Hinge Failure

We are revisiting hinges in this post to have another look at the theory that a hinge will turn a tree if it is left thicker on one end.  If a hinge is aimed where you want it, and it holds together, that theory is totally wrong.  A hinge will make the tree fall at 90 degrees to the face; unless it fails.  This elm had a bit of side lean, and I made the hinge thin on one end, and even thinner on the other.  The extra-thin end was on the light, or tensioned side of the tree.

I made the tensioned side thin enough that it pulled apart (Failed) when the tree was turned loose.  Because of this failure, the tree did fall slighty toward the lean instead of going where the hinge was aimed.  In this photo you can see that fibers pulled out of the stump...

...and here you can see that fibers also pulled out of the butt end of the tree.  Normally, you want the hinge to be about 10% of the tree's diameter in thickness, or a little less.  You can leave one end on the thick side if it is the tensioned side of the tree, and the side lean is near your limit.  If you think the side lean is at or over a safe limit, work out another plan to drop your tree.  Don't play games trying to turn a tree with a bad hinge; it will become a dangerous, unguided missile.