The Swing Dutchman is a felling technique that involves pulling a tree against its lean in order for it to fall in a more desired direction. The notch's purpose is to allow the tree to fall without prematurely breaking the hinge. Too much weight on the tree can cause it to break instead. The name "Swing Dutchman" comes from the fact that the operator swings the tree like a hammer to knock the wood loose from the trunk so it can be sawed up. This method was popular with timber cruisers looking to harvest large amounts of wood quickly. Today, it is used mainly by farmers who need to control the direction in which their trees grow. The most common types of trees used for Swing Dutchmen are Pines and Firs. However, any deciduous tree that grows straight and allows for easy sawing at a consistent thickness can be used. If you want to use a tree for lumber that you plan to burn or otherwise not keep, don't swing a Dutchman cut tree. Trees this size usually aren't moved by hand, so if you want to use this technique you'll need a tractor or other machine designed specifically for manipulating large objects.