Glossary term
What is Notch cut?
Short answer
A notch cut is a wedge cut in the side of a tree, made on the side it should fall toward, to aim the fall.
Notch cut, explained for tree service owners
A notch cut, also called a face cut, is a wedge taken out of the trunk on the side where the tree should fall. It sets the fall direction and forms the hinge when the back cut is made. Many cutters aim for a notch about one fifth to one third of the trunk diameter, but a trained cutter judges it for each tree. A clean, well-aimed notch makes the fall predictable, which matters when the tree can hit a fence or a road. Crews use different shapes, such as conventional, open-face and Humboldt notches. This is a plain explanation, not a training guide. Felling takes proper training.
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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