So how on Earth do we handle that?

Sep 01, The back lean is the distance from this point along the intended direction of fall to the apex of the planned undercut. The apex will be the front of the hinge and the pivot point for the falling stem.

All we need to do is measure the distance between the front of the hinge and the back edge of the tree.

The weight of the tree must be brought over this pivot point before the tree will fall. In the foot-tall tree at right, the back lean is three feet.

Jul 12, Felling a tree with heavy back lean toward a structure. Employed the use of a pull line ( Fiddleblock) combined with bottle jack to overcome back lean.

Oct 13, If the tree has a back lean and the wedge falls out as described the saw gets pinched, the hinge breaks and major damage may occur. The wedge is no guarantee. If the tree has a back lean and you attempt to use a wedge to lift, while pounding you can break the hinge.