Hinge cutting trees for deer habitat is a means to improve woodlots by providing cover and browse for whitetail deer.

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In this video we show an example of habitat pioneer Mike Hartges re-hinge-cutting a tree that he originally hinge cut 21 years earlier, and which survived all those years, producing a robust growth of sprouts both from the trunk and from the tree top. Many people believe that most hinge cut trees only survive for a year or two after cutting. Although this belief usually stems from the direct experience of seeing trees die after being hinge cut, it is more correct to say that some hinge cut trees may not survive or will only last a short time, but that with proper technique many can be made to survive indefinitely. Although most coniferous trees will not survive hinge cutting, most deciduous trees can survive if the right trees are cut in the right manner (some "hardwood" trees such as aspens and poplars do not survive well, but most do). There are several mistakes people make that lead to the false belief that most hinge cut trees won't survive. One thing that will lead to poor results is trying to hinge cut trees that are too large. Most trees greater than 12 inches in diameter will not survive hinge cutting. Another big problem is that many people hinge cut small trees underneath the canopy of larger trees, so that they do not get enough light. Hinge cutting trees compromises their vascular system, so that even shade resistant trees require more light after hinge cutting than they did before., So if you hinge cut small trees under the shade of larger trees, they are not likely to survive well. A third problem is that we see many examples of people doing the cut at a downward angle. This is a dangerous practice that causes a weak and unstable hinge and will result in far poorer survival of trees than trees that are cut with a horizontal back cut. Finally, we see many examples of people cutting too far through the tree, often in combination with a downward slant (which makes it more difficult to judge the distance cut through the tree), resulting in poor survival of the trees because the hinge breaks, is pinched, or too little cambium remains to support the survival of the tree. Take care to choose the right species, make sure the tree has enough sunlight, make a careful horizontal back cut going only about 70% of the way through the tree, and push or wedge the tree down slowly, and you too may be rehinging trees two decades from when you cut them.