Photo by Michael "House" Tain
An otherwise healthy branch failing after an ice storm.
Special cutting for special situations
Some of the specialized cutting techniques discussed in other articles can be very helpful in storm
clean-up — in particular, the key notch and the
knee cut.The knee cut is excellent for dealing
with trees suspended on overhead obstacles,
whether it be wires,other trees or houses.In effect,
a notch is made on the upper surface of the fallen
tree with the back cut underneath, and the tree
"felled" away from the obstacle.The key notch,
while gear and set-up intensive,is very useful when
dealing with big wood under a lot of pressure.In
short,a key or tongue is formed between the two
sections of the tree or piece that keeps it stable
though completely severed.This key can then be
pulled apart from a safe distance through the use of
a winch or mechanical advantage.
A little distance is a good thing
Storm situations not only require the utmost
care and attention from tree crew personnel,but
also may require the use of some "distance"tools
such as pole saws, push sticks, pole pruners, or
the "chain saw on a stick."All of these tools allow
actions to be taken or completed from a safer
distance,thereby keeping the operator out of the
dangerous and most exposed zone.The reality is
that while cutting from a "distance"won't always
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be possible, it is the safer option and should be
considered.If it is not possible,hopefully this fact
will help make the crew member more aware
that the closer they get,the more danger present
— and they will examine/act accordingly.The
use of tools that may not seem obviously applicable should also be considered; placing a line
with a "line lifter" or throw line keeps workers
out of the danger zone,and may help reach areas
not otherwise accessible. For quick and dirty
hanger removal,nothing beats a well placed throw
line, with the understanding that the nice finished pruning cuts can come later.
Tree work is hazardous in the best of weather
— storm situations only increase the danger.But
a crew that understands the basic principles, and
employs some of the techniques and methods
discussed here, will be better prepared for the
stormy weather that may lay ahead.
Michael "House"Tain is a contract climber,splicer,educator and writer associated with North AmericanTraining
Solutions www.northamericantrainingsolutions.com
and Arbor Canada Training and Education
www.arborcanada.com. He is currently located in
Lancaster, Ky., and can be reached via e-mail at
house@houseoftain.com.
Arbor Age / September 2013
19
