Reading MikeInMa post about felling black birches sideways from the lean. Started thinking about how I’d go about it. Crazy idea occurred to me and I’d like to get some professional opinions on it. A bore cut notch. A tall open face notch created by by a vertical bore cut on the face of the notch. My theory is this would allow a thicker hinge to bend instead of eventually breaking guiding the tree all the way to the ground. If anyone can figure out what I’m suggesting have you ever seen it done? Wondering if it would work or be a disaster.
Wouldn't the thickness of the hinge be determined by the back/felling cut? I always stop the back cut when I notice the kerf opening up.
A lot depends on the wood fiber. A wide open face notch is supposed to be for hinge holding all the way to ground. If the notch closes before tree reaches the ground the hinge breaks. If it breaks loose the butt end can jump or the tree may roll.
I tried doing this cut on my tree Memorial Day weekend and totally screwed it up. Is what you’re describing a Dutchman style?
When I was looking at felling techniques last spring I learned “Dutchman” refers to several different things if memory serves me. Some of them good, most bad though. It’s a pretty technical cut though. And awesome when you pull it off.
According to Billy Ray a Dutchman is like the polar opposite of a gap cut. I know I did a few dutchmans learning how to knock down trees tho Something I taught myself not to do.
I call it an open face notch and it’s what I’ve always used. There could be other names I’m not aware of.
