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The Back Cut
  The back cut is the third and final cut and is made on the opposite side of the notch. The back cut disconnects almost all of the tree from the stump leaving a hinge that helps to control the tree's fall.
 
The Correct Cut
 
1. Starting Point
Important -- begin on the opposite side of the notch at the same level as the notched corner.
 		   Diagram of Correct Back Cut with Starting Point, Angle of Attack, and Ending Point Diagram of Cross-section
2. Angle of Attack
Important -- cut flat along a horizontal plane.
 
3. Ending Point
Very important -- stop at the point that will leave a hinge width that is 1/10 the tree's diameter.
 
This is the simplest of all back cuts.  Other back-cutting techniques may be required for felling difficult trees.

Common Incorrect Cut
 
Common Incorrect cut - The starting point of the back cut is higher than the notched corner resulting in a poor hinge.
 		 Here the starting point of the back cut is higher than the notched corner . . .
 Arrow
 
. . . resulting in a poor hinge.

Additional Back Cuts:
  
   
  << Back to Making the Cuts

  

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