Barrett Small Engine

Anytime you want to cut a tree down, the first and foremost thing you've got to think about is doing a proper assessment. In that assessment, it's going to tell you what you need to know to get out of there safely and get the job done right. The first part of a good assessment starts with looking at the hazards. If there are any hazards present, you want to identify them before they come back to haunt you. I look for electrical hazards first and foremost. The next thing I'm looking for are things that could affect my personal safety or anyone on my crew. On that list, first and foremost would be looking for branches that are just lodged in the tree, hanging there waiting to fall out, otherwise known as widow makers. Another hazard would be large dead sections. Large dead sections can come loose during the felling operation, and when they fall, they usually fall right where the person is making that cut. Lastly, in our scenario, we have what I call the hidden hazard, and tha...