What is the term for a split that occurs when the back cut is completed and a tree leans?

The term "barber chair" describes a situation that occurs during tree felling when the back cut is made, and the tree begins to lean or fall but instead of falling as intended, it splits vertically along the trunk. This can result in a large piece of the tree's upper trunk breaking off and falling backward toward the cutter. It often poses a significant safety risk to the person cutting the tree, as the falling section can come down in an unpredictable direction.

The barber chair effect is typically the result of improper cutting techniques or inadequate assessment of the tree’s structural integrity. It contrasts with controlled felling techniques where the tree falls in the intended direction, maintaining safety for the arborist. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for tree care professionals to ensure safe and effective tree removal practices.

In contrast, the other terms such as "falling wedge," "hinge failure," and "brushing effect" refer to different aspects of tree felling and failure mechanics, but they do not specifically describe the unique scenario of vertical splitting that occurs with barber chair falls.