Felling Trees Using an Axe: A Comprehensive Guide

Felling trees with an axe is a time-honored tradition that has remained resilient even in an era dominated by chain saws and mechanized tools. This method not only offers an alternative for those who prefer to work with traditional techniques but also serves as a viable solution in certain environments where chain saws are not appropriate.

Understanding the Process of Felling Trees with an Axe

The process of felling a tree with an axe has been perfected by skilled workers, particularly lumberjacks in the 19th century. These professionals are adept at utilizing a combination of techniques to ensure the tree falls in the desired direction. They employed an array of methods, allowing them to climb tall trees and cut them down, often without the aid of powered machinery. The principles they used are still relevant today, especially in wilderness areas where chainsaw use may be restricted.

Practical Application: Felling Trees with an Axe

I have personally used an axe, specifically a double-bit axe (also called a Pulaski), to fell a variety of trees. In wilderness areas in California and Montana, I have been required to maintain trails and construct bridges without the use of chainsaws, relying solely on the power of my axe.

One particularly noteworthy instance was when I faced the task of clearing a hazardous Lodgepole Pine that had leaned heavily over a trail in Montana. Using a double-bit axe, I created a complex notch system: a triple-notch on the back and downhill sides, and an uphill notch that served as a hinge. This design helped control the angle and direction of the tree's fall, ensuring a precise and safe outcome.

Examples and Techniques

Felling large trees, such as a 28-inch diameter pine, is a laborious task. In situations where chain saws are not available or permissible, traditional handsaw techniques remain effective. Smokejumpers, for instance, frequently use crosscut saws, which are a type of handsaw, to fell trees in remote areas.

If you are skilled and have the necessary knowledge, you can achieve a high level of control over the tree's fall. With practice, you can ensure that the tree falls in the direction you intend, making the job more efficient and safer. However, it is important to note that this method is very time-consuming and demanding, making it a less preferred option in many modern scenarios.

Conclusion

While the use of an axe for tree felling is definitively possible, it is a task that requires both skill and patience. Historically and in contemporary contexts, this technique is valued for its simplicity and the control it provides, particularly in areas where chain saws are not appropriate. If you are willing to invest the effort, the satisfaction of felling a tree with an axe can be incredibly rewarding.

Double-bit Axe

A double-bit axe, also known as a Pulaski, is a tool that combines the features of both an adze and an axe. One side of the blade is designed for chopping, while the other side serves as a hoe or adze, making it an versatile tool for both cutting and preparing trails.

Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole Pine is a conifer commonly found in high-altitude areas, particularly in the western United States. Its hard wood makes it a challenging but rewarding tree to fell with an axe.