• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.203-212
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• 2023

Directional felling is a felling method practised by the Forestry Department in Peninsular Malaysia as prescribed in Field Work Manual (1997) for Selective Management Systems (SMS) in forest harvesting. Determining the direction of tree felling in Peninsular Malaysia is conducted during the pre-felling inventory 1 to 2 years before the felling operation. This study aimed to predict and analyze the direction of tree felling using the vector-based path distance back link method in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and compare it with the felling direction observed on the ground. The study area is at Balah Forest Reserve, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. A Path Distance Back Link (spatial analyst) function in ArcGIS Pro 3.0 was used in predicting tree felling direction. Meanwhile, a binary classification was used to compare the felling direction estimated using GIS and the tree felling direction observed on the ground. Results revealed that 61.3% of 31 trees predicted using the vector-based projection method were similar to the felling direction observed on the ground. It is important to note that dynamic changes of natural constraints might occur in the middle of tree felling operation, such as weather problems, wind speed, and unpredicted tree falling direction.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.2
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• pp.164-169
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• 2024

In South Korea, most felling operations involve the use of chainsaws due to steep and rough terrains. This felling technique is responsible for approximately 80% of all fatalities mainly due to unpredictable felling directions. Therefore, readjust monitorised felling is imperative to improve safety in different working conditions. This study examined the effect of wedging on felling direction error and productivity during felling operations. When wedging was applied, a felling direction error within 22° and a productivity of 0.63 m³/min were obtained. These results show a decrease in mean directional error and a dimish in productivity. Thus, although wedging reduces productivity, it is a necessary strategy to improve safety.