LEARN the 'KEY NOTCH' tree falling technique

I can see a lot of use for this in urban tree felling. This ain’t for novices, but for pros, being able to protect low walls, planters, raised beds, and especially tree-surrounding expensive tile patios or wooden decks from having the trunk smash into them etc, is awesome. People say this takes too long, but in those specific, but fairly common situations with urban trees, this can actually save a lot of time not having to set up crash bags/blankets, hoping it’s enough to protect what you have to protect from a falling trunk, when the budget precludes a crane. I think clients will appreciate it too.

I wish my old friend/ boss was still here for me to show him this. Curious if he had ever seen or done this. He had over 40 years of being an arborist/climber and passed away from cancer last year. Wildest 8 years of my life. RIP Don!

As a chainsaw instructor and amateur YouTuber myself, I salute you! I had thought this cut was too complicated and time consuming to teach, but you proved me wrong! I’ve seen time and time again people rushing the felling cut and causing half an hour hard graft sorting out the mess afterwards. An extra minute getting the felling cut perfect and anticipating everything that could go wrong, is always time well spent. Good job sir!

I don't leave comments on YouTube. But I'm making an exception today. Thank you for sharing! I used this to take down a 40ft sweet gum which was leaning over my chain link fence. I wanted to drop it without damaging the fence and this is exactly what I needed! I made these cuts above the fence line and was able to section the tree once it was down without impacting the fence. Thank you!

Well executed. Great explanation of use. This is a training video. Notes to a lot of homeowners: If you have a "safety chain" or "anti-kickback chain" a plunge cut may be very difficult to nearly impossible. if you haven't got training besides watching you tube, a plunge cut might be more advanced than you think.

Finally someone explains WHY to use this cut. Thank you!

I saw this method being used here in New England and was so impressed with how the trees fell and didn’t roll and it seems a lot more safer than the other methods. Thanks

Thanks for the video, this technique be making the rounds on social media because I've been hearing everyone talk about it. Good to see a concise instructional video of it.

Hi Dan, ive not seen this before! However it looks magic. I will definitely try this next time i can! Keep up the good work and informative videos. Stay safe 😞

Fascinating to learn about the 'KEY NOTCH' technique for tree falling – such an invaluable skill for precision and safety. 🌲🔑

I like it. Even if you're just cutting some firewood it you still get some benefits from it, better ergonomics for limbing, can back a small trailer under it after felling so you don't have to lift as much after. If you're working sandy or muddy ground you can avoid sinking the tree into that. And it should dry fast on the stump if you just want to leave it like that. Or if you just want to make a place to sit. Cut it down, limb it, shorten it, flatten it and throw a piece under the other side.

Haven't had to fell any trees lately but on my next new property project I will need to use this. Thank you!😊😊😊

Thanks so much, this is such a Professional process, so great when in urban areas, the tree goes exactly where you want it to, i have always been close to the mark this action would make it near exact.Cheers Bob

Great stuff, I'm a total amateur and only fell trees when needed (couple trees per year). This is super neat, keep it up!

Beautiful! I loved this, even though I'm an axeman! I've sometimes felled tricky trees for folks using almost exclusively the axe, which I can because I have a fair deal of experience, and know to climb trees to limb the weight with lean where I want it to. But sometimes that's not enough, and so ropes and (semi-)dubious wedging has been used to make it fall straight. One time I had a bad premonition that fortunately ended well, but the "throw of the dice" was no fun when a friend can risk considerable damage (that was meant to be avoided all together in case of a storm) But still I've been called over some sawmen, because in such settings they'll admit that they're to get stuck (or much worse), so they'll need even more accessories than what it's worth (vs risk). I'll have to share this with my fellows, because just because I can be the one that can, doesn't mean I should be the one who should. Sometimes, you need a different tool, and my fellow sawmen (and people in our local villages) will thank for sharing this vaulable safety measure. Thank you for uploading! Cheers from northern Norway

From an educational point of view, simply explaining "how to do" leads to distortions of understanding and a gradual modification of gestures. The one and only solution is to explain "why", like in this video. Well done!

Dan, thanks for your sharing. It is a cool technique. I like it.

Thanks Dan another timely, informative, and helpful installment!

Its a fun trick shot, looks cool, but really serves a very very narrow purpose, a proper face cut back cut and a couple wedges and the tree will fall where you want it, but you are right this will keep the log from bouncing left or right. Good work mate

Very clever technique. Thanks for that.