How to Cut Down a River Birch Tree

The river birch features reddish-copper papery birch bark. As the name suggests, this tree loves watery environments but can fare well in any yard. River birches tend to grow 40-60 feet tall, presenting quite a problem for an amateur tree feller. If your tree is 20 feet tall or under, you may wish to fell it at home but call a professional for a taller tree.

Things You'll Need

• Chainsaw

Instructions

1. Inspect the tree to determine the best angle to push it; with a leaning tree, you'll have to fell it in the direction it's already leaning. Clear the yard of any debris or furniture that could be hurt by a falling tree.

2. Make a cut with your chainsaw on the side you wish the tree to fall toward, better known as the wrong side of the tree. Leave a small stump less than a foot high, and aim to cut through a quarter of the trunk with this initial cut.

3. Use your chainsaw to slice through the trunk of the tree toward the wrong side cut. As you near the wrong side cut, the tree will want to fall since very little is supporting it.

4. Pay close attention to the tree so that you can shut off your saw when it starts to fall of its own accord. Move out of the way when this begins to happen.

5. Use your chainsaw to break down the river birch's trunk and limbs into manageable pieces once it's on the ground. You'll need to be able to carry these pieces away, so keep that in mind when making these cuts.

Tips & Warnings

• If the birch wood is healthy you can save it for campfires, but diseased wood should be disposed of off-site.

• Rent a stump grinder to get rid of the rest of the stump. This powerful grinder will churn through the rest of the trunk with very little effort.

• Don't choose a windy day to fell your tree since forceful winds could push a falling tree in another direction.

References

• University of Misouri: Felling Trees
• River Birch Trees