Undertake Tree Felling Operations — City & Guilds Limited Occupational Qualification Horticulture & Land Management Revision

    This subtopic develops competence in safely and effectively undertaking tree felling operations using a chainsaw, covering essential preparation, routine m

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic develops competence in safely and effectively undertaking tree felling operations using a chainsaw, covering essential preparation, routine maintenance, compliance with relevant legislation, and practical felling techniques. Learners will demonstrate the ability to assess site hazards, select appropriate felling aids, and execute controlled felling of small trees in line with industry codes of practice.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Undertake Tree Felling Operations

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    This subtopic covers the essential skills for safely and effectively felling small trees using a chainsaw. It includes routine maintenance to ensure equipment performance and safety, compliance with relevant legislation and industry codes of practice, and the practical application of felling techniques with aids. Learners will develop competence in risk assessment, safe working practices, and operational proficiency required for arboricultural and forestry tasks.

    13
    Learning Outcomes
    12
    Assessment Guidance
    13
    Key Skills
    11
    Key Terms
    16
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Level 2 Extended Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture
    City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
    City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for managing trees, woodlands, and forests. This qualification covers tree biology, identification, planting, maintenance, and safe use of equipment, preparing students for roles such as forestry worker, arborist, or grounds maintenance operative. It is part of the Horticulture & Land Management suite, linking to broader environmental conservation and land management practices.

    Students explore key topics including tree species identification (deciduous and coniferous), soil types, pruning techniques, pest and disease management, and health and safety legislation. Practical assessments involve tree planting, felling small trees, and using chainsaws and other tools under supervision. Understanding these concepts is crucial for sustainable woodland management and urban tree care, addressing climate change and biodiversity goals.

    This certificate fits within the wider subject by bridging horticulture (plant cultivation) with arboriculture (tree care) and forestry (woodland management). It emphasizes environmental stewardship and employability, with progression to Level 3 qualifications or apprenticeships. Mastery of these skills ensures safe, effective tree work in various settings, from parks to commercial forests.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Tree identification: Use leaf shape, bark texture, and growth habit to distinguish species like oak, ash, and Scots pine.
    • →Tree biology: Understand photosynthesis, transpiration, and root structure to inform planting and maintenance decisions.
    • →Pruning techniques: Know when and how to prune for health, safety, and aesthetics, including crown reduction and deadwood removal.
    • →Health and safety: Follow COSHH regulations, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and conduct risk assessments for tree work.
    • →Soil and nutrition: Recognize soil types (clay, sand, loam) and their impact on tree growth; apply fertilizers appropriately.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate correct procedures for routine chainsaw maintenance, including chain sharpening, tensioning, and air filter cleaning.
    • Interpret and apply key health and safety legislation, such as PUWER and LOLER, to tree felling operations.
    • Conduct a site-specific risk assessment identifying hazards like overhead lines, deadwood, and uneven terrain.
    • Execute a standard felling cut (back cut and notch) to control the direction of fall on a small tree.
    • Select and correctly utilise appropriate felling aids (wedges, turning straps) to assist in controlled felling.
    • Evaluate tree lean, wind conditions, and canopy weight to determine felling strategy.
    • Perform pre-start checks and routine maintenance tasks on a chainsaw following manufacturer’s guidelines.
    • Interpret key health and safety legislation and codes of practice applicable to tree felling.
    • Execute safe felling of small trees using appropriate felling cuts and felling aids.
    • Conduct a site-specific risk assessment and establish safe working zones.
    • Demonstrate correct body positioning, escape route planning, and chainsaw handling during felling operations.
    • Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for chainsaw operations.
    • Be able to carry out routine operator maintenance on a chainsaw., Be able to comply with legislation and codes of practice relevant to tree felling operations., Be able to fell small trees using a chainsaw and Felling aids.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for correctly identifying and rectifying common chainsaw faults during a maintenance task.
    • Look for evidence of checking and recording compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations.
    • Assess the felling plan: marking escape routes, identifying hazards, and selecting appropriate cuts.
    • Evaluate precision of felling cuts: notch depth, back cut level, hinge width.
    • Credit for safe and correct use of at least one felling aid without damaging the tree or equipment.
    • Check for post-fell actions: disengage chain brake, safe chainsaw positioning, and worksite clearance.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying all components of the chainsaw during routine maintenance checks.
    • Learner must demonstrate compliance with legislation by referencing specific regulations (e.g., PUWER, LOLER) in their risk assessment documentation.
    • Credit for executing accurate felling cuts (gob cut, back cut) leaving an intact hinge wood of appropriate thickness.
    • Expect the learner to effectively use felling levers or wedges to control tree direction.
    • Evidence of clear communication and maintaining an exclusion zone during felling operations.
    • Award credit for correctly demonstrating pre-start checks and routine maintenance tasks such as chain tensioning, bar lubrication, and air filter cleaning in line with manufacturer instructions.
    • Credit should be given for accurately identifying and applying relevant health and safety legislation (e.g., PUWER, PPE regulations) and industry codes of practice (e.g., Forestry Commission guidelines) during the operation.
    • Evidence of conducting a dynamic risk assessment of the worksite, including identification of overhead hazards, slope, wind direction, and establishment of escape routes, must be rewarded.
    • For felling small trees, award marks for correct use of felling aids such as wedges or a felling lever, and execution of appropriate notching techniques (e.g., open-faced notch) to control direction and minimise damage.
    • Assessors should credit the candidate’s consistent use of correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and demonstration of safe working distances throughout the task.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡For practical assessments, always verbalise each step of your risk assessment and safety checks as you perform them.
    • 💡Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the specific legislation: be able to name the acts and regulations and explain their relevance.
    • 💡Practice felling cuts on different stem sizes and lean angles to build consistency; assessors look for clean, controlled cuts.
    • 💡Prepare a mnemonic for the pre-felling checks (e.g., FIVE: Felling direction, Inspection of tree, Visual hazards, Escape routes) to ensure nothing is missed.
    • 💡Always start your practical assessment with a thorough site and equipment check, verbalizing your actions to the assessor.
    • 💡For written assignments, use specific terminology and cite relevant legislation or industry codes (e.g., Forestry Commission guidelines) to gain higher marks.
    • 💡Practice your escape route and safety zone setup until it becomes second nature, as examiners will observe your attention to safety procedures.
    • 💡When demonstrating felling cuts, clearly explain the purpose of each cut to show your understanding of the theory behind the technique.
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with the specific City & Guilds assessment criteria for practical observations; ensure every step from arrival on site to final clearing is deliberate and safe.
    • 💡Practice verbalising your risk assessment and decision-making process during the practical test to demonstrate underpinning knowledge and justify your actions.
    • 💡Review the operator’s manual for the specific chainsaw model you will use; questions on maintenance often relate to manufacturer specifications and can secure easy marks.
    • 💡Before the assessment, walk through a mock felling scenario with your assessor to clarify any uncertainties about documentation or procedural expectations.
    • 💡Always link practical tasks to safety legislation, such as PUWER and LOLER, to show understanding of legal responsibilities.
    • 💡In tree identification questions, mention at least two distinguishing features (e.g., leaf margin and bark colour) to secure full marks.
    • 💡For pruning, explain the reason behind each cut (e.g., removing crossing branches to prevent rubbing) rather than just describing the action.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Neglecting to check chain tension and lubrication before starting work, leading to chainsaw kickback or chain derailment.
    • Misinterpreting legislation by assuming that small tree felling does not require a risk assessment or PPE.
    • Cutting the notch too deep or the back cut too low, causing loss of directional control or barber chair splitting.
    • Using felling aids incorrectly, such as hammering a wedge into the cut without relieving tension, resulting in bound saws.
    • Assuming the chainsaw's chain brake is always fully functional without proper testing.
    • Forgetting to check the tension and sharpness of the chain, leading to underperformance or kickback.
    • Misinterpreting the role of the hinge wood, resulting in loss of directional control.
    • Neglecting to check for overhead hazards or dead branches before felling.
    • Confusing the requirements of different legislation, such as PUWER and COSHH.
    • Learners often neglect to check the chain brake function before starting, leading to safety violations and potential assessment failure.
    • A common error is failing to maintain a clean and clear worksite, resulting in trip hazards and obstructed escape paths, which is a critical safety issue.
    • Incorrect stump height or hinge wood thickness is frequently observed, demonstrating misunderstanding of felling mechanics and leading to loss of directional control.
    • Many candidates underestimate the importance of site-specific factors such as wind strength and tree lean, resulting in misjudged felling direction.
    • Misconception: Pruning can be done at any time of year. Correction: Pruning should avoid bird nesting season (March-August) and be timed to minimize stress, e.g., dormant season for most trees.
    • Misconception: All trees have deep taproots. Correction: Many trees, especially in urban areas, have shallow, spreading roots; this affects planting depth and stability.
    • Misconception: Chainsaws are the only tool for felling small trees. Correction: Hand tools like bowsaws and axes are safer for small diameters and required for certain assessments.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of plant biology (e.g., parts of a plant, photosynthesis) from GCSE Science or equivalent.
    • •Familiarity with health and safety basics in a work environment, such as using PPE and following instructions.
    • •Numeracy skills for measuring tree heights, diameters, and calculating spacing.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Chainsaw maintenance procedures
    • Relevant legislation and safety codes
    • Felling cuts and directional control
    • Safe use of felling aids
    • Risk assessment and emergency planning
    • Chainsaw maintenance and safety checks
    • Legislation and industry codes of practice
    • Tree felling techniques and cuts
    • Use of felling aids and wedges
    • Risk assessment and emergency procedures
    • Be able to carry out routine operator maintenance on a chainsaw., Be able to comply with legislation and codes of practice relevant to tree felling operations., Be able to fell small trees using a chainsaw and Felling aids.

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