falls if you don't want splitting and are just coming in from the back off the tree. The problem is, that forces you to remain at the stump as the tree is falling. Since the vast majority of accidents/injuries happen within 15 feet (5 meters) of the stump, that's not the greatest place to be hanging around when the tree starts moving. The more amount of forward lean, the more a tree will want to start moving early.

[@julier1080]

It's not a race to the hinge if you have a sharp chain and enough power. Again, you have to judge the tree, to determine if it will bounce or twist as it falls. Not a good idea if you are inexperienced, but when you are cutting grade quality you don't want split or tear out. Not hard to step back a few feet before it falls.

[@gregoryandries5784]

Thanks for the useless tips and advice ! Here in South Africa or how I was taught we use a 45 degree cheesecut or directional cut. But will defnitely use your method !