How to Cut a Tree
If a tree is diseased, it will have to be cut down. Very large trees should be left to professional foresters and tree surgeons. If it's a small tree, however, you can cut it down yourself using a chainsaw. Be sure to protect your hands, eyes and ears. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Use a ladder to climb up high enough to reach the branches. For safety reasons, it's best to use an orchard ladder, which stands up on its own. It's not a good idea to have someone holding the ladder for you, as he may get hit by a falling branch.
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Cut off the larger branches using a handsaw. It's easier to start at the top and work your way down.
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Continue cutting branches, but do not cut the branch that is supporting your ladder.
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Climb back down and put away the ladder.
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Decide in which direction you want the tree to fall. If the tree is leaning to one side, it's best to fell the tree in that direction. Make sure that there is nothing in the way for it to hit as it falls.
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Use the chainsaw to cut a triangular wedge into the tree about a foot off the ground. The wedge should be on the side where you want the tree to fall and should go about halfway into the trunk of the tree.
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Cut diagonally just above the wedge on the opposite side of the tree. The cut should stop about an inch from the wedge.
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Get ready to move away from the tree. Make sure there's no one standing nearby.
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Cut the last inch. As the tree starts to fall, move away from it at a 45-degree angle to the direction where it's falling. Do not move behind the tree, because it may fall in the opposite direction of where you intended it to fall.
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Cut down the last foot of the tree with a chainsaw by cutting parallel to the ground. If you need to remove the stump, you will have to rent a special stump-removing machine.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a chainsaw with a sharp blade.
Wear gloves, safety goggles, and ear protection while operating a chainsaw.
References
- Photo Credit Ron Bergeron
