Fell and process trees up to 380mm — City & Guilds Limited Occupational Qualification Horticulture & Land Management Revision

    This subtopic focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to safely fell and process trees with a diameter at breast height up to 380mm, using a

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to safely fell and process trees with a diameter at breast height up to 380mm, using a chainsaw. It covers site assessment, correct felling techniques, branch removal, and the safe take-down of hung-up trees, all in line with health and safety legislation and industry good practice. Learners must demonstrate competence in real work-based scenarios to meet occupational standards.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Fell and process trees up to 380mm

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    This subtopic focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to safely fell and process trees with a diameter at breast height up to 380mm, using a chainsaw. It covers site assessment, correct felling techniques, branch removal, and the safe take-down of hung-up trees, all in line with health and safety legislation and industry good practice. Learners must demonstrate competence in real work-based scenarios to meet occupational standards.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    5
    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    5
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma In Work-based Trees and Timber

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Trees and Timber is a vocational qualification designed for individuals working in arboriculture, forestry, or woodland management. It covers the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to safely and effectively manage trees and timber in a work-based context. This diploma is part of the Horticulture & Land Management suite and is ideal for those seeking to progress into roles such as arborist, forestry worker, or woodland officer.

    The qualification focuses on key areas including tree identification, tree biology, pruning techniques, felling operations, and timber processing. It also emphasises health and safety, risk assessment, and environmental sustainability. By completing this diploma, students gain hands-on experience and a recognised credential that demonstrates competence in the workplace, which is essential for career advancement in the trees and timber sector.

    This diploma fits into the wider subject of Horticulture & Land Management by providing specialised knowledge in tree care and timber production. It complements broader land management qualifications and prepares students for further study, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Arboriculture or Forestry. The work-based nature of the qualification ensures that learning is directly applicable to real-world scenarios, making it highly valued by employers.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Tree identification: Recognising common tree species by their leaves, bark, buds, and overall shape, which is fundamental for appropriate management decisions.
    • →Tree biology and physiology: Understanding how trees grow, including photosynthesis, respiration, and the functions of roots, stems, and leaves, to inform pruning and felling practices.
    • →Health and safety legislation: Complying with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER, LOLER, and COSHH regulations when using chainsaws, climbing equipment, and other tools.
    • →Pruning techniques: Applying correct methods such as crown thinning, reduction, and removal of deadwood to maintain tree health and safety.
    • →Felling operations: Planning and executing tree felling using techniques like directional felling, using wedges, and assessing wind direction and lean.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to work safely, Be able to fell and process trees up to 380mm, Know relevant health and safety legislation and industry good practice, Know how to fell and process trees up to 380mm, Know how to remove branches from felled trees using a chainsaw, Know how to take down hung up trees

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating correct felling cuts (e.g., gob cut and back cut) appropriate to the tree's lean, size, and species, achieving accurate directional fall.
    • Credit given for thorough pre-operational checks of the chainsaw, including chain tension, lubrication, and safety features, and wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with AFAG guidance.
    • Evidence of effective hazard assessment and control measures prior to felling, including escape routes, overhead obstructions, and ground conditions.
    • Demonstrate safe branch removal techniques using a top-handled or rear-handled chainsaw, ensuring the tree is stable and cuts are made without causing kickback or bar pinch.
    • For hung-up trees, show correct procedures using hand winches, levering tools, or mechanical aids to bring the tree to the ground without climbing or pulling by hand.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always reference current health and safety legislation such as PUWER and LOLER during your assessment, and show how you apply them to your work.
    • 💡Practice the 'windthrow' or 'back weight' scenarios as these are common in assessments for trees up to 380mm; understand how to use wedges and felling bars.
    • 💡When processing branches, work methodically from the top of the felled tree down, maintaining a safe working position at all times.
    • 💡For hung-up trees, recount a practical example where you assessed the situation, chose the appropriate take-down method, and executed it safely, highlighting teamwork and communication if applicable.
    • 💡When answering questions on risk assessment, always mention the hierarchy of control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). This shows a systematic approach to safety.
    • 💡For tree identification questions, focus on key features like leaf arrangement (alternate or opposite), leaf shape, bark texture, and fruit type. Use a dichotomous key if available, and practice identifying trees in different seasons.
    • 💡In practical assessments, demonstrate safe working practices consistently, such as checking your chainsaw's chain tension and sharpness before use, and maintaining a stable stance when felling. Examiners look for habitual safety behaviours.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Felling cuts are performed in the wrong order or depth, causing the tree to sit back on the saw or fall unpredictably.
    • Failing to assess the tree for defects, loose bark, or overhead hang-ups that can cause branches to fall during cutting.
    • Using a blunt or poorly maintained chain, leading to increased effort and higher risk of kickback.
    • Attempting to take down a hung-up tree by cutting the supporting tree or pulling from below, which can release stored energy dangerously.
    • Leaving the escape route obstructed or not moving away quickly enough after the tree begins to fall.
    • Misconception: Tree topping is an acceptable pruning method. Correction: Topping (cutting the main stem or branches to stubs) is harmful and can lead to decay, weak regrowth, and structural failure. Proper pruning follows the branch collar and avoids leaving stubs.
    • Misconception: All dead wood should be removed from trees. Correction: Dead wood provides important habitat for wildlife and can be left if it does not pose a safety risk. Only remove dead wood that is likely to fall and cause injury or damage.
    • Misconception: A chainsaw is the only tool needed for tree work. Correction: Chainsaws are essential but must be used alongside other tools like hand saws, pruning shears, and climbing equipment. Proper maintenance and sharpening of all tools are critical for safety and efficiency.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of health and safety in the workplace, including risk assessment principles.
    • •Familiarity with common tree species found in the UK, such as oak, ash, beech, and sycamore.
    • •Some experience using hand tools like saws and loppers, though chainsaw experience is not required.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to work safely, Be able to fell and process trees up to 380mm, Know relevant health and safety legislation and industry good practice, Know how to fell and process trees up to 380mm, Know how to remove branches from felled trees using a chainsaw, Know how to take down hung up trees

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