never let your guard down

[timbuck2]

I cut a big birch today, about 20-22 in on the butt, 5 or 6 big heavy leaders up top.  The tree fell on a few small saplings and shot back like a rocket about 8 feet, course I was off to the side where you're supposed to be but I never gave a thought to the thing kicking back that hard before I cut it.   After 30 relatively unscathed years you just can't afford not to pay attention.

[zopi]

Nope..a moments inattention can sure bite you..got five stitches in my left thumb to prove it.

[islandlogger]

Always walk the intended lay of your tree and trouble shoot any potential mis-haps, not always easy to do and things still can happen even when done, but a few minutes to survey sure beats a tree in the face and a one way ticket to the maker....glad to hear you were off to the side where you should have been!! All to often I see fallers just "hangin" out by the stump as there tree goes down...might be a good view....but tisn't the place to be!!
Safe-run or die!!
islandlogger

[sealark37]

I once watched the butt of a 24" pine disappear into the cedars, only to re-appear seconds later at a much lower angle and much higher velocity. I was able to fling the saw, then ride astraddle the log for about 15 feet, to be cast roughly aside, luckily.  Ever since, I cut less timber per hour, but I have not taken another ride.  My partner said " I was already trying to think what I would tell your wife".  Regards, Clark

[Kevin]

When ever the tree you are cutting has an opportunity to hit anything on the way over or on the ground it's a recipe for disaster.

[Piston]

Glad your okay, it's a good reminder to the rest of us  ;)

[thecfarm]

Things happen. I've seen trees hit rocks or a small knoll and go up in the air and bounce and break too. Lose money quick that way.

[Ed_K]

Last winter I was cutting hemlock on a steep side hill.Cut a real brushy one,the hinge didn't hold and it took off 40'down the hill.I just made it out of my excape path when it went by.Almost took the rest of day off  .the rest I fell sideways.

[Ron Scott]

As we have luckily survived these near misses, it sure makes us aware to keep a sharp eye out for the situation that may cause the next one.

[Magicman]

I had a good friend's brother that did not survive such a situation.   :-\

[customsawyer]

I think that most of us in that work in the woods have had a near miss or two but it should not happen at all. Glad you are ok.