Glossary term
What is Humboldt notch?
Short answer
A Humboldt notch is a less common face cut, shaped differently from the conventional and open-face notches, and only trained cutters should use it.
Humboldt notch, explained for tree service owners
A Humboldt notch is a face cut whose shape is different from the conventional and open-face notches. It is less common, and crews choose it only for certain trees and situations. The cutter must still set the hinge and the back cut correctly, or the tree can fall the wrong way. Felling takes proper training, and this is a plain explanation, not a training guide. A tree service owner does not need to know the cut details to sell the work. What the owner does need is a clear rule that only trained, qualified cutters make face cuts on customer trees, and a written plan for each removal.
Related terms
- Back cut
A back cut is the final cut made on the opposite side of the notch that frees the tree to fall, leaving the hinge intact.
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- Conventional notch
A conventional notch is a wedge cut with a flat bottom and a sloped top that guides a tree to fall in a set direction.
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A drop zone is the marked area on the ground where cut branches and wood are expected to fall, kept clear of people.
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