What should be the orientation of the hinge during a tree fall?

The orientation of the hinge during a tree fall should be in line with the intended fall direction. This is crucial for several reasons. First, aligning the hinge with the direction you want the tree to fall helps guide the tree down smoothly. It ensures that the tree pivots correctly around the hinge, allowing for controlled and predictable movement as it falls.

Additionally, this orientation helps maintain the structural integrity of the hinge itself during the fall. A properly positioned hinge that is aligned with the intended fall direction reduces the risk of the tree binding against other trees or obstacles as it begins to fall, which can lead to dangerous situations or unintended outcomes.

In contrast, other orientations, such as perpendicular or vertical to the tree’s height, could complicate the falling process, potentially causing the tree to hang up or fall unpredictably. Proper hinge orientation is a foundational practice for safe tree felling and contributes significantly to the overall success of the job.