Page 17 - Moving the Earth_ The Workbook of Excavation

LAND CLEARING AND CONTROLS

LAND CLEARING AND CONTROLS 1.17

FIGURE 1.9A Pulling from the side. FIGURE 1.9B Trees may come apart.

Hard hats are not sufficient protection against the weight of pieces that might fall. The top
must be watched closely during work, and workers must not be ashamed to run instantly if any-
thing breaks loose. The danger area is usually small and close to the trunk, although this varies
with limb spread. But, of course, do not take the direction the tree is expected to go.
Leaners. A tree may be held from falling by other trees. This may be by comparatively light
contact of branches while the cut tree is nearly vertical, or because of fall into a crotch or across
heavy limbs.
Such a tree may be brought down by moving the lower end away from the direction of fall. A
small or medium tree can be moved by prying the butt up with a pole and swinging the pole. This
can be repeated as many times as necessary. See Fig. 1.10. Medium to large trees may be lifted or
pulled by a machine, or pulled by a block and fall.
If the trunk cannot be moved, it must be cut in the air. Because of the strain of its position, only
shallow cuts or notches can be made in the upper side, with the main cut from below. Pinching of
the saw and erratic movements of the trunk can be expected and can be dangerous.
As each piece is cut and knocked or pried out of the bottom, the remainder should slide down
to rest on the ground, usually at a steeper angle.
Cutting the supporting tree is too dangerous to be attempted. It is usually under great extra ten-
sion and is likely to snap and fall suddenly during work. The leaning tree would then be apt to
drop on the workers doing the cutting. See Fig. 1.11.
Trimming. When the tree is down, the branches should be cut off nearly flush with the trunk,
before any other trees are dropped across it to make a tangle. Light branches and any heavier wood
which is to be wasted should be piled, burned, chopped up, or taken away by the methods
described for brush.