What mistake can lead to a barber chair scenario during felling?

In tree felling, a proper hinge is critical to control how the tree falls. The hinge is the narrow strip of wood that remains connected to the trunk as the tree begins to fall, acting as a guide. If there is a failure to provide a proper hinge, the tree can become unstable during its fall and may kick back or pivot unpredictably, leading to a barber chair scenario. This occurs when the tree splits vertically and the upper portion leans back toward the cutter, creating a highly dangerous situation.

Ensuring the hinge is the correct thickness and maintains enough strength is essential for directing the controlled fall of the tree. This technique is fundamental in preventing catastrophic events during felling operations. Factors such as a shallow notch or overly notching the trunk can also lead to complications, but they typically do not directly cause the barber chair effect like a lack of a proper hinge can. Additionally, the use of incorrect cutting tools may affect cutting efficiency and safety but wouldn't directly result in the barber chair scenario.