What is the proper way to cut down a small tree on your property? Follow our step-by-step guide below.
Steps To Cut Down A Small Tree
First off, safety is the number one priority when beginning this task. If you cannot cut a small tree without injuring yourself or damaging property, then contact the professionals. Follow these steps below to safely cut down a small tree.
Step 1. Gather All Necessary Tools And Equipment
To cut the smaller tree, you’ll need to gather a chainsaw, plus eye and ear protection. You should also consider wearing tight clothes, as you don’t want any loose clothing getting caught during the job. Ensure your chainsaw is in good condition before you use it.
Step 2. Check The Tree’s Surroundings
You must be sure of the tree’s immediate surroundings before you begin cutting. If there are any houses, power lines, sheds or livestock nearby, it’s recommended that you call a professional. Anyone nearby should be at least two times the distance of the height of the tree being cut down.
Step 3. Choose The Direction The Tree Will Fall
When a tree is leaning in a certain direction, you should work that way when chopping it down. Make sure you have a clear path to escape in the event something goes wrong. Escape to the opposite direction to which the tree is falling. Do this is at a 45-degree angle, which will take you out of the danger zone of the trunk of the tree settling backwards.
Step 4. Cut A Diagonal Line
Cut at a 70-degree angle on the side you are planning for the tree to fall. Put the tree on your left side and brace your left shoulder against it. Some chainsaws will have a sight that tells you the exact angle you’re cutting at, so use this as a guide, if applicable. Make the cut so it is about one-fourth of the tree’s width.
Step 5. Make A Relief Cut
The next step here is to make a horizontal cut at the deepest point of the diagonal cut you just made. This will cut a triangle section of the tree and help the tree to fall in the planned direction. Next, inspect the cut and direction of the open area of the tree. If something looks off, call the professionals. This is not the time to make any more cuts.
Step 6. Fell The Tree
If you’re sure the cut is facing the right direction, you can now move on to felling the tree. To do this you must move to the opposite side of the wedge you previously cut. Start the cut slightly higher than the last horizontal cut. Refrain from sawing all the way through. Instead, saw just enough to drive a wedge into the cut. You’ll want to have the wedge in with enough room to operate the chainsaw without making contact with the wedge. Try to leave about 10% of the center of the tree to help the tree stay on the stump. You can now wait for the tree to fall gently or push the tree in the desired direction.
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