Release Tension and This Happens

Leaning trees are dangerous! This can happen with trees that are perfectly vertical as well. Sometimes, the trunk, especially if the tree's center is compromised, will be spilt up the middle. When a tree is leaning, the tension on the top side of the log and compression on the bottom rip the wood down the tree's center. As the trunk splits, the tension side of the log swings loose, snapping upward and shredding the wood. Cutting slowly and listening for any sounds of cracking is advised. Notch the compression side to prevent it from pushing up before releasing the tension with a back cut. Leaving a substantial hinge helps slow the release and control the fall, but too much hinge and energy can be released along the trunk instead. I should have gotten the larger saw for this cut. The larger saw would have opened the kerf faster and left a smaller hinge, possibly preventing the log from splitting.