What does harvesting large Silver Firs in the Black Forest look like?

The crown of this thick Silver Fir was seriously affected and partly destroyed by a thunderstorm and lightning. Additionally, there is a tumorous swelling that constricts more than two thirds of size of the stem. That is why this 180 years-old tree has to be harvested.

The skilled forest worker has already done the upper and lower notch cut. Now, he cuts the tree. By leaving a felling comb that acts as a frame joint, the felling is very precise and secure.

Aluminium wedges are used to make the Silver Fir lean into the right direction. The skilled forest workers hit the wedges with a large hammer until the tree starts to fall. All the time, the crown area is carefully observed to prevent injuries by falling branches.

Now the tree is falling very quickly. At this time, nobody is allowed to stay in the dangerous area. The power of the falling tree is nearly unbelievable. Far in front of the White Fir there is a skidding tractor that supports the falling direction with a steel rope.

The stem has hit the ground with an enormous power. The skilled forest workers have done a good job and precisely placed the tree in a direction so that no damage was done to other trees.

Then timber quality is analysed. Many years ago, a rockfall has wounded the stem so that a fungus causing decay was able to destruct parts of the timber. These parts of the stem are devaluated and have to be removed from the intact part.

A Silver Fir of this dimension is not harvested everyday. So, many young apprentices watched this spectacular event.
(Pictures: T. Beimgraben)