How to make a Perfect Hinge when Hinge Cutting Trees for Deer Habitat (2 minute video)

The size of the tree matters as well. Typically the larger the tree the less likely it is to hinge properly - the flexibility just isn't there. You get bigger around than a dinner plate and my success rate tends to go way down. In those cases I tend to just cut the log out - leave the top lay and use it to support smaller hinged trees. Depending on the species of tree the stump may still sprout (some times it's more like an explosion) and I just cut the log into firewood.

Trees I know that will hinge well when smaller are: hickories, hackberry, buckeye, elm, boxelder, beech and maples. I have first hand experience with these.

I like to hinge the biggest tree to hinge first and then drop the smaller ones on top of it. If you do it the other way around, or don't pay attention - the larger tree smashes down the other smaller ones under it's weight.