retiredmgn
Platinum Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2010
- Messages
- 550
That's what is called a 'barber-chair'. Certain species of tree with specific grain structures are especially prone to this, ash being one of them. Leaners are even more prone to this, because of the extra stress on the holding wood during the backcut.
See this thread for a good explanation and some tips: http://www.arboristsite.com/tree-care-videos/177328.htm
Good vid. Exactly what happened. And I did hesitate on the back cut. It's a habit of mine. I pay alot of attention to the hinge to angle the fall to where I want it. It was when I took a moment to double check my final situation before sawing through. The decision was made for me.