Book Description

Costs of felling large alligator juniper trees are affected by tree conditions and stem diameter. Conditions that increased felling time were: (1) no appreciable lean or imbalance; (2) low-forked trees on which a second cut was necessary to reduce stump height to meet a treatment requirement; and (3) deteriorated and split stems which required vertical cuts to fell in more than one peice. Sawyer skill and safety were important factors in felling these trees. Possible alternative practices are suggested for trees with these conditions, and for very large trees. Functions relating felling time and felling time per unit volume to stem diameter are provided. Results can be applied in treatment design and in estimating practice and harvesting costs.