Safety Manual

36
ENGLISH
OPERATION
When removing heavy limbs, rst make an undercut several inches outside
of the collar. Then remove the limb by a second cut an inch or so outside of
the rst cut. Remove the stub with a third cut just outside of the collar. This
process will prevent bark peeling
WOUND DRESSINGS NOT USEFUL
Wound dressings have been shown to interfere with the natural development
of callus tissues that eventually close the pruning wound. In some cases,
wound dressings can even harbor disease organisms much like what occurs
when a bandage is left on a skin cut too long. It is far more important to make a
smooth cut outside of the collar, and allow the wound area to dry.
If a wound dressing is desired for aesthetic purposes, use a very thin coat, just
enough to darken the wound area. The best are the aerosol sprays of water
emulsied asphalt sold in garden centers. Do not use oil-based paints, thick
tars or other materials containing petroleum solvents.
MAINTAIN TREE HEALTH
The key to good wound closure following pruning is to maintain a healthy tree
through proper watering, fertilizer application and pest control. Trees under stress
from drought, over-watering, pest attack, lawn mower, and other mechanical
damage, and poor nutrition cannot successfully ght off invasion of organisms.
FELLING TREES
Please note that felling a tree
is more complicated than
often expected. Take time
to plan cuts, fall path and
escape route before felling
the tree. Electric powered
units may not be suitable for
felling some trees. Consider
such factors as tree size
and location, circuit breaker
capacity, and weather
and ground conditions to
determine if an electric
powered saw is appropriate. Refer to instructions on using an electric saw.
WARNING! Call a professional tree-felling service to handle jobs that are
beyond your abilities and knowledge. This includes trees that are precariously
located near power lines, homes, buildings, and public roads.
PLANNING THE FALL
Check the tree and the weather for wind speed and direction. The trunk should
be sound, not rotted and hollow. Look for branches, which might become free
and fall on you during the cutting work. Wear a hard hat. Prepare the working
area and clear your escape route. This route should be to the rear, but not
straight back. Going more to the side is safer. Decide whether wind conditions
plus the natural lean and balance of the tree will enable you to fell the tree in
the desired direction. At any risk of a wrong-way fall, consider using a wedge
to help start the tree in the right direction. If the trunk is too small in diameter
for insertion of a wedge, consider tethering the tree. The tether line must be
attached before cutting is begun.
SURVEY TREES
BEFORE FELLING
KEEP BODY AWAY
FROM KICKBACK PATH