An arborist is preparing to fell a medium-sized tree. To ensure the tree falls in the intended direction and to prevent dangerous situations like a 'barber chair', what is the most critical element the arborist must create and maintain during the back cut?
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A
Adequate and sound hinge wood
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B
A back cut that is perfectly level with the face notch
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C
An escape route cleared at a 90-degree angle to the fell line
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D
The use of at least two felling wedges