felling

Felling is the process of cutting down standing trees as part of timber harvesting and forest management. It converts mature or undesired trees into harvestable products such as logs, pulp, or biomass and is typically followed by bucking (cutting logs to specified lengths) and skidding or hauling for processing. In commercial forestry, felling is planned according to management objectives, stand structure, and environmental considerations.

There are several felling methods. Single-tree felling removes individual trees in a stand and is common in uneven-aged forests or selective logging. Clear-felling or group felling removes all or most trees in an area to establish regeneration, while shelterwood or selection felling combines planned removal with regeneration goals. Execution usually involves a directional cut and a back cut, with a hinge to guide the tree’s fall and reduce damage to adjacent trees.

Equipment and techniques vary with scale. Manual felling uses chainsaws and hand tools, while mechanized operations employ harvesters, feller-bunchers, and log skidders or forwarding equipment. Logging roads, skid trails, and sometimes cable systems are planned to minimize soil disturbance and protect watercourses. Transport of logs can be by road, cable yarding, or other systems.

Environmental and safety considerations are central. Felling affects soil compaction, erosion, and wildlife habitat; sustainable practices emphasize protection of non-target trees, adherence to silvicultural plans, and regeneration after harvest. Certification schemes, such as FSC, promote responsible methods. Felling is one step in a broader cycle of forest regeneration and resource management.