How to Make a Humboldt Undercut Felling Notch

I demonstrate how I do a West Coast style Humboldt undercut felling notch. The Humboldt undercut is a type of face cut for falling trees. With this style of cutting trees down, it takes the notch out of the stump instead of the usable log. This can result in less wasted wood. Loggers on the West Coast commonly use the Humboldt.
I am using a Stihl MS462 with a 32 inch bar and square filed full skip chain. The logs will be put on my Woodmizer LT15 sawmill. The lumber from it will possibly be used to build a small off grid cabin. 

[@WilsonForestLands]

A note to the sensitive viewers. In the video I poke a little fun at the conventional notches and those who do them. This is all done with the intent of it being all in good fun. Some of my viewers like to razz me about my “upside down notches”. All of this is just friendly banter.

[@thekiltedsawyer]

Humboldt, always on saw logs!👍👍👌

[@thekiltedsawyer]

Good morning buddy, that buck you filmed was a trophy, excellent job. Are you re sharpening your own bands?

[@stroys7061]

I was so triggered by your comments I had to get a pina colada with a pink umbrella to calm down. 😂😂 Right after I finish my whiskey.

[@WilsonForestLands]

@@thekiltedsawyer no I have always used Woodmizer resharp. I just recorded a video today about them ending resharp. I either need to get some sharpening equipment or find another solution.

[@thekiltedsawyer]

I'd be glad to help, I just added another bms 250 to my arsenal

[@crawford323]

Your method of delivery and personality made me smile. I think you would be very welcomed sitting around a camp fire squinting in smoke telling a few tall tales.

[@NickHowls]

This man is the Bob Ross of logging. Bob Ross paints happy trees. This man cuts them down.

[@briananonymous724]

I can't think of any higher praise than to say I found this very, very useful. I like the clarity of your explanations, your dry sense of humor and the pace of your delivery. All in all, most excellent.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you Brian. Kind of you to say.

[@572Btriode]

I concur.

[@inyobill]

Makes me wonder how many folks he's saved from injury, or property damage, or ...

[@brucevoiles7434]

@@572Btriode😅

[@Jeff-rk8hq]

Well said

[@mongomay1]

Thank you, This was how I was taught to do it by my grandfather when I was thirteen years old and served me well now that I am sixty.

[@christianlassen7027]

You should when ever possible have a buddy with you when felling trees. If you have an accident your buddy may save your life.

[@davidstrom597]

Finally a youtuber that understands how to fall a tree

[@billroberts3864]

I cut for a 'gypo' cutting company and we had to use the Humbolt cut to save more good Doug Fir wood on the logs because the mill wanted nice, square-end logs. You are a great teacher and add a little humor to make an interesting video. Blessings to you.

[@savage22bolt32]

I'm saving this vid and watching it again tomorrow. Thanks for the wonderful video, and a huge thanks for not ruining it with crappy background music.

[@brewtusmaximus5625]

Today I learned that chainsaws have iron sights. Also very informative.

[@daviddavidson4496]

Simo Häyhä would be proud

[@howardsimpson489]

As a Kiwi who has dropped lots of big pinus radiata trees on steep hillsides, I like the "upside down cut". I do the upward cut first. Easier to get the right meeting of the two with a horizontal cut. I use several cheap Chinese saws with full chisel teeth, these are fast on pine. They do not like grit so I just get another saw and sharpen them all later.

[@larrybrashear4988]

I am impressed!!! Clear, cocise and honest. Nothing gives a better feeling that dropping a 12k pound tree where you want it to fall...safely. Keep it up!

[@Joe-yu2se]

I agree, this man is very experienced indeed and he is dead on when saying he should save as much wood by cutting the stump. This is a true work of art not like those other viral video showing the key notch (or Tongue & Groove) technique which is the worst amateur things I have ever seen.

[@mikekrueger3929]

I cut trees 5 days a week (not for logging, but for residential). I found this to be more helpful than most of the tree-cutting videos on KZbin. You explain. the details that were needed very well! The only thing we do differently is we try to line up our back cut dead center on our notch cut or a little bit above as you do.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for your input Mike. I appreciate the comment. I get the impression they are more about making higher back cut with conventional style than we are with the Humboldt.

[@dougreid2351]

I think a Humbot cut is less likely to kickback off the stump in the feller's direction, the reason for coming in above the face cut on the conventional method. With your coaching I think I'm going to try this method again-first efforts were dismal. DOUG out

[@davidchisholm1179]

I've been cutting trees professionally 38 years. This guy knows his stuff and no ego. Just smooth and steady. My only comment is always plan to use a wedge. I once had a sudden wind gust push a tree about this size back up after it started to go. Thankfully I had placed a wedge and it saved me.

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

Can i ask a serious question, if you have been cutting professionally for 40 years…why are you watching a how to video? Genuinely curious…ive been cutting for 18 months and have in field teachers, everything i saw here was already known to me in the short time ive been learning, but was curious to see if my instructors were providing same info as others…i imagine if i did this for 38 more years, i would have done thousands of humboldt cuts and wouldnt find any use in spending 15 minutes in my advanced age watching a video about one

[@luigit.3428]

@@TheAcenightcreeper ...could be what is called "professional bias"...

[@Joe-yu2se]

Couldn't agree more with your comment David ! I never tire of witnessing such skilled workers in the tree felling trade. Kudos for this well-executed video instruction Wilson - it brings me back fond memories !

[@beaugalbraith3891]

​@@TheAcenightcreeperI know your question was for the other commenter, but I've been falling for 29 years and I just enjoy watching someone who knows what they're doing. This video just popped up on my feed, and honestly I thought maybe I'd get to see some carnage, but low and behold this dude has good skills and he explained things perfectly. You never know what you may learn! I learned that this guy has good aim😊

[@rickhofsess84]

I'm no pro, but have dropped many trees in the last 45 years. Always something to learn from a guy who knows what he's doing, even if it's only a reassurance that you would have done it correctly.

[@susanhershey7107]

I got way more out of it than watch tree fall down, go boom even though I've never felled a tree before. Very interesting. Appreciate it.

[@efs83dws]

My Dad was a timber faller. He started when he was 18 and cut until he was 65. If you asked him how to cut a tree, he would say, “Well, I don’t know.” He was known for accurately dropping trees. They used him in areas where there were burns and they wanted the dead trees down without harming the live trees.

[@beaugalbraith3891]

Sounds like some fallers I've known over the years. The I don't know means they have so much knowledge that it's hard to put into words for mere mortals to understand.

[@michaellavelle7163]

Been watching these types pf videos for the past few months. This was was by far one of my favs! Clarity and spot on comedy! Not bad for the west coast. . ... You just had some goofy front cut 😂

[@euangreer]

Best video I've seen to date. No ego. Intellectual, academic but yet very human. Nice balance.. Great!!

[@acecardhi]

Came for the tree fall down, go boom. Stayed for the explanation of the wizardry behind the making of the tree fall down go boom. 🎉

[@house_church]

Any person who watches this informative video deserves college credit. A lot of it.

[@Calico5string1962]

Tree fall down, go boom! 😂😂 My favorite part! Thanks for sharing.

[@forestwolf60]

I hate it when I'm trying to demonstrate a "mistake" but I didn't make the mistake! Great video as always!

[@WilsonForestLands]

Yes but it’s probably the kind of problem that could be considered a high quality problem. Thanks for the comment.

[@rubinbrown8142]

Great job, and explanation!😊 thankyou!

[@AndrewMoizer]

Thanks so much for this. I would say that this is the best tree cutting video I’ve ever watched. Obvious experience, no BS, and really fun dry humour. Even the description answers the other immediate questions. I’ve been cutting our own firewood for 15 years or so, and things go the way I want most of the time now. My biggest challenge is lining up the notches and you have me some new tips to try that I think will make a big difference. Sure am glad that the algorithm’ decided to put one or your videos in my feed, this was the second one I watched. I’m about to see what else I’ve been missing.

[@ckhorwias4149]

Great entertainment. Great instruction. Great video. Thank you!

[@danthomson4097]

Awesome, informative and slightly tongue in cheek humor. Loved it

[@brianparks440]

Around here, western Montana anyway, we always refer to that as an “Oregon undercut”. I’ve been trying to figure out approximately where you live, whether it be Northern California or Southern Oregon. I think you dropped me a huge hint. Thanks for making these inspiring videos. I spend a lot of my days doing what you’re doing and then, because I can’t get enough chainsaw action during the day, I entertain myself at night watching you and listening to your chainsaw.

[@patrickcreath217]

As an xlogger, having fell thousands of trees for hongry skidders not far from the yard/deck, and having topped Spruce/Virginia pine in the summertime,😢 this tutorial was most informative, interesting, and accurate ever. 👍 Thank you Sir!

[@christophercolt1361]

HOO-YAAAAA! A NO BS PRESENTATION OF EXPERTISE SERVED UP WITH HUMBLE PIE! SIMPLY A RARITY IN TODAY's SCHEME OF THINGS!

[@dougreid2351]

Thanks for the vid. I like your delivery and humor. Also the big boom replay at the end. Subscribed and watched the Sponsored advertisements. DOUG out

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you Doug. Welcome to the channel.

[@mikejohnson4617]

Thanks for the tips on getting cuts to line up properly. I usually miss and this should help.

[@dozerboy67]

My father was a well respected tree surgeon and grew up settling slings and chokers on a logging crew as a boy. He told me the same thing, I can’t tell you how I know boy, I just know! That trees gonna go right there, and sure enough every single time it did. God bless and be safe out there! 🇺🇸💪👊👍

[@bozzskaggs112]

You had me at "watch a tree fall down go boom." About the landing of the timber, show off.

[@chaswarren7239]

That was probably the clearest explanation of correct technique I have ever seen. I've done a couple of "professional week long courses and have some 30 years experience, but your modest, dry, detailed, humourous and super clear explanations are an example to all of those tutors. I feel the Humbolt makes sense on a slope. On flat ground, unless there is huge flare, it just gives you a high stump.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for the kind words. What you said sounds like a good explanation of why west coast has gravitated toward Humboldt and East coast has toward conventional.

[@ChrisJ144]

I agree. This man is a natural teacher and I thank him. This has helped me so much.

[@robertstewart3862]

Hey that’s a great job on explaining the proper way to make a tree go boom and exactly where you want it to go boom . I am from the PNW grew up on a hydraulic tank of a D8 cat my step father was one of the best him and his brother. So I have seen a lot of faller’s making there section of the cut go boom helped some also . But the that we were taught was by being yelled at and called something’s that weren’t your name until you did it right lol, I don’t think that is ok to do anymore because of the sensitivity of society today but I really enjoyed watching and listening to and the boom. Thank You nicely Done.

[@erniecesana7496]

Very good at what you do,thanks.😊

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

​@@robertstewart3862 When I was younger I put up with some of that kind of talk. Nowadays a guy had better be ready to fight me if he wants to.

[@lewismingledorff6417]

Your camera placement is awesome.

[@mehill00]

For real! Perfect camera work!

[@jsiwek7212]

I've been logging and falling for many years here in B.C. , and we use the Humbolt so the sawmills don't whine and complain. We use the exact same terminology as you do. Great video, great explanation for aiming the tree's landing spot. I hope the young guys listen and learn from you.

[@sawdustadikt979]

Great video bud! I hope you do a swinging Dutchman video. The only one I’ve seen was on Guilty of Treeson’s channel. They did that cut on a huge redwood. The whole mechanics of that cut just blows my mind. You west coast fallers do some really cool stuff on the stump, that’s for damn sure.

[@HardRockVermont]

Great instruction! One thing I will add, if you are falling a rotted tree make sure you bore it to find where the best holding wood is. I learned from my mistakes back in the day, and I remember a few Red Oaks kicking out on me because I did not bore them. Do the face cut on the rotted side or it can come over backwards on the cutter. Also, I was always taught to stay in the tree on the throttle until the last second, then take a step away, this prevents the cutter from ruining good wood.

[@AtlantaSoundGuy]

This might be the single best tree cutting instructional video I have ever seen. Supreme description of the how AND the why, in a really easy to watch and listen tone and style. Absolutely excellent work and thanks for taking the time and effort to do it.

[@AndrewMoizer]

Was exactly my reaction too!

[@davidtettleton2732]

Your video reminded me of jerry baraneks video, which i miss since ive watched so many times....thankyou!

[@Memry-Man]

Humboldt definitely my preferred cut

[@jackh7977]

Ive been cutting trees for only about 10 years never done an undercut but this dude on the internet is enough to make me give er a try

[@lancehughes4132]

If you've never done an undercut, you're lucky to still be alive.

[@jackh7977]

@@lancehughes4132 howso?

[@dhgmllcshea5038]

​@@jackh7977 I think he took your "undercut" name for the Humboldt to mean you fell them without taking a wedge out... that would be like Russian roulette, right?

[@yearginclarke]

@@dhgmllcshea5038 Yes that's what it appears to me, a simple misunderstanding of what "undercut" means.

[@brianprobert3090]

To help align the back cut, I'll often place a small twig or weed stalk in the "V" of the undercut so it's sticking out the other side. It's easier with a hinge cut than the Humboldt because the twig will want to fall out but if it stays put you have a visual alignment aid instead of having to stop and walk around the tree

[@davidjb9199]

While not a pro, I have been clearing trees for better than 40 years, and managed to not get myself into trouble. I have some work coming up in a week or so and because I always like to prepare, I have been watching YT videos a lot lately. Even found some training videos I think from British Columbia. While pretty experienced I have learned a lot more, and I have to say this video of yours is the best I have seen. Your style of humor just resonates with me (and others from the comments here) and that makes this all the more enjoyable. Great job! I hope to view more of your videos to see your take on other techniques. At 68 I know a lot of stuff, but there is so much more I don't know, and I always want to learn. Thanks again.

[@jameslangley2294]

There's nothing but experience in this video, i appreciate you sharing your wisdom . Knowledge is knowing ,wisdom is doing! I'm an ASE certified automotive technician and can relate to the fact that it's just second nature and its hard to explain how you make it look easy . Thank you for sharing, stay safe.

[@jwfinley7808]

Good job!!

[@charlescoombs1517]

Wow Perfect!!

[@augustwest8559]

It's amazing that little wedge does anything

[@kygreenskeeper8326]

Right where you said it would go.... Great job

[@willtricks9432]

Right where you wanted it. I have been felling trees since 89', Here in the UK where i work it's mainly hard wood, European Ash, Oak, Maple, even in local woodlands it's seen as urban forestry so amenity based for leisure. we usual cut 'Goofy' as you put it because the stump height is important for access and many stump are ground out or left for coppice The wood rarely goes to a mill but I do some with my Alaskan Mill on the spot. I cut a Humboldt gob when i get a chance. Great video. Thanks

[@alancalkins2656]

Not bad for some guy on youtube😅 I'm a carpenter who dabbles in tree work, and this was REALLY informative thanks! 🙏

[@bcgodwin8311]

He called his shot and delivered! Spot on target! Nice job!

[@theodoreyoung7946]

Though I have never cut trees down, I have always felt that there is a science to it. You proved it. Thanks for the education. I hope to see you do the Dutchman sometime in the future. This does interest me. Thank you!!

[@johnoneill7485]

Who knew that learning could be so enjoyable...thank you and carry on.

[@michaelangelo7511]

Bullseye! What an accurate call. A pro!👍🏻🇺🇸

[@Stuart68505]

Thanks very clear explanations with some humor included.

[@stevenrush7805]

Thanks great video, wanted to share about how much hing to leave. I was taught to leave a 10th of the width. So if you have a tree 15 inches wide then you will need a 1.5 inch hing. This has always worked well for me and hope it helps other people.

[@alx252]

You are a great explainer. Fun but also with a great feeling for the important points and the mechanics of the thing...

[@theguyguy3528]

Man you nailed it with this video.

[@savoielvis1]

I will definitely save this video as well 😊

[@brummiesteve590]

Hi, I,ve been felling for 20 yrs now in UK Not always as much as I would like. I look at youtubers doing this and they faff about to much. I think your video could be used as a training tutorial. To the point and showing in a simple manner. Explanation was really good. Will watch more of ypur videos.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for the kind words. I like how you said “faff about”. I have never heard that one. Those of you from the UK definitely have a way with the English language.

[@davidedwards3734]

Thanks for explaining how to fell a tree!! Your patience is always appreciated!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you David

[@jackbradley6042]

Absolutely perfect fell! Thanks for the great info.

[@ryanhoward5516]

perfect executed drop

[@Garth_Bowen]

Good Sir, I was very much impressed with the amount of "Larnin' y'all pumped into my tiny little brain. I've never fallen a tree bigger than a ten foot Xmas tree but I love being in the bush and always admired a skilled Faller at work. You explained, in a clear yet humerous manner: what is basically going on, some important why & where-fores and just how to make that all work. Plus, you threw in some critically important safety tips. I really enjoyed your video and will watch more as the mood strikes me - I'd druther that strike me than a tree. A very good video. Thanks again, Garth

[@originaloldpop8405]

you have some great videos and your experience shows, just wish I could have found them years ago when I was more active (old age coming on strong) but I still drop a few smaller trees on occasion. there are times when a thick chunk of calk can be handy, saves you from stopping to check the other side of the tree but I caution you DO NOT let your buddies catch you marking a cut line with chalk, they will most likely dog you for weeks to come if not longer. thank you for the time to take to make these educational videos and stay safe.

[@ep9360]

Thank you Sir....I've already cut the tree i needed, and I'm here alive uninjured to watch. I think i did it mostly correct, as i did rush the cut or panic at the fell. You're very humble and modest regarding your professionalism. Great work❤

[@mumblesbadly7708]

A much-needed video tutorial for those weekend lumberjacks!

[@ronaldmatros9890]

Regardless of type of cut,everyone likes to hear the tree go boom. I use both types of cuts with equal success. Thanks for your input.

[@WilsonForestLands]

I could probably do a more informative video if I had more experience using both techniques. But either one makes the tree go boom, that’s the main thing.

[@bjorkidentity]

Love the honesty in addition to the excellent instruction. Thank you!

[@jacksparrow8939]

You nailed it! It dropped right where you wanted! Man that was satisfying!!

[@johnfreeman6352]

Thank you for including many safety pointers in your video.

[@grandy0406]

Best explanations and outstanding technical demonstration. If I had seen your video a few years back it would have prevented the scariest tree falling I ever had. Thanks also for your detailed and most courteous, professional advice.

[@charliegarvin775]

Great description and whether the humor was intended or not, I really enjoyed this video a lot!

[@DanielinLaTuna]

“Entertainment only” is why I’m watching. I’m well past my years where I want to fell a whole tree, especially with a chainsaw. Nowadays I trim my trees, but with a pruning blade on my Sawzall. I have more control, in my situation. But I do love to watch a pro working his craft. Thanks for sharing

[@5x535]

Nice job. You are a natural teacher.

[@donmoore7785]

Love your sense of humor, and common sense. I use the Humboldt, just to be different from the goofy notch.

[@davephillips9360]

Great tuition with excellent humour thank you 🙏

[@jimwright9695]

Finally, a great video on how to line up a Humboldt cut. Well done. Great video. Jim Wright. Harmony, NJ

[@simd510]

Wow! One of the most helpful videos covering a lot of things most leave out. Thank you!

[@wootenbasset8631]

Well done. That was cool that you put it where you called it. Very satisfying to watch. Thanks.

[@woodsman123]

one of the best videos i have seen on this topic. the details, commentary, advice on anticipating issues and how to address, etc. video is clear and closeups are awesome. well done! and THANK YOU!

[@MrTruckerf]

Ya know, this is one of the best cutting videos I have seen because you explain it while you go, you have a good sense of humor, and you know what you're doing. I really like this video. Well done, guy.

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@Levi-em6ym]

Thumbs up, u did a terrific job of explaining to us amateurs.

[@savoielvis1]

I did learn a bunch of good stufs and good tips. Thank you so much sire 🎉🎉🎉

[@charlesreid2141]

First time on the channel. You are the Bob Ross of tree felling and I mean that as a high compliment. Your delivery and pace is perfect. Subscribed

[@WilsonForestLands]

Thank you. I get that sometimes. So much that I did a video spoof about it last summer. 😁

[@d7a7s7]

Found the information regarding the direction adjustment of the bottom cut really helpful - first time I have seen anyone explain the sighting of the bar angle from the far side .

[@EricQuimby-pu3ix]

You landed that perfect sir well done. 😉

[@user-fs3wl5gi5c]

Greetings from Bulgaria. Verry useful video. Thanks a lot 😊

[@vicwaytek7223]

You use a lot of sarcasm and this is great really enjoy your humor. Thanks

[@johnwillemsen2922]

It's a refreshing video that I enjoyed watching. A no-nonsense explanation that doesn't make your head swell.

[@allanlavallee7171]

Best video I have seen on the right procedure for this undercut.

[@MrGiorgiostucchi]

Nice video and tricks. Hello from Italy

[@als1023]

Great video, nails the important details. I was a faller in BC for years, grew up in N Ontario logging country.

[@chrishackworth5745]

Fantastic teaching. Thank you so much!

[@johnmcintyre3827]

You nailed the landing zone buddy. I don’t cut a lot of trees, this was a very good video.

[@tuancdiep1591]

Perfect job!

[@rayextrum8648]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me!!!

[@Workandplayuk]

Brilliant intuitive heart warming content. I’m really enjoying watching your work. Thanks mr Wilson. Sending seasons greetings from Derbyshire England.

[@scottrivers6472]

Great video, always nice to learn more things. Thankyou

[@OOOOOO12345]

Best educational felling I’ve ever seen 👍