How do they match: Fallers

  • Logger
  • All-Round Logger

  • Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.

  • Control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges.
  • Appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage.
  • Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.
  • Load logs or wood onto trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, by hand or using loaders or winches.
  • Mark logs for identification.
  • Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
  • Place supporting limbs or poles under felled trees to avoid splitting undersides, and to prevent logs from rolling.
  • Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.
  • Secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.
  • Split logs, using axes, wedges, and mauls, and stack wood in ricks or cord lots.

  • Cut trees or logs.
  • Evaluate log quality.