How to Cut Pulpwood

Pulpwood is timber that is grown to make wood pulp, which is used to make paper. Spruce and firs are commonly grown for this purpose, but when other types of soft trees are damaged, of poor quality or too small for construction use, they also can be ground into pulp for paper or plywood. Because pulpwood takes approximately 80 to 120 years to fully mature, there can be a significant decline in supply of this product when the demand is high. Under such circumstances, it can take years for the supply to catch up with the demand. With serious concern for safety, those who cut pulpwood must know and carefully follow an established procedure

Things You'll Need

  • Chain saw
  • Wooden rod
  • Protractor
  • Wedge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find the pulpwood you want to cut. Pulpwood is generally smaller and of lower quality than construction wood. Cut the vines and small branches off the trunk of the tree. They are potentially dangerous when the tree falls.

    • 2

      Locate any safety hazards such as homes, electrical wires, or other trees that might contact the tree when it falls.

    • 3

      Choose a location where you want the tree to fall. Place a wooden rod in the ground to mark the anticipated spot. Stand in that spot and observe the lean of the tree.

    • 4

      Observe the outermost left branch and the outermost right branch of the tree. Calculate the center between both positions. If there is a 3-foot left side lean, the mark must be repositioned 3 feet to the right or vice versa.

    • 5

      Stand 90 degrees from the side of the tree. Observe the outermost front branch and the outermost rear branch of the tree. Calculate the center between both positions. If there is a 3-foot back side lean, the mark must be repositioned 3 feet to front or vice versa.

    • 6

      Calculate an exit path that is away from the lean. The tree falls toward the lean, so you must retreat on the side away from the lean.

    • 7

      Cut the trunk of the tree 1 to 2 feet from the base of the tree. Saw one cut at a 70-degree angle downward into the tree. Saw one cut at a 90-degree angle that meets the end of the 70-degree cut. That is your notch cut. The notch cut faces the marked wooden pole.

    • 8

      Saw from the side of the notch cut through the tree and 3/4 around the tree. Place a wedge inside the notch cut to hold the tree in place. Saw the remainder of the tree trunk.

    • 9

      Remove the wedge and walk to a safe area away from the tree. Your pulpwood is now cut.