Description
Use axes and chainsaws to fell trees, applying knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control fall direction, protect workers and property, and minimize wood damage.
- • Shut off saws, withdraw bars, and move to safety as trees fall.
- • Assess trees for rot, twist, limb load, and lean to plan safe, controlled felling.
- • Cut back-cuts, leaving sufficient holding wood to steer the fall.
- • Clear brush, escape paths, and fall zones; cut saplings or obstacles with axes or chainsaws.
- • Measure felled stems and buck logs to specified lengths.
- • Inspect bucked logs for correct quality and length.
- • Determine cut location, depth, sequence, and wedge or jack placement.
- • Control fall by scoring lines, cutting undercuts, removing slabs, and driving wedges.
- • Limb and top trees using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.
- • Select trees to fell, considering site, terrain, obstacles, and weather.
- • Maintain and repair chainsaws and gear; clean, oil, grease, and sharpen as required.
- • Insert jacks or drive wedges to prevent saw binding and initiate the fall.
- • Tag hazardous or unsafe trees with high-visibility markers.
- • Choke and rig logs with chains or cables for skidding or yarding.
- • Load logs or wood onto trucks, trailers, or railcars using loaders, winches, or by hand.
- • Mark and identify logs for scaling or transport.
- • Work with crew, rotating between saw operation and skidding as needed.
- • Place blocking, limbs, or poles to support stems, prevent splitting, and stop logs from rolling.
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Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
