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How To Cut Down A Tree

Do you need to cut down a tree? If so, you’re in luck! This is the ultimate guide on how to cut down a tree. We’ll go over everything from choosing the right tool for the job to felling the tree safely and efficiently. So whether you’re a professional arborist or just someone who needs to take down a small tree in their backyard, this guide has you covered. Let’s get started!

How To Cut Down A Tree

Let me get straight to the most important aspect of cutting down trees…Safety. This is an extremely dangerous task. If you’re a novice at operating a chainsaw and your ambition is to fell a 60 foot tree, don’t do it, bring in a professional. I strongly recommend you gain some experience felling small trees (under 20 feet) before tackling anything bigger. I’m sure you’ll agree that any task that references things like “widow-makers” should be taken quite seriously.

How to Cut Down Trees – the Guide

Tools and Protection

It is highly recommended that you dress for the occasion. Preferred attire includes:

  • Hard hat
  • Eye protection
  • Ear protection
  • Chaps for leg protection
  • Steel toed boots
  • Good pair of work gloves

TOOLS:

  • Chainsaw with proper bar length and sharpened chain
  • Ladder
  • Rope
  • Wedge(s)
  • Someone to help

Assess the Tree and Surrounding Area

Here are some questions you should have the answers to before putting a chainsaw to the tree:

  • What direction does the tree lean?
  • What are my options as to which way the tree can fall, a.k.a. the drop zone?
  • Is my drop zone clear of people or anything else that could be damaged?
  • How tall is the tree and will it fit inside my drop zone?
  • Is my drop zone level or should I be prepared for the tree to roll?
  • Does the weight of the tree’s crown correspond with how the tree leans?
  • Are there any broken limbs in the canopy that could fall and injure me?
  • Can the tree get hung-up in any other nearby trees as it falls?
  • What is the condition of the tree, any cracks, splits, loose bark, or rotted sections?
  • Which way is the wind blowing and is it too strong?

Plan An Escape Route

Get yourself prepared for a safe retreat once the tree begins its fall. Clear a path at least 20 feet from the stump and never turn your back to the tree. Your exit should be at a 45 degree angle from either side or the back of the tree. This will keep you safe if the tree butt happens to “kick back.” If possible, position yourself behind another tree for added protection.

Directing the Tree

Typically, it is easier to fell a tree in the same direction that it is leaning. Although it is possible to drop one the opposite direction using wedges, I would not suggest this to a “do it yourselfer.” With proper cutting and a little assistance with some rope, you can easily guide a tree that does not lean directly into your drop zone. Use a ladder to tie a 1/2″ rope as far up the tree as possible, the higher the better for added leverage. Secure the other end of the rope to a standing tree that is in the general direction of your drop zone. If you have an extra long rope that extends beyond the drop zone, you can ask a brave friend to give it a tug as you make the final cut. Be sure they have a proper exit strategy too.

The Face Cut

The face cut will determine the direction the tree falls. This is attained by cutting a scarf or notch into the side of the tree facing your drop zone. To make a conventional face cut, you start the top cut so the blade comes down into the tree at a 45 degree angle. Be sure to check that this cut faces directly toward the drop zone. You finish this cut when it reaches 1/3 of the trunk’s diameter. The second cut you make comes in horizontally and is aimed at the bottom of the top cut. There is no angle to this cut. The blade should be level. It is important that the ends of each cut meet at the same location. If not, you increase the chance that the tree will split vertically when falling. After completing the second cut you should be able to pull a wedge shaped piece out of the tree leaving a 45 degree notch.

How To Cut Down A Tree correctly

The Back Cut

After you have notched the face of the tree it is time to make your final cut, the back cut. The back cut comes in horizontally from the opposite side of the notch. Start the back cut one to two inches higher than the corner of the notch. Slowly cut into the tree, checking periodically that you are maintaining a good horizontal cut. Do not cut all the way through. The objective is to leave wood remaining that is equal to about 1/10 of the diameter of the tree. This uncut part is called the hinge, and it is what steers the tree in the direction you require. It also prevents the tree from falling backwards if the back cut closes.

“Timber”

At this point your tree will probably begin its fall. If it needs a little prodding, have your assistant give a pull on the rope, or sink a plastic wedge into the back cut. Let the tree talk to you. Listen for sounds of cracking. As soon as the tree begins its descent, hit the chainsaw’s kill switch, set it aside and quickly back away.

FAQs on How to Cut Down a Tree

Do You Need a Permit to Cut Down a Tree?

Even if you are cutting down trees on your own land, you are going to need permission from the local municipality or county. You will be required to submit an application and pay the specified price in order to obtain a permit. Because the costs depend on your geographical area, you should inquire with your municipal administration in advance so that you may be prepared. There are several exceptions of course, such as small trees that have a diameter of less than six inches, as is the case with the young trees. It is also possible that it will depend on the state of the tree as well as the proximity to the boundary of your property. In many places, the removal of a dead tree may be done without the requirement for a permission. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to inquire about the guidelines in your community before beginning the process.

You can check the regulations by state on this resource: https://www.treeremoval.com/tree-removal-regulations-by-state/#.Ys8PAuxBzX0

Can I Cut Down a Tree on My Property?

If the tree on the land is not one that is protected by the city, it is not against the law for you to cut it down.

Simply because the tree or trees are located on your property does not give you legal ownership of them. The rationale for this is due to the fact that trees provide a multitude of benefits to the public as a whole, including purifying the air that we breathe, mitigating the impact of heat islands, and making habitats for the native flora and fauna.

The removal and trimming of some trees is strictly regulated by cities. In addition, there are recommendations for the appropriate amount of trees to be grown on a specific lot size.

The restrictions that surround the legislation governing the removal of trees fluctuate depending on state due to the fact that each state has its own unique trees, regional conditions, and ecosystems.

The diameter of the tree, its placement on your property, and how close it is to your house as well as any other buildings or utilities, such as electricity lines, will all play a role in determining whether or not you need permission to cut down a tree that is located on your land.

How Much Does it Cost to Cut Down a Tree?

Although the price of tree removal services can range anywhere from $150 to $2,000, the typical cost to take down a tree is around in the 700-750 dollar range. The price of tree removal is determined by the diameter and height of the tree that has to be cut down; in general, larger trees cost more to cut down than smaller ones do.

You could discover tree removal firms that are eager to do the work for a low price, but you should always make sure that the arborist you hire is licensed and insured before you use them. Even tasks that seem straightforward might have unanticipated complexities or long-term effects, so you shouldn’t leave the well-being of your home and your gardening up to chance. It is required that arborists renew their licenses on a regular basis so that they may obtain continued training in the safest and most effective methods for removing trees.

The removal of large trees incurs a higher cost due to the increased complexity and danger involved in the procedure, as well as the greater volume of debris that must be disposed of once the tree has been cut down. On the other hand, the cost of tree removal is determined by a number of other variables as well.

How to Cut Down a Palm Tree?

Plan Fall Direction

Note the palm tree’s lean. Palm trees bend slightly toward the sun’s hottest point. The tree should fall in the direction it leans, however this may not be the optimum direction in your location.

If you really need to adjust the fall’s direction, lean left or right. If the palm tree’s fall direction is crucial, tie two ropes halfway up. Ensure the ropes protect the holders. After the second cut, rope handlers pull the ropes to steer the tree’s fall.

Clear the Way

Remove everything the tree may damage in the desired direction. Consider powerlines. Longer than a palm tree, the crash site must be. Plan your escape if the tree doesn’t fall as expected. Clear at least three paths away from the tree. Keep others out of the cutting debris field.

Cut Fall Notch

Use your chainsaw to make a notch in the tree with an open face that is 70 degrees on the part of the tree that is facing the direction in which you want the tree to fall. The notch should be 1/3 into the trunk. Make sure the cut is below chest height and 2 feet off the ground. Chainsaws should never be held higher than the chest, and you should avoid cutting very close to the ground since the chain will quickly dull if it comes into contact with the ground while running.

Cut Trunk Backwards

Chainsaw the palm tree’s back until it cracks within. The tree won’t be chopped completely. Once you hear cracking, retreat and let the tree’s weight do the rest. Since the tree leans toward the initial cut, it will fall toward it when the trunk fractures.

How to Cut Down a Small Tree?

A clear escape path and the absence of anyone in the risk zones should be verified prior to cutting. Determine who will be in charge of holding onto the saw if there are two individuals participating. Warning signs must be affixed to each path that passes through the site; hazard tape ought to be placed to cordon off sections; and individuals ought to be engaged to alert those who are walking by.

Trees with a diameter of up to 3 inches can be chopped straight.

Before making the final felling cut from the rear of the tree, an undercut should be done on the front of trees with a diameter of up to 7 inches approximately a 1/3 through the tree.