How to Cut a Tree at an Angle

When felling a tree, make sure that it lands in a clear spot, not on stumps or rocks. Avoid uneven ground as well. If a tree falls on anything other than a flat area, it will crack. It is important financially to clear the area for the landing, to help guarantee better quality lumber.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chainsaw
• Tree
• Rope

1. Observe the lean of the tree you want to fell. It is easier to fell a tree in the direction it has grown.

2. Decide where you want the cut end of the fell tree to face—-the best way is to have it face the skid road, for easier removal after felling. Also, try to fell the tree in the same pattern as other trees. This will allow for easier limbing and removal from the fell area.

3. Establish a face cut in the tree. This cut, if not made in the correct place can cause the tree to fall at the wrong angle. Make this cut on the side of the tree where you want it to fall.

4. Cut a V-shape notch—this is the second (or bottom cut) in the tree. Cut upwards until you reach the end of the face cut.

5. Create either a Humboltd notch or an open-face notch. Both these notches make the tree fall at an angle. The open face notch top cut angles downwards and the bottom cut angles upwards at about 20 degrees. In the Humboltd notch, the top cut is horizontal and the bottom cut angles upwards at about 45 degrees.

6. Make a third cut in the tree—-a back cut. This cut disconnects the tree from the stump. It creates a natural hinge that helps the tree fall at the desired angle.

7. Use your rope, tied at a comfortable distance up the trunk, to pull the tree in the direction you wish, once it's falling.

Tips & Warnings

• Stand at least 20 feet from a falling tree.
• It is best to be at a 45-degree angle and uphill from the falling tree.
• Never move away from the tree in a direction that brings you behind the tree.
• Do not turn your back on a falling tree.