Things You'll Need:
- Chainsaw
- Ax
- Sledgehammer
- Wedges
- Hard hat
- Safety goggles or full-face shield
- Leather gloves
- Ear muffs or plugs
- Safety shoes
- Fire extinguisher
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Step 1
Figure out which direction you need the tree to fall. Ensure there is ample clear space for it to fall without getting hung up in other trees or falling on an unintended object. If the tree is already leaning to one side, you have to fell the tree in that direction.
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Step 2
Clear debris or obstacles from underneath the tree and make a couple of escape routes to the side or at a 45-degree angle to the direction in which you expect the tree to fall. Keep these escape routes clear at all times.
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Step 3
Begin with a tuned-up, sharpened chainsaw and gather your other tools, such as a sharp ax, a sledgehammer and wooden or plastic wedges. Don your personal protective equipment. You'll need a hard hat, eye and hand protection, ear muffs or plugs and safety shoes. Take along a fire extinguisher of the correct rating in case of a stray spark.
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Step 4
Use the chainsaw to cut a notch on the side of the tree where you want it to fall. Start by making an undercut slightly above the base of the tree about a third of the way through the diameter of the tree. Make an intersecting cut at a 45-degree angle to the tree trunk, about a foot above the level cut, then remove the resulting wedge-shaped notch.
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Step 5
Check again to ensure there is a clear path for the tree to fall into. Then move around behind the tree to make the felling cut. This will be another level cut about 2 inches above the level cut you made on the opposite side of the tree for the notch.
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Step 6
Cut slowly and keep your eye on the tree. Stop cutting when a couple of inches of wood are left and leave that for a hinge. If the tree hasn't begun to fall, withdraw the saw and give the trunk a nudge. It should come down.
