www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation September 2015 39
(above left) A mismatch cut on a horizontal branch in which the cuts are to
either side of the branch, not the top and bottom. The distance between
cuts will vary with diameter and species. Larger diameters and species with
stronger wood will require the cuts be closer together, while smaller diam-
eters and species with weaker wood will need to be farther apart. (above
right) The completion of a horizontal branch mismatch cut, note the impor-
tance of the cuts overlapping or bypassing one another, as this is typically
where the piece will separate.
PHOTOS
BY
MICHAEL
"HOUSE"
TAIN
to close when the top is almost parallel, or parallel, to the ground,
thus lessening forward movement of the remaining tree. Notches
may also be used when tip tying and liing branches in rigging
operations, the only difference is that the operator is "felling" the
branch upward. e size of the notch is determined by making one
cut parallel to the ground/horizon and the other perpendicular
to the branch orientation. is will form a notch that will close
when the branch is vertical; assuming the block liing the branch
is located as close to directly above the face notch as possible.
Closing the notch slightly, making its angle narrower, will lessen
the likelihood that the climber will have to come back in and sever
the still-attached hinge to free the branch.
Running a chain saw up in the air, whether climbing or from
a li, is certainly more complicated than operating one on the
ground. But this valuable tool can be even that much more effective
and efficient by employing some of the methods and techniques
discussed here. In addition, an understanding of the forces and
concerns of aerial chain saw operation will aid in safer use — an
outcome that is more important and positive than any other.
Michael "House" Tain is a contract climber, splicer, educator
and writer associated with North American Training 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@houseoain.com.
TREE CARE
LI
