Before felling begins, workers should consider which of the following factors?

When felling trees, understanding wind forces and direction is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and the successful execution of the task. The wind can greatly impact the falling tree's trajectory, potentially causing it to fall unpredictably or away from the desired direction. For instance, strong winds can influence how a tree falls and can even cause it to break unexpectedly, which could endanger nearby workers or equipment.

By assessing wind conditions before felling, workers can make informed decisions about the safest approach to the operation, including the direction they should plan for the tree to fall. This factor not only plays a role in safety but also in the efficiency of the felling process, as it can affect the planning of escape routes and the positioning of workers.

Considering soil type, temperature, humidity, and time of day, while important in certain contexts, do not carry the same immediate impact on the critical dynamics involved in tree felling compared to wind forces and direction.