How to safely cut down a tree with a chainsaw?

Stand on the uphill side of the tree whenever possible. Begin on the left side of the trunk (as you face toward the top of the tree). Because you can rest the side or bottom of the chain saw on the trunk and slice off the branches with a pivoting action, this allows for the safest and most efficient use of the chain saw.

How to Cut Down a Tree

Make sure to watch this useful video on how to safely cut a tree using a chainsaw and watch it multiple times. If you don’t have the tools or you’d rather hire a professional, we’re here to help. Our tree experts can safely remove small and large trees from your property. Call us or fill in our contact form if you’re looking for tree removal in Boston and our staff will get back to you with a free quote.

In addition to Boston, we provide tree services in Newton, Malden, Cambridge, Medford and other areas in Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth counties and nearby areas.

How to Cut Down a Tree SafelyFollow These Steps

  1. Examine the surroundings

    Begin by taking a good look around the area. Check that there are no structures, electricity lines, or pets within a radius equal to the tree’s height. Keep individuals at least twice the height of the tree away from it. You should have all of your tree-cutting equipment ready.

  2. Clear the Area for Tree Felling

    The tree should fall in the same direction it naturally leans. Contact a tree-felling professional if you wish it to fall in a different direction. Plan a 45-degree angle escape path opposite the direction of the fall. Make sure there are no loose branches above the tree and that the area around it is clear.

  3. Make the initial cut.

    Make a 70-degree cut on the side facing the direction you want the tree to fall, with the tree on your left and your left shoulder against the tree. Use the felling sight on the housing of your chainsaw as a guide. Using the sight to point where you want the tree to fall can assist you in cutting at the correct position on the tree. Cut about a fifth of the tree’s diameter deep.

  4. Make the second cut

    For the second cut, tilt the saw sideways and cut horizontally to meet your initial cut, making a notch. Check that the two cuts meet.

  5. Using tree-cutting tools, make the Felling Cut

    Move to the opposite side and make a horizontal cut slightly above the previous cut for the felling cut. Saw until you have enough area to slide a wedge into the cut to keep the saw from binding. Insert the tree-felling wedge into this cut, pointing in the desired direction for the tree to fall. Drive the wedge in and finish the cut, taking care not to let the blade come into contact with the felling wedge. Do not sever the trunk. Allow roughly 10% of the width for a hinge. When the tree begins to fall, move away down your escape path.

Here is another and more in-depth guide video on safe tree felling:

Only embark on this DIY task if you have all the cutting and safety tools you’ll need. You can visit a local hardware store near you to get all you need in one place.

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