How to Chop Down a Tree

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Chopping down a tree is definitely a big undertaking, but it’s not as hard as you might think. As long as you have the right equipment and take some precautions, you can safely fell a tree on your own. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide through this straightforward process.

1

Check that there are no hazards or other obstructions nearby.

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  1. Roughly estimate the tree’s total height, then check that there are no buildings, structures, or power lines that your tree could collide with after you cut it down. While you’re at it, make sure that no people, pets, or other obstacles are anywhere in this radius, either. [1]
    • Postpone your tree-felling plans for another day if the upcoming weather forecast calls for rain or wind. [2]
    • Play it safe and consult a tree-felling professional for a second opinion if you’re worried about your tree’s location.
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2

Grab your chainsaw and safety gear.

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  1. Always slide into a pair of sturdy, close-toed shoes, like leather boots, so your feet are completely protected. To guard your arms and legs, wear chainsaw chaps or pants, as well as a long-sleeved top. Then, put on a hard hat and some goggles to protect your head and eyes. Wear work gloves and earmuffs or earplugs, too. [3]
    • Experts suggest using a chainsaw to chop down most trees. An ax will work if you’re handling a really small tree or sapling; otherwise, a chainsaw is your best bet. [4]
    • A chainsaw with a 16 to 18 in (41 to 46 cm) bar is a good choice for small- or medium-sized trees, while a 20 to 24 in (51 to 61 cm) bar is a better option for bigger trees. Use a larger bar if you’re planning to cut a large tree into firewood, too.
    • In general, only chop down trees that have a smaller diameter than the length of your chainsaw. [5] For example, you wouldn’t use a 24 in (61 cm) chainsaw to fell a 30 in (76 cm) wide tree.
3

Predict where the tree will fall.

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  1. Usually, the way the tree leans is the direction it should fall. [6] Then, double-check that there’s enough space for your tree to safely go down, and make sure the ground is completely flat and level before you get started. [7]
    • If the ground is uneven, call a professional for help. You don’t want your tree rolling or bouncing after it hits the dirt.
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4

Trim away any underbrush before you chop down the tree.

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  1. [8] If the tree has a lot of low-hanging branches, trim those away as well. [9] Carry all the debris away from the tree once you’re done.
5

Find your escape route.

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  1. Start by facing the opposite direction of where the tree will fall. Then, turn yourself 45 degrees to the left—this is your ideal escape path. [10]
    • Create an escape path that’s at least 15 ft (4.6 m) long, so you can be a safe distance away from the tree as it goes down. [11]
    • As an extra precaution, plan a second escape route that's 90 degrees to the right of your first escape route. [12]
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6

Cut the first half of the notch.

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  1. Stand to the right of where you’ll be cutting the notch. While holding the chainsaw horizontally, cut into the trunk at a 70-degree angle—this cut will be the first part of your notch. [13] Continue slicing until you’ve cut about ⅓ of the way into the tree trunk. [14]
    • Picture this notch as a triangle. The outer tree bark makes up one side of the triangle. During this step, you’ll be creating the long, diagonal edge of your triangle.
    • Always wear your helmet, goggles, gloves, and ear protection before you turn on and use your chainsaw.
7

Complete the notch.

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  1. Continue holding the chainsaw horizontally, lining up the chainsaw with the very bottom of the angled cut. Then, cut in a straight line, eventually connecting with the end of the angled cut. At this point, a triangular chunk of wood will fall out of the tree. [15]
    • With this cut, you’ll create the flat, bottom edge of the triangle.
    • Make this bottom cut no more than 2 ft (61 cm) above the ground. [16]
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8

Cut along the opposite side of the tree.

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  1. Then, cut into the trunk in a smooth horizontal line. [17]
    • Before cutting, some people like to hammer felling wedges into the gap. These are small, triangular tools that help you complete your felling cut. Always lock your chainsaw before using any of these wedges.
9

Finish your felling cut.

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  1. As a general rule of thumb, stop cutting when about 10% of the total tree trunk is left between your notch and your felling cut. At this point, your tree should start leaning and falling. [18]
    • Always stand to the right side of the notch as you cut, keeping the chainsaw perpendicular to the tree trunk.
    • If you used any felling wedges, unlock your chainsaw blade before you continue cutting.
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10

Move away as the tree falls.

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  1. Once the tree starts tipping, turn on the chainsaw’s chain brake and pull it out of the tree. Then, run down your escape path so you’re a safe distance away. As you back away, continue watching the tree to make sure it doesn’t tilt or fall in your direction. [19]

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      Tips

      • When trimming branches off your fallen tree, make 2 cuts along the branch so your chainsaw blade doesn’t bind. Make a small cut on top, and then cut upward from the bottom of the branch. [20]
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      • When cutting logs, slice about a third of the way through the top of the trunk. Then, move your chainsaw directly below the trunk, shifting it 1 in (2.5 cm) to the right or left of your original cut. Cut upward with the chainsaw, slicing all the way through the trunk. [21]
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      Warnings

      • Double-check for any obstacles before you start chopping down any trees. Also, make sure the tree is a safe distance away from your home and any other nearby buildings. [22]
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      • If you aren’t experienced with chainsaws, consider renting or buying a reduced kickback saw chain. It’s slower than other types of chainsaws, but it’s a lot safer to use. [23]
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      • Never use a chainsaw without the proper safety equipment, like sturdy boots, safety glasses, work gloves, long pants, and earplugs. [24]
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      • Never look away from the chainsaw bar while chopping down a tree. [25]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=0m37s
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      3. ↑ https://stormwise.uconn.edu/thinking-of-cutting-down-a-small-tree-safety-first/#
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=0m9s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=0m51s
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=0m55s
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      1. ↑ https://stormwise.uconn.edu/thinking-of-cutting-down-a-small-tree-safety-first/#
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      3. ↑ https://stormwise.uconn.edu/thinking-of-cutting-down-a-small-tree-safety-first/#
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIBeL-3RB1U&t=2m45s
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=1m14s
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=105s
      10. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/felling-a-tree/
      11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=1m54s
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os2vrOT8F1Q&t=2m31s
      13. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/landscaping/21017220/how-to-cut-down-a-tree-safely
      14. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/a11294/7-simple-chainsaw-safety-rules-17209863/
      15. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/a11294/7-simple-chainsaw-safety-rules-17209863/
      16. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/a11294/7-simple-chainsaw-safety-rules-17209863/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before chopping down a tree, check the area around you to make sure there are no hazards. For example, look for things that the tree could fall on, such as buildings, vehicles, or power lines. Try to choose a day when there won’t be a lot of wind or rain, since this could affect how the tree falls. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, sturdy work boots, a hard hat, and goggles to protect yourself while you work. Choose a chainsaw that is appropriate for the size of the tree you’re cutting down. For instance, use a 16 to 18 in (41 to 46 cm) chainsaw for small to medium trees, and a 20 to 24 in (51 to 61 cm) for larger trees. Use pruning shears to cut away any undergrowth at the base of the tree and move the debris out of the way. Stand on the opposite side of the tree from the direction it will fall. You can usually determine the fall direction by observing the natural lean of the tree—it should fall in the direction it’s leaning. Turn yourself 45° to the left and make sure there’s a clear path in that direction in case the tree starts to fall toward you. Make sure you also have a clear path 90° to your right in case you need an alternate escape route. Then, go around to the side of the tree where you’d like it to fall and cut a notch about 1/3 of the way into the trunk with your saw. Make the cut downward at a 70° angle. Then, make a horizontal cut directly under the first cut to remove a triangular wedge of wood. Go to the other side of the tree and line up your saw with the bottom edge of the notch you made, then cut across the trunk horizontally to the notch on the other side in a smooth motion. When there’s about 10% of the trunk left between the notch and the cut on the other side, the tree should start to fall. Turn on the brake on your chainsaw and pull it out of the tree, then quickly move a safe distance away using your planned escape route. Move backward so you can keep watching the tree to make sure it isn’t falling in your direction.

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