{{Short description|Process of removing branches from a tree trunk}} [[Image:1978._Jim_Hadfield_limbing_pine._(35679187480).jpg|thumb|right| Limbing a pine tree with a manual pruning saw]]
'''Limbing''' or '''delimbing''' is the process of removing branches from a standing or fallen tree trunk.<ref>[https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3132/logging_section_four.htm Logging Safety: A Field Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804041740/https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3132/logging_section_four.htm |date=2019-08-04 }}, Section Four: Limbing and Bucking, New York State Department of Health</ref> 220x124px|thumb|right|alt=Delimber|This truck known as a Delimber is used for limbing and saves time.
In logging, limbing follows felling.<ref>[https://extension2.missouri.edu/G1958 Felling, Limbing and Bucking Trees]; University of Missouri extension; by Hank Stelzer, Forestry State Specialist, School of Natural Resources</ref> Limbing plays a role in fire prevention by removing branches from live trees that can otherwise serve as part of a fuel ladder allowing a fire to climb from the ground into the tree canopy. A California fire prevention guide recommends to "Remove all tree branches at least 6 feet [1.8 meters] from the ground" and "Allow extra vertical space between shrubs and trees."<ref>[http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Defensible-Space/ Maintain Defensible Space]{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, Ready For Wildfire, CAL FIRE</ref>
In British English, limbing can be synonymous with snedding. Alternatively, limbing can be used to describe the operation on larger branches, and snedding on smaller.
==In logging==
Options for cutting off the branches include chain saws, harvesters, stroke delimbers and others. Limbing can happen at the stump in log/tree length systems and cut-to-length systems or at the landing in whole-tree logging.
thumb|right| Chainsaw limbing
When the tree is lying on the ground, branches may be storing enormous potential energy through mechanical strain. When a branch is cut, often with a chain saw, this energy can be released suddenly and the branch can jump dangerously. In addition, a branch may be supporting the tree, and the tree can fall or roll when the branch is cut. For these reasons, limbing is a skilled operation requiring careful safety planning.
==See also== *Axe *Chainsaw *Felling *Fuel ladder *Hewing *Logging *Log bucking *Feller buncher
== References == <references />
{{Forestry}} {{Lumberjack sports}}
Category:Logging Category:Lumberjack sports Category:Sustainable forest management Category:Environmental terminology Category:Sustainable gardening Category:Wildfire suppression