Felling Wedges

About Felling Wedges

Felling wedges are indispensable tools for professional arborists, forestry workers, and landowners who regularly undertake tree felling operations. These robust, tapered implements are driven into the back cut of a tree during controlled felling to direct the fall, prevent the tree from sitting back on the chainsaw bar, and ensure safe, predictable tree removal. Manufactured from durable materials such as high-density polypropylene, ABS plastic, aluminium, or magnesium alloy, felling wedges provide the mechanical advantage needed to direct even substantial timber safely to the ground whilst protecting both operator and equipment.

Available in various sizes and profiles, felling wedges are engineered to withstand repeated hammer strikes and the enormous compressive forces generated when felling trees of different diameters. Modern felling wedges typically feature textured or deeply ridged surfaces to prevent them slipping out under pressure, whilst their bright colours—often hi-vis orange, yellow, or lime green—make them easy to locate in woodland environments and leaf litter. The tapered design allows the wedge to be driven progressively deeper into the cut, gradually lifting and tilting the tree past its centre of gravity in the desired direction. Tooled-Up.com stocks felling wedges in multiple lengths, typically ranging from 125mm for smaller trees through to 300mm for large-diameter timber.

Quality felling wedges represent an investment in safety and efficiency for anyone involved in tree work, from professional forestry contractors managing commercial woodland to experienced rural landowners maintaining their own estates. Used correctly alongside appropriate chainsaw techniques and proper training, felling wedges significantly reduce the risk of dangerous kickback situations, barber chair splits, and unpredictable tree movement, giving the operator far greater control over where a tree will land. This control protects property, neighbouring trees, and most importantly, the safety of everyone on site during what remains one of the most hazardous activities in forestry and arboriculture.

Jargon Buster

• Back Cut - The final horizontal cut made on the opposite side of the tree from the directional notch, into which felling wedges are inserted to control the tree's fall and create lifting action.
• Barber Chair - A dangerous splitting failure where the tree trunk splits vertically upwards before the felling is complete, potentially causing catastrophic kickback. Proper wedge use helps prevent this hazardous situation.
• Hinge Wood - The crucial strip of uncut wood between the face cut and back cut that acts as a hinge, controlling the tree's direction of fall. Wedges work in conjunction with the hinge to direct the tree safely.
• Directional Notch (Face Cut) - The wedge-shaped cut made on the side of the tree facing the intended direction of fall, typically comprising a horizontal and angled cut meeting at approximately 45 degrees.
• Lift - The progressive raising action created when driving wedges into the back cut, which tilts the tree past its centre of gravity towards the intended fall direction by creating mechanical leverage.
• Bucking - The process of cutting a felled tree into manageable sections or logs. Smaller wedges may be used during bucking to prevent saw bar pinching in the kerf.

Who Uses Felling Wedges?

• Professional Arborists - Tree surgeons and climbing arborists performing commercial tree removal, felling operations, and forestry work
• Forestry Workers - Timber harvesters and forestry contractors managing woodland, commercial plantations, and large-scale felling operations
• Groundsmen and Estate Managers - Groundskeepers maintaining parkland, country estates, and managing tree populations on large properties
• Agricultural Workers - Farmers and rural land managers clearing woodland, maintaining field boundaries, and managing hedgerows with mature trees
• Landscape Contractors - Garden and landscape professionals undertaking tree removal as part of site clearance and development projects
• Utility Companies - Specialist workers clearing vegetation near power lines, roads, railways, and critical infrastructure
• Local Authority Tree Officers - Council workers and contractors managing dangerous or diseased trees in public areas, parks, and along highways
• Experienced DIY Enthusiasts - Rural homeowners with appropriate NPTC chainsaw training and certification maintaining their own woodland and private land

How to Choose the Right Felling Wedges

Selecting appropriate felling wedges depends on several key factors related to the scale of work you undertake and the typical diameter of trees you fell. Consider these essential points when making your choice:

Material Construction: Plastic wedges manufactured from tough polypropylene or ABS are the most common choice for good reason—they're chainsaw-safe, meaning accidental contact with your saw chain causes minimal damage compared to metal. These suit the vast majority of tree felling applications and can withstand thousands of hammer strikes without splitting when purchased from quality manufacturers. Aluminium and magnesium wedges offer greater lifting power and can compress wood fibres more effectively for extremely large timber, but require meticulous care to avoid potentially dangerous chainsaw contact.

Size and Taper Angle: Felling wedges typically range from 125mm to 300mm in length. Smaller wedges (125-180mm) suit trees up to approximately 400mm diameter, whilst longer wedges (250-300mm) are necessary for larger timber where greater lift and penetration depth are required. The taper angle affects how quickly lift is generated—steeper tapers provide faster initial lift but may slip more easily under extreme loading, whilst gradual tapers offer more controlled, stable lifting action throughout the felling operation.

Surface Texture: Look for wedges with pronounced ribbing, aggressive serrations, or deeply textured surfaces that grip wood fibres and resist being forced out under pressure as the tree shifts weight. Smooth or lightly textured wedges are significantly more likely to shoot out dangerously when the tree moves, potentially causing injury or equipment damage.

Visibility: Hi-vis colours including orange, yellow, and lime green are essential for locating wedges in leaf litter, undergrowth, and variable woodland lighting conditions. This seemingly minor detail prevents expensive chainsaw chain damage when bucking operations begin, as wedges accidentally left in timber can destroy chains instantly.

Quantity: Professional users should carry multiple wedges of varying sizes as standard practice. Complex felling situations frequently require two or three wedges working in combination to achieve adequate lift and directional control, particularly with trees exhibiting awkward lean or side-weighting.

Popular Accessories

• Felling Hammers - Heavy-duty striking hammers specifically designed for driving wedges, typically 3-5kg with non-slip handles and secure head attachment
• Chainsaw Accessories - Replacement chains, guide bars, chain oil, and maintenance equipment for Makita, DeWalt, and other professional chainsaws used alongside felling wedges
• Felling Levers (Timber Jacks) - Long-handled prying tools that work in conjunction with wedges for additional mechanical leverage on stubborn or heavy timber
• Tree Felling Kits - Complete sets including multiple wedges in various sizes, felling hammer, and measuring equipment for comprehensive tree work
• Wedge Pouches and Belt Holders - Belt-mounted carriers for keeping wedges accessible during tree work without repeated trips to the toolbox
• Chainsaw PPE - Protective trousers, chainsaw boots, helmets with integrated visors, and gloves meeting HSE requirements and BS EN 381 standards
• Tree Measuring Equipment - Height meters, diameter tapes, clinometers, and laser rangefinders for accurate assessment before felling operations
• Rope and Rigging Equipment - Pull ropes, throw lines, and rigging hardware for additional directional control on complex felling operations
• Breaking Bars - Heavy steel bars for breaking up stems and providing additional leverage during difficult felling situations

Safety Information

Tree felling is classified as one of the most dangerous activities in forestry and arboriculture, and felling wedges play a critical role in managing these inherent risks. All persons undertaking tree felling operations must hold appropriate certification—in the UK, this typically means City & Guilds NPTC chainsaw certificates specific to the type of work being undertaken (CS30 for chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting, CS31 for felling small trees up to 380mm, CS32 for medium trees). Never attempt to fell trees without proper training and certification, regardless of the quality of your equipment or personal confidence.

When using felling wedges, always wear appropriate PPE including chainsaw protective trousers or chaps meeting BS EN 381 standards, steel toe-capped chainsaw boots with ankle support and cut protection, helmet with integrated face visor and ear defenders, and protective gloves with reinforced palms. The HSE provides specific guidance on forestry and tree work safety (AFAG and INDG guides) that must be followed in all commercial operations and is strongly recommended for private landowners.

Thoroughly inspect wedges before each use for cracks, splits, deformation, or damage that could cause failure under load. Never use damaged wedges, as catastrophic splitting can occur when struck with force, creating dangerous high-velocity projectiles. Position yourself safely when driving wedges—never stand directly behind the tree being felled or in the anticipated fall path, and maintain constant awareness of the tree's lean, wind conditions, and potential movement at all times.

Multiple wedges should be driven progressively in rotation rather than focusing exclusively on a single wedge, as this distributes compressive forces more evenly and reduces the risk of wedge failure or ejection. Always establish clear escape routes at 45 degrees away from the expected fall direction before making any cuts, and ensure the work area is clear of bystanders with appropriate exclusion zones established and marked. Weather conditions including wind speed and direction must be assessed before commencing work, and operations should cease if conditions deteriorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many felling wedges do I need for professional tree work?

Professional users and forestry contractors should carry a minimum of three to four wedges in varying sizes as standard kit. Straightforward felling operations on smaller trees may only require one or two wedges, but complex situations—such as trees with awkward back-lean, side-weighting, or wind loading—often demand multiple wedges working together to achieve sufficient lift and control. Carrying spares also ensures you're not left without critical equipment if a wedge splits under load or is lost in undergrowth during operations. Many professionals at Tooled-Up purchase wedges in sets to ensure they have appropriate sizes immediately available.

What's the difference between plastic and metal felling wedges?

Plastic wedges manufactured from polypropylene or ABS are chainsaw-safe, meaning accidental contact with your saw chain causes significantly less damage than hitting metal and reduces kickback risk. They're suitable for the vast majority of tree felling applications and represent the preferred choice for most professional arborists and forestry workers. Aluminium or magnesium wedges offer greater compressive strength and lifting power for extremely large timber or hardwood species, but require meticulous care and spatial awareness to avoid chainsaw contact, which can cause serious chain damage, dangerous kickback, and potentially injury from metal fragments.

Can I use any hammer to drive felling wedges?

Standard claw hammers or general-purpose hammers are completely unsuitable and potentially dangerous for driving felling wedges. You need a dedicated felling hammer, striking hammer, or engineer's lump hammer weighing between 3-5kg to provide sufficient mass for effective wedge driving. These specialist hammers drive wedges with fewer strikes and less physical effort, reducing fatigue during extended work. The hammer should have a secure handle attachment and ideally a textured or rubberised grip, as hands will be gloved and potentially damp during forestry work in typical British weather conditions.

Do I legally need training to use felling wedges?

Yes, absolutely. Felling wedges are integral components of chainsaw tree felling techniques, and their correct use is covered comprehensively in NPTC chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting (CS30) and tree felling courses (CS31 for small trees up to 380mm, CS32 for medium trees). These qualifications are legally required under the Health and Safety at Work Act for all commercial tree work and are strongly recommended for anyone felling trees, even on private land. Incorrect wedge use can result in extremely dangerous situations including barber chair splits, unpredictable tree movement, wedge ejection, and loss of directional control during felling operations.

How should I maintain and store felling wedges?

Clean wedges thoroughly after each use to remove wood debris, sap, bark fragments, and dirt that can reduce their gripping effectiveness and mask developing damage. Store them in a dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as prolonged UV exposure degrades plastic compounds over time, making wedges brittle. Regularly inspect for cracks, particularly around the striking surface and along the wedge length, checking for stress whitening in plastic wedges which indicates material fatigue. Replace any wedges showing signs of damage immediately—they're relatively inexpensive compared to the potentially catastrophic consequences of equipment failure during tree felling operations, and safety should never be compromised.