Photo by Fabian Köhler:
From face to shin injuries and worst-case scenarios- really bleeding hard from cuts or lacerations, it’s alarming not to think of the safest felling wedges. Let’s not wait for accidents like the others have been through to choose the best tree-felling wedges to keep us safe. It is also crucial to use proper safety gear when using felling wedges.
Understanding Tree Felling
Tree felling is cutting down a tree and ensuring it falls in a particular spot. This is generally done by using a chainsaw.
There are usually three basic operations being done with trees, and they are:
felling: cutting a standing tree so it falls in the desired spot
limbing: removing branches from a standing or fallen tree
bucking: cutting a felled tree as logs during limbing to make the tree useful
Tree felling can be dangerous not only because of the size of the trees but also because of the dangers that chainsaws and other logging equipment and tools with sharp edges can cause. You have to take the necessary precautionary measures to ensure safety. Additionally, taking a chainsaw safety course can help ensure safety during tree felling.
Steps to Ensure Safety When Tree Felling
To ensure safety when tree felling, you must:
- Conduct a risk assessment to determine and minimize threats
- Design safe work practices (SWPs) for each job
- Execute an on-site evaluation for each job to identify and control site-specific hazards
When felling trees in an SSSI or Site of Special Scientific Interest, you may need a license to accomplish this task and submit a Supplementary Notice of Operations (SNO).
- Cutting down a tree is difficult and requires careful planning and execution to ensure a safe and controlled fall.
- Wedges are very important when cutting down trees because they help keep the fall going correctly and prevent accidents from happening.
- Tree felling is a skill that all arborists, cutters, and other tree workers need to understand.
Pre-Felling Preparation and Safety
Before thinking about using wedges to cut down a tree, you must ensure you’re safe and that the area is ready. Make sure you have a clear path to get away from the tree and stay far enough out that you won’t hurt yourself if it falls. Protective gear like a hard hat, safety glasses, earplugs, and chainsaw boots should be worn. Another important thing to consider is the use of tree-felling wedges. Learn about the area around the tree and make a note of any dangers or obstacles that could change the direction of the tree’s fall.
You should do a full risk assessment to find possible dangers like power lines, nearby buildings, or other trees that the falling tree could hit. Look at the tree’s size, shape, and lean, as well as any signs of damage or weakness. It’s best to talk to a professional arborist or take a chainsaw safety training if you’re unsure about any part of the cutting process. Remember that safety and planning are the most important things to do to ensure a controlled and safe tree fall.
Choosing the Right Tree Felling Wedges
When selecting felling wedges, consider the type of tree, its size, and the direction of the fall.
Tree-felling wedges that are popular among professionals feature a spiked design and textured surface for secure placement. The texture helps keep the wedge from backing out or sliding.
These felling wedges are another option, offering a durable, lightweight, and versatile solution for various forestry applications.
Tree Felling Wedges: A Key to Safe Tree Felling
The best tree-felling wedges feature a machined steel insert for added strength and durability. They feature color-customization wedges and an Easy-Head grip that enhances usability and safety. The spiked design provides a secure fit, while the textured surface prevents the wedge from backing out.
Wedge Placement and Use
Proper wedge placement and use are critical to safely and effectively felling a tree. When selecting wedges, opt for durable materials, such as those with a machined steel insert or double-tapered designs. These provide a secure fit and prevent the wedge from dislodging during use—a common problem with wedges. A textured surface on the wedge can also help prevent it from slipping out of the notch.
- To place a wedge, start by cutting a notch on the side of the tree you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the way through the tree’s diameter and at a 45-degree angle.
- Next, make the felling cut, being careful not to cut too far and create a hinge that’s too thin.
- Position the wedge into the notch, ensuring it’s seated properly and not loose.
- When using multiple wedges, space them about 6-8 inches apart, overlapping them at about 70 degrees to each other. This will help distribute the force of the falling tree and prevent the wedges from becoming dislodged.
- As you pound the wedges into place, alternate between cutting and pounding to maintain control over the tree’s fall direction.
Always use wedges with proper felling techniques, such as creating a hinge and pulling a cut. Never use wedges as a substitute for proper felling techniques, which can lead to unpredictable and dangerous tree behavior. By following these guidelines and using wedges effectively, you can safely and successfully fell trees, even in challenging situations.
Safe Tree-Felling Techniques
- Wedges can help control the direction of the fall, even when trees are leaning in the wrong direction.
- When felling a back-leaning tree, use multiple wedges to create a lever effect and tip the tree’s center of gravity.
- Consider the tree’s size, shape, height, and branch structure when planning the fall.
Environmental Considerations in Tree Felling
While necessary for various reasons, tree-felling can have significant environmental impacts. These include soil erosion, habitat disruption, and a loss of biodiversity. It’s crucial to consider these implications and take steps to minimize harm.
Wedges play a vital role in controlling the direction of tree fall, which can significantly reduce the risk of damage to surrounding trees and habitats. Wedges help prevent soil compaction and erosion by ensuring a controlled fall, which is a common issue when trees fall haphazardly.
Using high-quality wedges made from durable materials ensures a safer felling process and reduces waste. Durable wedges last longer, meaning fewer replacements and less environmental impact. This is particularly important in maintaining sustainable forestry practices.
The proper use of wedges in tree felling can help mitigate environmental damage. Wedges ensure that trees fall in a controlled manner, protecting the surrounding ecosystem and reducing soil erosion. Choosing durable wedges also reduces waste and promotes sustainability in forestry operations.
Overcoming Common Challenges
- Thick or hardwood can make driving the wedge difficult, but a pull bar or other tools can help.
- Breakage can occur if the wedge is not properly seated or if the tree is under too much stress.
- Regular maintenance and inspection of felling wedges can help prevent accidents and ensure safe tree felling.
Best Practices for Felling Wedge Maintenance and Storage
- Store felling wedges in a dry, secure location to prevent damage and rust.
- Regularly inspect wedges for signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed.
- Keep a stock of spare wedges on hand to ensure you’re always prepared for a tree-felling job.
The Hardhead Wedge
The Hardhead Wedge is our most popular tool among all our felling wedges because it makes the hardest jobs easy. Built from high-impact poly plastic, it is light but powerful. Speaking of not judging the book by its cover. It was designed with the most challenging impacts in mind. Its goal is to accomplish the task without breaking like metal wedges do. It has a bright yellow color to distinguish it easily from the rest of the tree. It has a specially designed rough surface that allows more control when cutting.
You will be surprised that its plastic is so durable that it won’t hurt your chain even if you accidentally hit it. You can focus on your work, trusting nothing untoward will happen. If you want more control, try our SPIKED type. The spikes give more grip and make you feel safer using it.
Benefits of the Hardhead Wedge
Durable and Long-Lasting
These wedges are made from high-quality plastic materials, making them resistant to chipping like metal ones do when they get hit hard. It’s tough enough for tough jobs but light and easy to carry and use.
Saw-Safe Design
If it touches your chainsaw, it won’t hurt it.
Better visibility
The bright yellow color makes it visible easily on the job site.
Choose Beaver State Plastics’ Hardhead Wedge if you want a reliable tool to withstand the roughest circumstances.
The Hardhead Jr. Wedge
The Hardhead Jr. Wedge is tough, light, and ready to hit.
The Hardhead Jr. is a high-performing sturdy wedge, although it feels light. It is like the original Hardhead, tough and durable. Unlike the Hardhead, the difference is that it doesn’t have a full metal head. It’s made with a metal plate and is more resistant to impact. All of these strengths, while the structure is light and still more straightforward.
This wedge is the best option if jobs require both sturdiness and ease of use. You don’t need any accessories to go with it. It does the job perfectly. You can rely on it to deliver what it promises. It is strong, yet you can easily carry it everywhere.
Benefits of the Hardhead Jr. Wedge
Impact-Resistant
It is made stronger with a metal plate to last longer without being as heavy as a full metal head.
Lightweight and Effective
It’s easy to carry and use and works well for tough jobs.
Tough Build
- It’s ready to take any impact made on it! It is made to take repeated impact and pressure, making it great for rough work environments.
- It’s strong for tough jobs. Its balanced design makes it strong enough for tough jobs but light enough to keep you from getting tired.
- Although it is light (which is something that most users love), the Hardhead Jr. from Beaver State Plastics is the best tool for people who need something strong for the job.
The Hardbody
A customizable wedge that’s lightweight and made to last.
If you need a strong tool that can handle tough jobs but is still light, this product is your best option. This wedge is made from high-impact plastic making it strong enough to handle the most rigid of use and abuse. With the Hardbody wedge, there is no “cannot”; it CAN be done.
What’s so special about this wedge is that you can change the color. You can match your brand or find it easily on the site because you know what color it is. So, if you are the type who values speed and customization, this is what you need.
Benefits of the Hardbody Wedge
Durable and Strong
Made from high-strength plastic that doesn’t break easily, it will work well for a long time.
Lightweight for Easy Handling
It gives you the strength you need without the extra weight, so you don’t tire while working long hours.
Customizable Colors
You can change the color of your wedge to make it stand out and give your tools a professional look.
Heavy Use Resistant
It can take repeated hits and rough work settings without losing its strength.
The High-Vis Green
Lightweight, Durable, and Customizable for Your Needs
The High Viz-Green Wedge is the ideal combination of strength and versatility. Its high-impact plastic material gives it these characteristics. The wedge can withstand heavy use and provides all the durability without inserts. Its highly visible green color can also be customized to your specifications.
This wedge’s customizability feature sets it apart because you can personalize the color to fit your branding or preferences. It is not only functional but also tailored to your needs.
Benefits of the High-Vis Green
Durable & Impact-Resistant
Crafted from high-strength plastic to handle heavy abuse without compromising its structure.
Lightweight Design
Easy to handle and carry, reducing strain during long or tough jobs.
High Visibility
It comes in bright green color for better visibility in any environment, increasing safety on the job site.
Customizable Colors
Personalize the wedge to match your brand or improve identification in your toolset.
The High Viz-Green Wedge Your Ideal Choice
Do you need the right tool for a tough job that requires quality and performance?
The High Viz-Green Wedge from Beaver State Plastics is ideal for professionals who demand quality and performance.
Order Our Wedges Now!
From the Hardhead to the High-vis, all our wedges have been tested in tough times. Beaver State Plastics has decades of experience, but we always continue innovating. We are true to our promise that we will provide what you need to make tree felling safer for everyone. Only then can we say that we have lived up to our purpose.