What is tree barber chair?

A barber chair occurs when a tree being felled delaminates vertically before the hinge is cut thin enough to bend. The term refers to the sliding action of the old style barber chair that positioned patrons in a head down, feet up position so the barber could more easily shave with the straight razor.

Why is a split tree called a barber chair?

More than likely it refers to the old chairs that barbers would use, especially for straight razor shaves. With these kinds of chairs a barber could push the top of the chair down so that the customers head would swing down while his feet swung up. This made it easy to shave a customers neck.

How much does a barber chair go for?

The cost for these chairs may run you anywhere from $300 to $6,000 a piece depending on it’s condition.

What trees are most likely to barber chair?

The general rule is the easier it is to split with an axe, the more likely it is to barber chair. Those trees with straight trunks and high canopies (ie. no knots or branches low to the ground) are particularly prone. All the weight way up top = longer lever = more stress at the bottom where you are cutting.

What is a bore cut?

On trees leaning backwards or in other undesirable directions, a bore cut allows you to use wedges to control the direction of its fall. When you make a bore cut, a strap of wood at the back of the tree holds it safely and securely, allowing you all the time you need to make the hinge exactly the way you want it.

What are barber chairs made of?

Traditional Barber Chairs They are commonly upholstered in synthetic leather or vinyl for customer comfort.

What happens when you cut the bottom off a barber chair?

1) The bottom of the barber chairing trunk will kick back. This is the tree felling equivalent of walking behind a horse or a mule. When the tree trunk starts to shear and rip vertically from bottom to top, the weighty trunk wood directly above your saw cut actually flies back while it’s on it’s way up.

What causes a tree to barber chair?

The main reason for a tree to barber chair is when it starts to fall and has momentum or a lot of weight in the top and something at the stump (not cutting enough holding wood, having a shallow face) starts to stop the tree from falling. This puts an immense amount of vertical splitting pressure on the tree trunk at the point you stopped cutting.

Can I cut a barberchair tree myself?

Dangerous barberchair trees should be cut by a professional arborist. If you have a tree on your property that could meet the description of a barberchair, please do not attempt to cut it yourself. Instead, we would be happy to provide you with a free tree assessment and quote to safely cut the tree.

Why do barber chairs swing down?

With these kinds of chairs a barber could push the top of the chair down so that the customers head would swing down while his feet swung up. This made it easy to shave a customers neck. The motion of a barberchairing tree is similar because the bottom of the trunk flies up while the top of the tree comes down and over.