Unless you possess the necessary experience, you should not attempt to fell a tree greater than six inches in trunk diameter. Before cutting, consider the following:
- Are there obstructions, such as buildings or utility lines, present? Never cut a tree or remove branches that are anywhere near overhead utility lines. Call the power company to deal with such trees.
- Is the tree sound or rotten? Internal decay of the trunk may not be visible on the outside of the tree. Decay presents a safety hazard in felling a tree.
- Is the tree leaning?
- Is wind direction and speed a factor?
- Is pedestrian traffic blocked?
- Is there an escape route if the tree falls in an unintended direction?
- Is the chainsaw operating properly?
You should be wearing safety glasses, earplugs, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy footwear.
The approach to cutting is as follows:
- At a comfortable height to work, cut a notch equal to one-third of a tree’s diameter. The tree will fall in this direction.
- Make a second cut on the opposite side that is level and two inches above the notch cut to fell the tree. Do not cut through the final wood just behind the notch. It forms a hinge that controls the tree as it falls.
- Block the tree from rolling.
- As a safety precaution, stand on one side of the trunk and remove limbs from the other side. This will keep the tree trunk between your body and the chainsaw.
- Standing uphill from the tree, cut the trunk into small, manageable sections after it is on the ground.
- Cut the stump close to the ground.
