Springpoles are typically saplings that have been bent over by falling trees or big limbs. They are an unfortunate byproduct of most tree-felling operations, although you can (and should) take steps to minimize their occurrence. You do that by anticipating where the tree will fall, and cleaning up a place for it before you cut it down. But when you inevitably encounter a springpole, the best way to deal with it is by making a series of progressively deeper cuts into the top of the arch, until it collapses.
The big hazard presented by springpoles is that they're under a lot of tension and if you cut them in the wrong place, they can easily snap up and hit you. The other day I cut one at the base and it jumped out pretty violently. I was careful not to be in the way, but it could have easily broken my leg if it happened to be in the wrong position. It got my attention, so I thought I would post this reminder.
From a male perspective, probably the worst thing you could do would be to cut a springpole loose while straddling it, but any part of your body hit by a piece of wood moving that fast is going to feel the pain. Unless you get hit in the head, of course.
The big hazard presented by springpoles is that they're under a lot of tension and if you cut them in the wrong place, they can easily snap up and hit you. The other day I cut one at the base and it jumped out pretty violently. I was careful not to be in the way, but it could have easily broken my leg if it happened to be in the wrong position. It got my attention, so I thought I would post this reminder.
From a male perspective, probably the worst thing you could do would be to cut a springpole loose while straddling it, but any part of your body hit by a piece of wood moving that fast is going to feel the pain. Unless you get hit in the head, of course.
