Releasing Lodged Trees[edit | edit source]
RELEASING LODGED TREES WITH SIMPLE TOOLS[edit | edit source]
When thinning man-made forests, falling trees are frequently stopped by other trees. The tree is then said to be lodged and this is called a hang-up.
Skilled operators will try to avoid this by felling the tree into open spaces. A proper undercut, an adequate hinge and wedging will help to reduce lodging, but this cannot always be avoided.
Do not walk or work below a hang-up.
Do not try to fell the tree which is holding the lodged tree.
Do not fell another tree on to the hang-up.
Do not climb the lodged tree to loosen its crown.
Recommended techniques for small trees
- Place suitable material (e.g. poles, split wood) on the ground on to which the tree might slide backwards (1a), (2a), (3a).
- Cut the remaining wood which may still connect the tree with the stump, preferably with an axe (1). If a saw is used, it might easily get pinched.
- Use the turning hook to roll the tree to one side (2).
- Use a pole to push the butt end backwards (3).
- Use a manual winch to pull the tree backwards (4). A pulley may help to increase the pull or to place the winch in a safe position, if necessary.
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
RELEASING LODGED TREES WITH SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND MACHINES[edit | edit source]
If lodging occurs frequently, a sulky may be a convenient aid for lifting the tree up from the stump and to pull it down (1). The sulky may also be used to skid it to the skidding line. Sulkies are an excellent means of facilitating this heavy and dangerous job. Their use is restricted to trees up to a volume of about 0.5 cubic metres. Sulkies can be made in local workshops.
BEWARE - if the terrain slopes, the tree may push the sulky suddenly forward when it is lifted from the stump. In such cases, it is advisable to move the butt end to the ground before attaching the sulky. For braking, the handle of the sulky is lifted up.
Heavy trees which cannot be dislodged by manual work should be pulled down with draught animals or a skidding tractor (2). The tractor or animals must be placed at a safe distance from the lodged tree and the cable winch used.
Figure
Figure
