Is it just me????

[Larry]

Thanks for the info Kevin.  I guess that bottom cut only goes in a couple of inches so would be about the same as my ear cuts.

The hinge is also sacred to me as that keeps us alive and kicking.  I switched to the open face cut, as it will allow the tree to almost get on the ground before it breaks.  If your illustration is correct your hinge will break at about a 45-degree angle allowing the tree to swivel on an adjacent tree or kickback.

To remove stress on the leaners I bore cut right behind the hinge and saw to the back of the tree leaving only a small amount of holding wood on the back.  Cut the holding wood with the bar tip and long gone when the tree goes over.

[Kevin]

By dropping down a bit it allows you to take more wood in the kerf that you might want to risk near the hinge.
A wedge shape hinge is good for removing stress also.
I primarily use the open face as well and always on a tree leaning back and away from the lay.

[IndyIan]

Thanks for the tips Kevin, for some reason I didn't see the diagonal over cut the first time... :

I do like your method for preventing tear out while leaving the hinge alone.  I'll try it on my next tree.