Removing these branches will give you the clearance you need to more easily use the chainsaw on the tree. Of course, if you want to hire out a landscaping company to handle the hard work, you might end up shocked at the final cost, as even small trees can end up being pretty expensive to have professionally removed. In the case of felling trees, this is especially important, as using improper cutting techniques can quickly turn tree cutting into a potentially dangerous situation. However, if the tree is a manageable size, you may choose to tackle the job yourself. Even homeowners with small pieces of land will occasionally need to cut down a tree or two, but for those who own large properties or those with particularly thick woods, felling trees can become a fairly regular activity. Check the tree carefully – if the tree is leaning heavily to one side, it’s going to go that way no matter which way to you cut. If a tree gets hung up, deal with it immediately. Two face cuts make a notch. I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to fell a tree with a chainsaw. Using your chainsaw to try and cut a lodged tree or the tree that it is stuck in can pose a lot of danger. Though these may hinder your movements a little, it’s a small price to pay for your safety. I also have a dedicated page on the best 18 inch chainsaws which are an excellent length for felling medium to large size trees. This is crucial to the safety of any individual or team, as the last place you want to be when the tree starts falling in an unplanned direction is still underneath it. You can usually get away with estimating the angles required to make the hinge cut, but some chainsaws come with built-in tools to help make the cuts more accurate. Choose Where to Cut. It may take longer, but you’ll still get it done. The felling wedge acts as a lever that gives the tree a push in the right direction for it to tip over. This is advanced work that will require hours of saw use, and a lot can go wrong if you’re not experienced or careful. This procedure is called “bucking,” and takes the most time of the entire tree cutting procedure. Once finished, you can either enjoy your new found supply of firewood, haul the wood away, or sell the wood for a small profit. Ropes (optional) – in the case of trees that are touching various obstacles, some people prefer to use ropes and a few friends to make sure the tree goes where they need it. Buy Felling Wedges. If the tree is mostly … It’s not uncommon for a tree to have a ripple effect with other trees when it comes crashing down. Insert wedges and hammer until the tree begins to topple. Please share to your friends: A chainsaw can be an invaluable tool around the home, especially during the colder, Every chainsaw will eventually need servicing and replacement of its parts. Saw a horizontal cut one-third of the way through the trunk of the palm tree on the side of the trunk … Stop cutting when you’re a few inches away from the notch. Of course, the most important part of felling a tree is making sure it falls where you want it too. Make sure there is no debris, logs, or other objects that would keep you from getting away from the falling tree quickly. So, how does one do this properly? The type of notch you choose to fell a tree is personal preference. The cutting procedure for felling a tree with chainsaw begins with a “hinge cut,” which is a roughly 90-degree cut (30 degrees at the bottom and 60 degrees at the top) made into the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. When using a chainsaw, you will also need to have the right safety equipment. Walk around the tree to the opposite side. Today, there’s an electric-powered saw for pretty much anything. Each method of notching achieves the same end result. Designing the Fall Direction. That is if there are no objects within the fall zone. If the tree you want to fell is on your own property, you’re likely to be fine. You can use a chainsaw to trim small branches from a tree, as long as you don't have to hold the chainsaw higher than shoulder level. So, I’ll also teach you how to fell a tree with a chainsaw. The trouble is, … To prevent the falling branch from tearing the bark from the trunk as it falls, make a cut a foot or so from the trunk and cut from below the branch, so that the limb sags. Go to shallow, and you risk it falling in an unintended direction, or worse, turning unpredictably on the stump. We’ll cover all of these in the sections below. After all, doing things yourself should never take a back seat to do things safely. Step 4 The back cut is made on the opposite side of the notch and exact height will depend on the type of notch you chose: Once you’ve made the back cut with your chainsaw, the tree may start to fall. The back cut is what disconnects the tree from the stump and creates a hinge for the tree to fall. You also need to check for any dead branches that might fall on your head while you’re cutting, as well as anything else that might prove problematic. In this guide, we will discuss how to correctly cut logs with a chainsaw. Like this post? This can lead to all sorts of danger and even a bigger mess to clean up. Insert the wedge into the back cut and tap it with a sledge hammer until the tree starts to fall. This is the "hinge". Tip 3: Assess the area around the tree. The tree may start to fall at this point. This makes clearing at least two escape routes absolutely essential. Most importantly, how are you feeling today? One of the most common ways I see people mis-using a chainsaw is when they are cutting down large trees. Cutting logs might appear as an easy task. That post will help you find the best chainsaw to take down trees that meets your specific needs. I have used my sawzall to cut down small trees and even large plants :thumbsup: One time I was out of wood blades and even made it work with a metal cutting blade. But, if it’s in a neighbors yard or another piece of land, then you’ll want to make sure you get any of the necessary permits (or permission) to take down the tree. Make sure your chain and your engine are in good working order, and also make sure your chainsaw is designed to handle a job like this (electric saws, small saws, or underpowered saws will usually prove no match for a good solid tree trunk). For these reasons, almost every large diameter tree should be felled using these wedges whenever possible. This will keep you out of the felling zone and the side where the trunk separates from the stump. Without a doubt, the bar length of a chainsaw is the most important factor that determines not only the size of your saw, but also the type and volume of work it can take on. Get rid of falling … Before you actually set to begin cutting down a tree with a chainsaw there are a few necessary steps you must take. That’s a recipe for disaster and can cause serious injuries since you don’t have good control at those heights. A light-use chainsaw can get damaged when cutting thick tree trunks since it has a small blasé and cutting bar. You need to. Sometimes a tree may become lodged or stuck in another tree when it’s on the way down. A good safety tip here is to work at an angle that puts the tree trunk between you and the chainsaw when removing the lower branches. A comfortable height for making face cuts is about 24 inches from the ground. That is why we wrote this guide to make the process safe and efficient for all chainsaw users. The next cut is at a downward angle above the first cut, about 60 degrees or so, at a depth so the two cuts meet. Now I am quite good at using a chainsaw, and I understand that all my worries were unnecessary. Make sure the bottom of the tree is cleared of debris. The actual “felling cut” will be made from the other side of this cut, toward the point where the two hinge cuts meet. Most people can get away with using an axe handle or stick to estimate the tree’s height, but it’s always best to leave plenty of extra room on top of that. This is especially true of any other trees that may have intersecting branches or any vines from nearby foliage. Make a back cut to meet the upper part of the wedge cut. Make the second cut across the top cut to complete the open face notch. Where you’re standing is roughly where the top of the tree will land. Place the cut 2 feet off the ground. It’s worth it just to even see what chainsaws are out there. If you’re right-handed, notch the face cuts on the right side of the trunk. It’s not safe to attempt to hinge-cut large trees, for reasons I will explain. How to Use a Chainsaw. When you cut down a tree, you need to get away from it fast—and at a good distance—to ensure your safety. Site preparation and tree analysis are arguably the most important part of the tree cutting process, and the vast majority of injuries happen because people failed to do one of the following things: Clear the cutting zone – you need to make sure both the cutting zone and the fall zone are completely clear of all debris that could impede or alter the direction of the fall. Cut a wedge on the same side as the tree will fall Our first cut was horizontal, about halfway through the tree (sometimes 2/3 if it’s small). If either of those is the case, I invite you to check out my list of the top chainsaws. Gloves that enhance grip (not just any utility gloves). ), How to Use an Electric Chainsaw (A Step-by-Step Guide), How to Stack Firewood (The Top 3 Methods for You to Try), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Mistakes You Can Make When Cutting Down a Tree With a Chainsaw. Ideally, they would be at least a 45-degree angle from the “drop zone” and each other. Once the tree is down, you’ll want to begin cutting off the limbs one by one. If the tree your cutting down has any branches that are shoulder height or lower, then you’ll want to remove those before you actually fell the tree. While walking, match the top of the wood / stick to the top of the tree. Do not cut all the way through. Check with your local tree commission if you have any doubts. Personal Protection. NOTE: Be sure to take into account any slopes in the fall zone, which could cause the tree to roll or slide. You’ll learn about the various types of chainsaws, which features makes each one stand out, and find reviews of the top 10 chainsaws you can buy today. The top of the notch should be the shallowest part of the cut, while the bottom of the notch will be the deepest area of the cut. Saw into the tree, leaving 1 inch of wood; don't saw completely through the tree trunk. This is a point where an injury is still a real potential, so it’s important to make sure you have good footing when hacking off the limbs, and never to lean over too far or try to extend one’s leverage when using the saw. If … If it is still attached, cut it clear or use a felling lever. The Difference Between a Big and Small Tree. Allow me to explain: The longer the bar, the more effective it is at cutting trees with larger diameters. This process is also referred to as “felling” a tree. It’s a potentially dangerous job that’s best left to trained professionals. And each one uses three cuts to make what’s called a “notch”. For instance: if the diameter of the tree is wider than the cutting area of the saw, different techniques will need to be employed in order to properly fell the tree. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the tree is already leaning in one direction, it may be best to just let it naturally fall that way when you cut it down. I know from personal experience working in the forestry industry for years. Though some people cut with the chainsaw until the tree goes down, this can be a bit risky for obvious reasons. Regardless of the height, if the tree is not leaning in one particular direction, then you can usually pick any direction for it to fall. Quickly move away from the tree while maintaining eye contact with it. The width of the back cut should be about 10% of the diameter of the tree trunk. You have probably heard it said that a dull knife is a dangerous knife. Take a quick look at those posts to get a feel for the kinds of chainsaws you can get for cutting down trees. Clear the base of the tree. I hope the techniques outlined in this … Now that you know how to cut down a tree with a chainsaw, you may be wanting to buy your first chainsaw or upgrade an existing tool. While the majority of people who cut down thick trees prefer using gas-powered chainsaws, you can use your electric chainsaw as long as the user manual says you can. Regardless if the tree is large or small in size, safety should always be taken seriously. Just keep in mind how easy or difficult it will be for you to complete the job while working in the fall zone. Once you are 2-3 inches from the angle of the hinge cut, stop. To fell a tree with a chainsaw, you will need to make three cuts, two on the … Stop cutting when there is a parallel strip of uncut timber not less than 1/10th of the diameter of the tree. Small trees can be felled without having to worry too much, about where the tree will land. If you’re left-handed, make the face cuts on the left. ... but this technique is best for small trees that you can easily handle. Pruning is similar to limbing with the only difference being that the tree … If the tree does not fall, do not cut further into the hinge. (And Tips on How to Avoid It), Proper Chainsaw Techniques (for Cutting Trees, Logs & Stumps), How Good Are Electric Chainsaws? That means you will have to find a clear path in which the tree will fall. It’s best to use the wedges just before the point where the tree will fall, as it is much easier to hit one of the designed escape routes without having to drop a running chainsaw first. Lever up the butt and slide it a few cms. Well, before you fire that chainsaw up, it’s good to know what you’re doing. Felling a tree with a chainsaw takes crucial planning and thought before you go at it. If that happens, the best thing you can do is get help from an experienced logger. Cut the tree stump down close to the ground level Dig all the dirt away from the stump – exposing the roots Cut the roots with a chainsaw Pry the stump from the ground So, it’s best that you don’t attempt this type of thing without professional help. (& Are They Safer Than Gas Chainsaws? However, you can easily waste a lot of time if you are cutting the logs in the wrong way. They also make a good size for cutting firewood, which you can learn more about in this guide on the best chainsaw for cutting firewood. If so, stay calm, keep your eyes on the tree and move away quickly. In some cases, the tree will begin to topple at this point. Go too deep, and you risk the tree falling while you’re standing in front of it. And you want to saw to a depth of about 20-25% of the tree’s diameter. The first two cuts you need to learn for how to fell a tree with a chainsaw are the face cuts. How do you manage the process without injuring yourself (or others)? But don’ worry, I’ll make sure you know everything necessary for this job so it will go as smooth as possible. What Causes Kickback? Felling wedges – whether you make them yourself or buy them from a store, felling wedges are an essential tool to keep your saw from getting pinched while cutting. Leave a little, so the tree doesn’t fall while your chainsaw is in the cut (Hinge). Try to imagine all possible scenarios before cutting with your chainsaw. Also, make sure you’re wearing the right protective equipment too. To shift medium sized trees, get one or two stout poles. Chain saw if regular tree trimming is in your furture A decent sawzall is probably one of the most usefully tools you should have around the house. Allow the chainsaw to work the cut; do not work it in a sawing motion. So, before you start felling the tree with your chainsaw you first need to make sure that the area around the tree and your getaway path is clear of debris and other obstacles. Hinge-cutting is a popular technique for enhancing deer habitat, but this technique is best for small trees that you can easily handle. Clear the fell path and the escape routes. Sledge or Hammer – this is what you’ll use to insert the felling wedge and, ideally, topple the tree. 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For a larger tree you would simply cut it down from the trunk and then limb it, but with this smaller tree it was easier to cut the branches first and set them aside and then cut off firewood sized pieces from the larger branches and trunk. When it comes to how to cut down a tree with a chainsaw, you have three options. Otherwise, you may cause yourself or those around you to get injured. To do the former, hold the handle or piece of wood at arm’s length and close one eye. Start with a horizontal cut. The tree should now start to fall, so move quickly out of the way to your safe place. Make the top cut of the hinge (ensure you make it at a height that there will be plenty of room for the lower cut. Cuts 1 and 2: Face Cuts. Mistake 1: Not wearing protective gear; Mistake 2: Skipping the pre-work inspection; Mistake 3: Not planning an escape route; Mistake 4: Using a dull chainsaw ... hand gloves, and kevlar chaps. Repeat this until the tree falls clear. Pulling and Pushing Chain: Work carefully, starting at the base of the tree. Cutting down a tree, also known as felling a tree, requires careful planning and a high degree of skill. Once this is done, and the limbs are all reduced to a manageable size, you must do the same with the trunk. Contrary to what many think, the procedure is not only simple but also quite quick, as the majority of time spent when cutting down a tree with a chainsaw is in preparation and cutting the tree into manageable sized pieces. This includes premature breakage, cracking, or even having the trunk collapse during cutting. For small to medium sized trees, you may be able to measure the vertical height and then get an accurate distance of how much space it will cover when felled on the ground horizontally. Vines, in particular, can pose a problem, as they are hard to see and can be incredibly strong, causing all sorts of unpredictable behavior in a falling tree. In some cities, there are specific ways to dispose of the debris, while others may have lumber yards that will pay a premium for the wood (and pick it up to boot). If you must leave the tree to go find help, rope off the area so that anyone who passes by is aware of the possible danger of a falling tree. What types of equipment and tools do you need? It’s important to note that anyone pulling a tree toward them should be well beyond any potential falling point, including any potential for rolling or sliding. When cutting down trees, safety always comes first. You can cut downward with the bottom of the bar. Go to the side of the tree and begin working your way to the back. Use a felling lever or wedge. This is called limbing. It doesn’t matter if it’s, A chainsaw mill is definitely a tool of choice when you want to rip, Big projects demand powerful and big chainsaws. There are three types of face cuts you can choose between: Once the front notch is cut, you can then make the back cut with your chainsaw. Don't operate a chainsaw while … Once the tree is down, you'll have to remove the branches. Step 1: Cut a Notch in the Felling Direction Make it a big notch that goes more than halfway through the tree. If the tree is still upright, then you’ll want to use a felling wedge to make the tree begin to fall. When cutting down a tree with a chainsaw, you will need to keep safety and a good plan in mind. Hold onto the handle tightly with both hands so you have full … In others, some sort of pin attachment will be needed in order to give whoever is pulling the rope the proper leverage. The notch is made on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want it to fall. Pruning Trees Technique. A comfortable height for making face cuts is about 24 inches from the ground. For really tall trees that are not measurable, you’ll need to make your best guess by eyeballing it. The "mouth" part of this notch faces in the direction you want your tree to fall. Clear escape routes – when using a chainsaw to cut down trees, there is no choice but to be underneath the tree until pretty much the last possible second. This is one of the easiest ways to get injured. NOTE: Don’t try to saw all the way through in one cut! If you follow the steps here to the letter, felling trees of even substantial size should be little to no problem and will save you tons of money down the line. Now, depending on the size of the tree, designing a proper fall direction can involve a lot of different procedures or equipment. To untangle a small tree pull the butt away from the stump. I also have another post on the best 18 inch chainsaws which are ideal for cutting down the average size tree. Two plastic felling wedges will prevent your saw from getting pinched during a … The apex of the notch should go approximately 1/3rd into the tree. On one very hot day, I had to cut down a white ash tree that had a 36-inch diameter. It will also help to eliminate any close snapping wood that could ricochet off the ground and fly back toward you. If you don’t have a high-quality pair of safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, chaps, helmet, etc., then take a look at my chainsaw safety equipment reviews to see the top gear that’s available. If you have a chainsaw, then there is a good chance you will be cutting logs sooner or later. That means, you can’t just go around cutting down trees with your chainsaw. In order to fell a tree safely and effectively, you’re going to need the following: A good condition chainsaw – cutting down trees is a heavy duty job, and you’re going to be asking a lot from your saw before it’s all said and done. The first two cuts you need to learn for how to fell a tree with a chainsaw are the face cuts. So, pick the one that seems most logical to you, and over time, try out each type of notch on other trees so you can find the one you like best. Using it is also very easy, and you will get used to it every day more. You also want to pay attention to the other trees as well. If there are any public areas or chances for people to walk (or drive) through the location, put up warning signs so they can be aware that active logging is taking place. Of course, no matter how accurate you want to make your cuts, there is still a clear procedure that needs to be followed to do the job safely. On top of that, inconsistencies in the natural wood itself or interference from other objects around the cutting area can cause a bounce or even chain breakage, which can cause injuries to life and limb in the blink of an eye. A gas-powered chainsaw with a bar length of 20 inches or more is most effective for fellin… So now you know what way the tree is going to fall, you have a clear path, the tree is pruned and you have an escape route, it’s finally time to cut down the tree! The best direction for you to go is at a 90-degree angle from the fall. The bar on the Husqvarna chainsaw I was using was 20 inches. The notch is made on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want it to fall. Tall trees are extremely heavy and you don’t want to make the mistake of taking down a house, barn, power line, fence, or other structure along with the tree by accident. A Humboldt cut is a three-step process for cutting down a tree (or part … NOTE: Never turn your back on a falling tree! Anytime you plan on revving up a chainsaw, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re wearing the proper safety equipment. Cutting a large log with a small chainsaw is never too hard provided you use the proper techniques. NOTE: Once you make this cut, you have determined the direction in which the tree will fall, and you cannot change it. Of course, the most important part of felling a tree is making sure it … Therefore, when you’re preparing to fell a tree with a chainsaw, take note of which objects and structures are in the vicinity. Once the tree starts falling, you don’t want to be dodging other trees, fallen limbs, rocks, or other objects. Poulan is a brand name that is. First of all, you need to check if the chainsaw is ready for work, then you need to put some gasoline if it's not full; after that, you turn it on bu pulling the starting cord. Stout poles without injuring yourself ( or others ) imagine, I was using was inches! Either of those is the area around the tree is heavily damaged or rotten, for reasons I explain...: never turn your back on a falling tree quickly note: be to... 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