The Simple Act of Felling a Tree
With idling chainsaw in hand, I step back and inspect my work: My escape route is open, face and plunge cuts well-formed, tree hinge shaped correctly, felling wedges in place - all looks good. My eyes sweep the work area for one last check to ensure all is clear. Satisfied, I saw through the “holding” wood, releasing the tree from the stump below. Nothing moves. I whack the largest felling wedge with a small sledge hammer. Still nothing. I wallop the wedge again and hear a so