Tree Cutting Techniques & Tips

Cutting down a tree is dangerous and should be done by professionals and trained personnel whenever possible.

However, if you can’t afford to hire a professional, you can learn some tips and techniques and do it yourself.

Regardless of the size of the tree, the most essential element to keep at the back of your mind is that safety should always come first.

That said, here is a look at tree cutting techniques and tips to help everything go smoothly.

Assemble the Correct Equipment

The first step when preparing to cut a tree is getting the right equipment for the task. All the equipment should be in proper condition before using it to cut the tree. At the very least, you will need the following equipment:

• Chainsaw- this is one of the essential equipment for tree cutting. The chainsaw should have a full tank of oil and gas, a sharp chain, and operate well. Ideally, a big chainsaw for professional use should have a 20-inch bar and approximately 3.5 horsepower.
• Protective gear- lots of people get injured when cutting trees now and then. It would help if you avoided the risk of getting hurt by wearing eye goggles, heavy-duty gloves, leg coverings, steel toe boots, hard hat, and so on.
• 1000 LB Test Rope –this rope should be about three times longer than the height of the tree for use as a safety backup if there is any problem.
• First aid kit- it is crucial to have medical supplies at your disposal in case anything goes wrong when cutting the tree.
• Wedges
• Ax
• Ladder

Techniques for Tree Cutting 

First things first, start by looking over all your equipment to keep everything working in order.

You should also be in the company of several friends to help you in directing the fall of the tree as well as being around in case anything goes wrong.

Also, ensure you check out the risk of the tree falling on anything other than bare ground. You don’t want to fall the tree only for it to fall on a fence, house, or any property.

Once you are ready to cut the tree, you can begin following these steps to cut the tree down safely.;

1. Check the tallness of the tree.
2. Decide on the direction the tree will fall depending on the height of the tree.
3. Check the fall-zone and remove anything that might be destroyed.
4. Use the ladder and rope to tie the tree around the middle of the tree.
5. Give the other end of the rope to your friends and tell them to stand out of the fall-zone.
6. Cut a v-shaped nick on one side of the tree that you want it to fall. The notch should be about 1/3 deep in the tree trump.
7. The v-shaped notch should be made around your knee height.
8. Go to the other side of the tree and cut slowly into the tree until you come across the notch cut.
9. When the tree begins to fall, move away from the tree quickly at an angle of 45 degrees. Keep your eyes on the failing tree to avoid getting injured.
10. In case the tree does not fall over, or it caught up by other trees, have the friends pull the rope until it falls.

General Tree Cutting Tips

It is highly recommended that you hire a tree cutting expert to cut it for you. However, if you plan to do it yourself, here are some general tips to consider;

• You should not approach the tree with the chainsaw if it does not fall. The tree is under huge pressure and could snap anytime. You should hence pull it with a rope.
• It would be best if you never stood behind a falling tree. The tree’s stump may snap and send the tree kicking back toward you what causes massive injuries.

Conclusion

If you can’t hire a professional cutting service, you can cut the tree yourself safely and smoothly using these tree cutting techniques. However, always ensure you are allowed to cut a tree yourself because you could end up facing a fine if you cause injury to any local ordinance.