How to Cut Sequoia Trees

Cutting a Sequoia Tree

Sequoia trees make up some of the largest and oldest trees on the planet. Gardeners often prize these trees for their dramatic drooping branches and reddish bark. Sometimes, however, these trees must be cut down because of fungal infections, bacterial diseases or growth outside of their designated planting location. It is important to cut down the tree and remove its entire root system before planting on the existing planting location. Newly planted trees will suffer if their root system cannot establish because of old sequoia roots.

Things You'll Need

• Chainsaw
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Long sleeved shirt
• Hard hat

Instructions

1. Remove everything around the tree that will get hit when the tree falls down. Patio furniture, cars in the driveway and container grown plants must be removed in all directions. Sequoias can reach heights of over 300 feet, and according to the University of Missouri Extension website, trees can fall in unexpected directions regardless of your best efforts at predicting where they will fall.

2. Examine the tree to see if it is leaning to one side. If it is leaning to one side then choose the opposite side to make your notch cuts. Look at the crown of the tree. A sequoia tree that has more branches on one side is most likely going to fall in that direction. Plan an escape route away from the tree based on where it leans.

3. Cut a wedge cut into the side that you want the tree to fall. A wedge cut is a 45-degree angled cut that goes into 1/4 of the tree's diameter.

4. Make a back cut on the opposite side that is slightly above the wedge cut. The tree should start to fall while making the back cut. Do not stand next to the tree as it is falling. Run in the opposite direction that the tree is falling.

5. Use the chainsaw to cut up the tree and use the sequoia for fire wood or throw away all portions of the tree if it was infected with a fungal disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your chainsaw's manual before operation.

• Wear gloves, safety goggles, long sleeved shirt and a hard hat when cutting trees.

• Never cut a tree by yourself. Have a friend or family member there at a safe distance.

• Avoid using a chainsaw on a ladder.

References

• University of Missouri: Felling, Bucking and Limbing Trees
• Mississippi State University: Chain Saw Safety
• Sunnyfortuna: Redwood Facts