Limbing
Process of removing branches from a tree trunk
Limbing or delimbing is the process of removing branches from a standing or fallen tree trunk.
In logging, limbing follows felling. Limbing plays a role in fire prevention by removing branches from live trees that can otherwise serve as part of a fuel ladder allowing a fire to climb from the ground into the tree canopy. A California fire prevention guide recommends to "Remove all tree branches at least 6 feet [1.8 meters] from the ground" and "Allow extra vertical space between shrubs and trees."
In British English, limbing can be synonymous with snedding. Alternatively, limbing can be used to describe the operation on larger branches, and snedding on smaller.
01In logging
Options for cutting off the branches include chain saws, harvesters, stroke delimbers and others. Limbing can happen at the stump in log/tree length systems and cut-to-length systems or at the landing in whole-tree logging.
When the tree is lying on the ground, branches may be storing enormous potential energy through mechanical strain. When a branch is cut, often with a chain saw, this energy can be released suddenly and the branch can jump dangerously. In addition, a branch may be supporting the tree, and the tree can fall or roll when the branch is cut. For these reasons, limbing is a skilled operation requiring careful safety planning.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Limbing”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- 1978. Jim Hadfield limbing pine. (35679187480).jpg by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection, Public domain
- Fuels treatment program (28811802103).jpg by Yellowstone National Park, Public domain
- Chainsaw1.jpg by Rvannatta at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
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