Page 45 - Story Book_Neat

Chapter 11. Tree Felling

There were some trees overhanging the road by Grandpa’s farm which were in
the way of big vehicles passing by. Grandpa and Daddy Richards set about
cutting them down. The gang were there to help as it was important to clear the
road quickly so as not to hold up traffic. Grandpa drove his tractor up to the
spot with a trailer on the back to carry the fallen wood.

James was given the job of making sure everyone was well clear when a tree
was about to fall. Daddy Richards started to saw the first tree. The saw whined
and sawdust flew high up onto the bank. The tree groaned and started to move.

“Stand back everybody”, shouted James. Everyone stood well back and as
Daddy Richards continued, the tree came crashing down. Immediately,

Grandpa rushed in with his chainsaw and they both reduced the tall tree to a pile
of logs in no time. Ellie had the job of watching for traffic while the others
rushed back and forth picking up the logs and loading them onto the trailer.

Once cleared, Daddy Richards moved on to the next tree. The saw whined and
whirred once more. James watched closely and at the moment he thought

things were getting dangerous, he called out “stand back everyone”. Moments
later the next tree crashed to the ground and Grandpa rushed in to help.

“Car”, cried Ellie. Grandpa looked up to see a car approaching down the hill.

“Clear the road as best we can and then I will move the tractor down the hill and
out of the way”, called Grandpa. Some logs were chucked on the trailer, others
tossed to the side and within minutes, the road was clear. Grandpa reversed the
tractor and trailer down to the farm entrance and out of the way of the car. He

then drove back up the hill so work could continue. The tree was duly loaded
onto the trailer.

Daddy Richards moved on to the next tree. The saw whirred and whined.
James watched. Unexpectedly, because it was rotten, the tree came crashing
down and Grandpa was in the way. He was thrown to the ground and his legs
were trapped under the tree.

“Aargh”, cried Grandpa in agony. Bells rushed to him, held his hand, and
talked to him, trying to calm him.