Which two parts make up the Undercut?

The Undercut in felling and tree cutting is typically composed of the Gunning Cut and the Matching Cut. The Gunning Cut is a notch made in the direction of the intended fall of the tree, which helps to control the direction of the fall and ensures that energy is directed appropriately during the felling process. The Matching Cut complements this by creating a second cut that aligns correctly with the Gunning Cut, forming a cooperative mechanism to allow the tree to fall predictably and safely.

This understanding is crucial in wildland firefighting and other forestry practices, as proper cuts help mitigate risks and enhance safety during tree felling operations. Using both cuts effectively enables better control over the tree's descent and reduces the likelihood of unintended rebounds or kickbacks, which can pose significant hazards to those operating the chainsaw.