Tree Cutting

You may need to cut down trees if they are dead, diseased, overgrown or planted in the wrong place. Cutting the tree yourself can save money, but can also be risky. Planning and proper preparation are important to ensure a safe removal. Before making a cut, check regulations in your area, as you may need permits and approvals.

Safety Precautions

Cutting down trees can be dangerous and you need to take certain safety precautions. Don't attempt to cut the tree if you are physically unfit, tired or otherwise impaired. Don't attempt to operate a chainsaw without experience or training. Never try to cut down a tree by yourself. Wear long sleeves, long pants, work boots, a hard hat, protective glasses, ear protection and work gloves to protect yourself from injury.

Tools

Successful tree cutting requires specific tools in good working order. Gather the tools before you start and perform any needed maintenance. Use a small chainsaw for trees 10 inches in diameter or less and medium chainsaws for trees with a 10- to 18-inch diameter. Sharpen and oil the blade of the chainsaw if needed and, if it is gas powered, fill the tank with fuel. Select at least two felling wedges to have on hand and a mallet or sledgehammer for driving them into the cuts. You should also have a sharp ax.

Tree Observation

Inspect the tree before you start cutting. Walk around the tree, noting loose branches, rotting wood, and if the tree is leaning in a particular direction. If the tree is growing at an angle, contains dead or rotting wood or is near a building or power lines, contact professional for help felling the tree. Decide which would be best direction for the tree to fall.

Site Preparation

Prepare the site to make sure it will be safe. Make sure children and pets are well away from the area. Ask anyone who is not working on cutting down the tree to leave the area. Select two escape paths that lead away from the tree's intended falling direction. Choose one path on either side of the tree, running at a 45-degree angle away from the tree. Clear any obstacles along each escape route. Place the tools on the ground 20 feet away from the tree's base, in an area that is not in either escape path.

Cutting Methods

Cut trees using the three-cut method. Make the first cut, or undercut, on the side of the tree facing the direction you wish the tree to fall. Cut horizontally into the tree, one-third of the way through the trunk. Make the second cut 2 to 3 inches below the first. Cut at an upward angle to meet the first cut. Remove the resulting wedge of wood. Make the third cut, or backcut, on the tree's opposite side. Cut horizontally into the tree, 2 inches above the first cut. Saw no more than halfway through the tree. Remove the saw from the cut, turn it off and place on the ground when the tree begins to fall. Retreat down one of the escape paths.