Loggers often assume that small trees are not worth the extra effort for directional felling. However, a small merchanable tree that falls the wrong way, or hangs up, can be very costly to pull down with a skidder.

Even small brushy trees that are cleared as part of housekeeping chores around the base of the tree or for an escape route can, if felled the wrong way, create additional production problems. For example, a small sapling which is being removed from the base of one tree can fall into the next tree requiring the logger to cut the tree a second time when doing housekeeping around that second tree. Therefore, extra seconds taken to directionally fell a small sapling can save time later.

Directionally Felling Saplings - It is difficult to put a regular notch in a small sapling as it is easy to cut right through the tree. Creating a tab by making a downward cut through the last few years of growth will make an acceptable notch. A back cut, leaving a hinge, will cause this tree to fall in the direction of the initial undercut. It is important for the logger to use the Sight Line on the saw to make sure this sapling falls in the intended direction.