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About Felling Wedges

Felling wedges are essential 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 felling to control the direction of 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 plastic, aluminium, or magnesium alloy, felling wedges provide the mechanical advantage needed to direct even large timber safely to the ground.

Available in various sizes and profiles, felling wedges are designed to withstand repeated hammer strikes and the enormous forces generated when felling trees of different sizes. Modern felling wedges typically feature textured or ridged surfaces to prevent them slipping out under pressure, whilst their bright colours—often hi-vis orange or yellow—make them easy to locate in woodland environments. The tapered design allows the wedge to be driven progressively deeper into the cut, gradually lifting and tilting the tree in the desired direction.

Quality felling wedges are an investment in safety and efficiency for anyone involved in tree work, from professional forestry contractors managing commercial woodland to rural landowners maintaining their own estates. Used correctly alongside appropriate chainsaw techniques, felling wedges significantly reduce the risk of dangerous kickback situations and give the operator far greater control over where a tree will land, protecting property, other trees, and most importantly, the safety of everyone on site.

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.

Barber Chair

A dangerous splitting failure where the tree trunk splits vertically before the felling is complete. Proper wedge use helps prevent this hazardous situation.

Hinge Wood

The 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.

Bucking

The process of cutting a felled tree into manageable sections or logs. Smaller wedges may be used during bucking to prevent saw pinching.

Directional Notch (Face Cut)

The wedge-shaped cut made on the side of the tree facing the intended direction of fall, typically at a 45-degree angle.

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.

Who Uses Felling Wedges?

• Professional Arborists - Tree surgeons and climbing arborists performing commercial tree removal and forestry work
• Forestry Workers - Timber harvesters and forestry contractors managing woodland and commercial plantations
• Groundsmen and Groundskeepers - Estate managers and local authority workers maintaining public spaces and parkland
• Agricultural Workers - Farmers and rural land managers clearing woodland and maintaining field boundaries
• Landscape Contractors - Garden and landscape professionals undertaking tree removal as part of site clearance projects
• Utility Companies - Workers clearing vegetation near power lines, roads, and infrastructure
• Local Authority Tree Officers - Council workers managing dangerous or diseased trees in public areas
• Experienced DIY Enthusiasts - Rural homeowners with appropriate chainsaw training maintaining their own woodland

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 size of trees you typically fell. Consider these essential points when making your choice:

Material Construction: Plastic wedges are the most common choice, manufactured from tough polypropylene or ABS that won't damage chainsaw chains if accidentally struck. Aluminium and magnesium wedges offer greater lifting power for larger trees but require careful use to avoid chainsaw contact. For professional forestry work, invest in premium plastic wedges from established manufacturers that can withstand thousands of strikes without splitting.

Size and Taper Angle: Wedges typically range from 125mm to 300mm in length. Smaller wedges (125-180mm) suit trees up to 400mm diameter, whilst longer wedges (250-300mm) are necessary for larger timber. The taper angle affects how quickly lift is generated—steeper tapers provide faster lift but may slip more easily, whilst gradual tapers offer more controlled, stable lifting action.

Surface Texture: Look for wedges with pronounced ribbing, serrations, or textured surfaces that grip the wood fibres and resist being forced out under pressure. Smooth wedges are more likely to shoot out dangerously when the tree shifts weight.

Visibility: Hi-vis colours (orange, yellow, or lime green) are essential for locating wedges in leaf litter and ensuring they're removed before bucking operations begin. This seemingly minor detail prevents expensive chainsaw chain damage.

Quantity: Professional users should carry multiple wedges of varying sizes. Complex felling situations often require two or three wedges working in combination to achieve adequate lift and control.

Popular Accessories

• Felling Hammers - Heavy-duty hammers specifically designed for driving wedges, typically 3-5kg with non-slip handles
• Chainsaw Accessories - Chains, bars, and maintenance equipment for the chainsaws used alongside felling wedges
• Felling Levers - Long-handled prying tools that work in conjunction with wedges for additional leverage
• Tree Felling Kits - Complete sets including multiple wedges, hammer, and measuring tools
• Wedge Pouches - Belt-mounted holders for keeping wedges accessible during tree work
• Chainsaw PPE - Protective trousers, boots, gloves, helmets and visors meeting HSE requirements
• Tree Measuring Equipment - Height meters, diameter tapes, and clinometers for assessing felling operations
• Rope and Rigging Equipment - Pull ropes and throwing lines for additional directional control

Safety Information

Tree felling is one of the most dangerous activities in forestry and arboriculture, and felling wedges play a critical role in managing these 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. Never attempt to fell trees without proper training, regardless of the quality of your equipment.

When using felling wedges, always wear appropriate PPE including chainsaw protective trousers or chaps meeting BS EN 381 standards, steel toe-capped chainsaw boots, helmet with face visor and ear defenders, and protective gloves. The HSE provides specific guidance on tree work safety that must be followed in all commercial operations.

Ensure wedges are inspected before each use for cracks, splits, or damage that could cause failure under load. Never use damaged wedges, as catastrophic splitting can occur when struck, creating dangerous projectiles. Position yourself safely when driving wedges—never stand directly behind the tree being felled, and maintain awareness of the tree's lean and potential fall path at all times.

Multiple wedges should be driven progressively rather than focusing on a single wedge, as this distributes forces more evenly and reduces the risk of wedge failure. Always have an established escape route planned at 45 degrees away from the expected fall direction, and ensure the work area is clear of bystanders, with appropriate exclusion zones established and marked.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many felling wedges do I need for tree work?

Professional users should carry a minimum of three to four wedges in varying sizes. Straightforward felling operations may only require one or two wedges, but complex situations—such as trees with awkward lean or wind loading—often demand multiple wedges working together. Having spares also ensures you're not left without equipment if a wedge splits or is lost in undergrowth.

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

Plastic wedges are chainsaw-safe, meaning accidental contact with your saw chain causes less damage than hitting metal. They're suitable for the majority of tree felling applications and are the preferred choice for most professionals. Aluminium or magnesium wedges offer greater strength and lifting power for extremely large timber but require meticulous care to avoid chainsaw contact, which can cause serious chain damage and dangerous kickback.

Can I use any hammer to drive felling wedges?

Standard claw hammers are unsuitable for driving felling wedges. You need a dedicated felling hammer, striking hammer, or lump hammer weighing between 3-5kg. These provide sufficient mass to drive wedges effectively without excessive swinging effort. The hammer should have a secure handle and ideally a textured grip, as hands may be gloved and potentially damp during forestry work.

Do I need training to use felling wedges?

Yes, absolutely. Felling wedges are integral to chainsaw tree felling techniques, and their correct use is covered in NPTC chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting (CS30) and tree felling courses (CS31 for small trees, CS32 for medium trees). These qualifications are legally required for commercial tree work and strongly recommended for anyone felling trees, even on private land. Incorrect wedge use can result in dangerous situations including barber chair splits and unpredictable tree movement.

How do I maintain felling wedges?

Clean wedges after use to remove wood debris, sap, and dirt that can reduce their gripping effectiveness. Store them in a dry location away from direct sunlight, as UV exposure degrades plastic over time. Regularly inspect for cracks, particularly around the striking surface and along the length of the wedge. Replace any wedges showing signs of damage—they're relatively inexpensive compared to the consequences of equipment failure during tree felling operations.

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