Maybe you have a dead or too close to the power lines. Maybe you just want to improve the appearance of your yard. Whatever the case may be, theres a good chance that youll need to know how to cut a tree down at some point as a homeowner.
It is easy to learn how to cut down a tree. To ensure safety while you are cutting, there are some guidelines you should follow.
What Youll Need
Basic tree cutting requires a basic safety gear, a chainsaw and felling wedges. Heres your gear list:
Step 1: Evaluating The Job
Before you start any tree-cutting job, it is important to first take stock of the situation. If there is enough space around the tree to allow it to fall, it’s easier to cut it down. However, tree maintenance tasks that are difficult require the expertise of a professional.
It is best to hire a professional if you have a specific location in mind, or if the tree is near your house, shed, fence or other fixtures.
If youre able to tackle the job on your own, be sure to brush up on your chainsaw safety procedures before you get to work.
Step II: Planning The Job
To ensure that the job goes according plan, you will need to prepare a few things before you start cutting.
Clear the area around the tree first. Clear as much as possible in all directions around the tree.
Next, clear any brush in the immediate area of the tree, and cut down any loose branches you see directly overhead.
Finally, pick the direction you want the tree to fall in and plan your exit strategy. As youd imagine, your exit path should be in the exact opposite direction that the tree will fall.
Step III: Making The First Cut
Before beginning your first cut, make sure youre wearing proper safety gear. Make sure youre wearing a helmet, safety goggles or a face shield, work gloves and hearing protection.
Start your chainsaw once you are ready. The side that you will make your first cut is in the direction that you want the tree fall.
Your first cut is going to be made at a sharp angle of around 70 degrees. Standing with the tree to your right, cut at a 70 degree angle all the way through the tree. As a guide, use the saw’s felling sight on top of your chainsaw.
To create a notch, make a horizontal cut. This will be made by bringing the horizontal cut to the end of the first cut. This second cut should meet your first. After you’re done, turn off the saw and take the wood piece from the notch that was just been cut.
Step IV: Making The Felling Cut
The tree will eventually be felled by the felling cut. Start your horizontal felling by moving to the opposite end of the tree. You want this cut to be about an inch or two above the height of your first cut.
Cut about halfway through the tree. Once you have finished, close the saw. Grab your saw and use it to make the cut.
With the wedge inserted, you can continue the cut. Dont cut completely through the tree. Leave an inch or so to act as a hinge for the tree as it falls. As your making this cut, make sure youre acutely aware of what the tree is doing because it can fall at any second. You should be ready to find an escape route if the tree falls.
Step V: Remove The Branches
Next, youll need to limb the tree. Use your chainsaw to cut off all of the limbs of the tree. You can round them up later once the job is complete. To prevent the chain from slipping, alternate downward and upward cuts using your saw.
Step VI: Cut The Trunk
Now you can cut the trunk into manageable pieces.
For portions of the trunk where the trunk is under pressure, drive in a felling wedge after youve made a partial cut to keep the chain from binding. Cut through logs that are on the ground. Then roll the log over to complete the cut from the top, so your chainsaw doesnt come in contact with the ground.
Final Word
It is not difficult to learn how to cut down a tree. This is an important lesson that every homeowner needs. These tips will ensure your job is done safely and according to plan.
For more difficult or technical tree cutting jobs, resist the urge to wing it and hope for the best. Give a call to your local tree service and have them handle the more difficult jobs.
