Felling Wedges

About Felling Wedges

Felling wedges are essential safety tools for controlled tree felling operations, designed to guide the direction of fall and prevent dangerous kickback situations. These tapered implements are driven into the back cut of a tree during felling, providing the mechanical advantage needed to tilt timber safely in the intended direction. MyToolShed.co.uk supplies professional-grade felling wedges manufactured from high-density plastics, aluminium, and magnesium alloy, suitable for everything from small garden trees to large commercial forestry work.

Available in various lengths from 125mm to 300mm, quality felling wedges feature textured or ribbed surfaces to prevent slippage under pressure, whilst hi-vis colours ensure they're easily located in woodland environments. Whether you're a professional arborist managing commercial contracts or an experienced landowner maintaining your own estate, selecting the right felling wedges is crucial for safe, predictable tree removal operations.

Applications

• Professional Arborists - Tree surgeons and climbing arborists performing commercial tree removal and dismantling work
• Forestry Contractors - Timber harvesters managing woodland and commercial plantations
• Estate Managers - Groundsmen and groundskeepers maintaining parkland, public spaces and private estates
• Agricultural Workers - Farmers clearing woodland and maintaining field boundaries
• Landscape Contractors - Professionals undertaking tree removal during site clearance projects
• Local Authority Workers - Council tree officers managing dangerous or diseased trees in public areas
• Utility Companies - Vegetation clearance near power lines, roads and infrastructure
• Experienced DIY Enthusiasts - Rural homeowners with appropriate NPTC chainsaw certification

Choosing The Right Felling Wedges

Material Construction: Plastic wedges manufactured from tough polypropylene or ABS are chainsaw-safe and suitable for most applications. Aluminium and magnesium wedges offer greater lifting power for large timber but require careful use to avoid expensive chainsaw damage. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends premium plastic wedges for general professional use.

Size Selection: Smaller wedges (125-180mm) suit trees up to 400mm diameter, whilst longer wedges (250-300mm) are necessary for larger timber. The taper angle affects lifting speed—steeper tapers provide faster lift but may slip more easily under load.

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

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

Safety Information

Tree felling is one of the most dangerous activities in forestry work. All persons undertaking tree felling operations must hold appropriate NPTC chainsaw certificates (CS30, CS31, or CS32 depending on tree size). Never attempt to fell trees without proper training, regardless of equipment quality.

Always wear appropriate PPE including chainsaw protective trousers meeting BS EN 381 standards, steel toe-capped chainsaw boots, helmet with face visor and ear defenders, and protective gloves. Inspect wedges before each use for cracks or damage that could cause catastrophic failure under load. Never stand directly behind the tree being felled, and always maintain a clear escape route at 45 degrees from the expected fall direction.

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. Whilst straightforward felling may only require one or two wedges, complex situations such as trees with awkward lean often demand multiple wedges working together for safe, controlled directional felling.

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

Plastic wedges are chainsaw-safe, meaning accidental contact causes minimal chain damage. They're suitable for most tree felling applications and are the preferred choice for professionals. Aluminium or magnesium wedges offer greater lifting power for extremely large timber but require meticulous care to avoid dangerous chainsaw contact and kickback.

Do I need training to use felling wedges?

Yes, absolutely. Correct felling wedge use is covered in NPTC chainsaw courses (CS30, CS31, CS32), which are legally required for commercial tree work and strongly recommended for private land. Incorrect wedge use can result in dangerous barber chair splits and unpredictable tree movement.