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How a faller can use AI, task by task

O*NET 45-4021.00: FallersMedian pay $52,100/year (BLS, May 2025)17 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Bucker, Cutter Operator, Feller, Logger, Sawyer, Timber Cutter, Timber Faller, Timber Feller, Tree Faller, Tree Feller.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 0%AI-assist 15%Stays human 85%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 0 AI-ready, 2 AI-assist and 15 human-led tasks out of 17. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.Plan & schedule · Hourly or more
  2. Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.Plan & schedule · Several times a day

AI can draft these 0

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

None of this job's tasks are here.

AI can help you prep these 2

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.

Hourly or more

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.

Context: We use BCS Woodlands Software Woodlands Tracker and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on mechanical.
Tree and site: [species, lean, terrain, weather]
Hazards: [structures, people, wires]

List factors for direction, cuts, wedges and escape routes, as a planning refresher. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Felling plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select trees (today).
Step 2Fill in [Tree and site] and [Hazards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Plan on site yourself; never rely on AI for the cut.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine forestry techniques or methods..

Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.

Several times a day

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.

Context: We use BCS Woodlands Software Woodlands Tracker and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on mechanical.
Tree and site: [species, lean, terrain, weather]
Hazards: [structures, people, wires]

List factors for direction, cuts, wedges and escape routes, as a planning refresher. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Felling plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine position, direction and depth of cuts.
Step 2Fill in [Tree and site] and [Hazards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Plan on site yourself; never rely on AI for the cut.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine forestry techniques or methods..

These stay human 15

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Outdoors in all weather: every day · Around hazardous equipment: every day · Standing: continually or almost continually · Using hands on tools and objects: continually or almost continually

Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.

Hourly or more

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Trees: [species, size, markings]
Site: [terrain, hazards]

List felling or transplant steps and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Tree cutting plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you saw back-cuts (today).
Step 2Fill in [Trees] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Plan escape routes and check for hazards on site.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut trees or logs..

Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.

Hourly or more

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Trees: [species, size, markings]
Site: [terrain, hazards]

List felling or transplant steps and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Tree cutting plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you stop saw engines (today).
Step 2Fill in [Trees] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Plan escape routes and check for hazards on site. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut trees or logs.. Also involves: Operate forestry equipment..

Control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges.

Hourly or more

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Trees: [species, size, markings]
Site: [terrain, hazards]

List felling or transplant steps and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Tree cutting plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you control the direction of a tree's fall (today).
Step 2Fill in [Trees] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Plan escape routes and check for hazards on site.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut trees or logs..

Appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage.

Several times a day

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Crop: [type, stage]
Concerns: [maturity, pests, disease, water]

Make a field scouting checklist with signs to look for and thresholds for action. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Crop scouting checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you appraise trees.
Step 2Fill in [Crop] and [Concerns] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate quality of plants or crops..

Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Plants: [trees, hedges, lawn]
Goal: [shape, health]

List pruning steps and timing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pruning plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clear brush.
Step 2Fill in [Plants] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the right season for pruning each species.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Trim trees or other vegetation.. Also involves: Operate forestry equipment..

Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.

Several times a day

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Species and product: [sawlogs, pulp]
Grading rules: [knots, straightness, length]

Make a quick grading guide with defects and how each affects grade. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Log grading guide

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess logs.
Step 2Fill in [Species and product] and [Grading rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Grade a few logs with it and compare with the scaler.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate log quality..

Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Trees: [species, size, markings]
Site: [terrain, hazards]

List felling or transplant steps and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Tree cutting plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure felled trees.
Step 2Fill in [Trees] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Plan escape routes and check for hazards on site.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut trees or logs.. Also involves: Measure physical characteristics of forestry or agricultural products..

Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Trees: [species, size, markings]
Site: [terrain, hazards]

List felling or transplant steps and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Tree cutting plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you insert jacks.
Step 2Fill in [Trees] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Plan escape routes and check for hazards on site.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut trees or logs.. Also involves: Operate forestry equipment..

Maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Machinery: [tractor, implements]
Season: [pre-season, daily]

List service tasks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Farm machinery service

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment (today).
Step 2Fill in [Machinery] and [Season] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain forestry, hunting, or agricultural equipment..

Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Plants: [trees, hedges, lawn]
Goal: [shape, health]

List pruning steps and timing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pruning plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you trim off the tops and limbs of trees (today).
Step 2Fill in [Plants] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the right season for pruning each species.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Trim trees or other vegetation..

Mark logs for identification.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to mark logs for identification.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
What I mark: [animals, graded products, timber]
Requirements: [ID rules]

Make a step-by-step marking and record-keeping routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Product or animal ID routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mark logs.
Step 2Fill in [What I mark] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification..

Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
What I mark: [animals, graded products, timber]
Requirements: [ID rules]

Make a step-by-step marking and record-keeping routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Product or animal ID routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you tag unsafe trees.
Step 2Fill in [What I mark] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification..

Place supporting limbs or poles under felled trees to avoid splitting undersides, and to prevent logs from rolling.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to place supporting limbs or poles under felled trees to avoid splitting undersides, and to prevent logs from rolling.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Task: [irrigation, pest control, transplanting]
Conditions: [crop, weather, equipment]

List steps, timing and checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Field task plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you place supporting limbs or poles (today).
Step 2Fill in [Task] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check any product use against the label.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Perform manual agricultural, aquacultural, or horticultural tasks..

Secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Equipment: [tractor, lighting fixture]
Accessory: [plow, filter, sprayer]

List attachment and safety checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Attach implements or accessories

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you secure steel cables or chains (today).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Accessory] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check pins, locks and guards before use.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Attach equipment extensions or accessories..

Work as a member of a team, rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a faller. Part of my job is to work as a member of a team, rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation.

Context: The work draws on mechanical.
Machine: [skidder, saw]
Site: [terrain]

List pre-op checks and safe operation. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Forestry equipment operation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you work as a member of a team (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Machine] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Operate forestry equipment..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Monitoringimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  • Operations Monitoringimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  • Equipment Maintenanceimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  • Troubleshootingimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Active Listeningimportance 2.6/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

O*NET has not surveyed education and training for this occupation yet.

Software in this job

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