Making the Cuts » The Humbolt Top Cut

The top cut is the first of two cuts that result in a Humbolt notch. The notch is made on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want it to fall.

The Correct Cut

1. Starting Point
Important -- begin at any height as long as you allow enough room for the undercut.

2. Angle of Attack
Important -- cut flat and horizontally.

3. Ending Point
Stop when the cut reaches ¼ to ⅓ of the trunk's diameter or when the cut reaches 80% of the tree's diameter at breast height.

Diagram of Top Cut With Starting Point, Angle of Attack, and Ending Point

Diagram of Cross-section

Common Incorrect Cuts

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Common Incorrect Cut - The bottom cut is not steep enough, resulting in a notch of less than 45 degrees. Here the bottom cut is not steep enough, resulting in a notch of less than 45 degrees.

 

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