The Complete Guide to Becoming A Faller

Chapter 1: What Does a Faller Actually Do?

Let's strip away the romantic image of the lone woodsman with a flannel shirt and a chainsaw that never stalls. A Faller - sometimes called a timber feller or a tree feller - is a professional who cuts down standing trees for a living. That's the core of the job. But if you're seriously weighing this career, you need to understand that "cutting down trees" is a phrase that hides a mountain of nuance, physical labor, and split-second decision-making.

Your day starts before sunrise. Most logging operations are remote, and you're driving to a staging area where you'll meet your crew. You're not just grabbing a saw out of your truck and heading into the woods. There's a pre-shift routine that never changes, regardless of the weather or the company. You'll check your gear: the chainsaw, the bar, the chain (the sharp loop of cutting teeth), chaps or protective pants, a hardhat with a face screen, ear protection, and steel-toed boots with high ankle support. You'll inspect your saw for loose bolts, check the chain tension, and ensure the chain is sharp. A dull chain is not just inefficient - it's dangerous, because it causes the saw to bind or kick back violently.

You work as part of a team, even though you're often physically isolated when you're working. A typical crew has a few fallers, but you'll also be in the woods with chokers (the people who attach cables to logs