Tree Work
Notch Angle Calculator
Pick your notch style, enter the tree diameter, and get the recommended notch depth and opening width.
Recommended notch depth (in)
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- Notch opening (in)
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- Opening angle
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- Best for
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FAQ
Why does notch style matter? +
A 45° notch closes early (hinge breaks before the tree is on the ground), while an 80° open-face stays connected to the stump until the trunk is nearly flat. Open face gives you longer hinge control and is the modern standard for arborist felling.
What is the Humboldt notch? +
The face cut slopes up and the bottom cut is horizontal. Used in West Coast logging because the wedge falls off cleanly and the log butt stays straight (no taper waste).
Notch depth rule of thumb? +
About 1/4 to 1/5 of the tree diameter. Deeper than 1/3 weakens the hinge; shallower than 1/5 gives poor directional control.