Abstract: A method of tree felling resulting in rearward displacement of the tree trunk, for a portion of its length from the tree stump so as to reduce stump to tree tip distance and lessen impact of the tree with the ground. An undercut area is formed by intersecting undercuts resulting in an inclined undercut surface deflecting the sawn tree butt in a direction rearward or opposite to that of the falling direction. On the backside of the tree, undercuts are made which intersect with one another to provide inclined surfaces retaining the fallen tree trunk on the stump. A modified method includes the steps of forming an initial backcut and a secondary backcut providing a ridge therebetween canted to the tree trunk so as to discharge the trunk to one side at the final stage of falling.

Abstract: A method for felling large trees including the conventional steps of cutting an undercut and a backcut so as to leave a quantity of intact holding wood intermediate the inner extremes of the undercut and the backcut. Kerfs are cut inwardly into the tree from the undercut surfaces to remove a quantity of holding wood thereby causing calculated weakening of the wood to assure a relatively clean line of severance between the stump and the log butt. The kerfs may be varied in spacing from one another for tree aiming purposes. Side cuts may be made into the holding wood transversely of the kerfs extending inwardly from the undercut for the purpose of imparting additional flexibility to the holding wood to permit controlled felling of the tree to a desired lay as well as to reduce the possibility of forcefully extracting a root from the ground with consequent risks.