How to Cut Down a Tree With Rope Tension
Trees are usually desirable in a landscape for their lush growth, blossoms and wind protection, but when a tree is diseased, rotted out or broken, it may be necessary to remove it from the yard. If the tree leans toward a structure in your yard, you will have to rope the tree off to help guide it in the right direction. Proper cutting and roping techniques will help you cut the tree safely and keep your own body out of danger. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Inspect the lean of the tree to determine the direction the tree will fall when cut.
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Tie the rope around the tree just above the cut location using a clove knot. Tie a clove knot by wrapping the free end of a rope around the tree trunk once, bringing the end of the rope back around the tree so that the free end is under the wrapped portion of rope. Bring the end around the tree one more time, crossing over the first circle of rope and bring the end through the eye of the second turn to tighten the knot.
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Create an undercut in the direction you wish the tree to fall. Turn on your chainsaw and cut 1/3 of the way through the trunk in a straight line. Make a second cut above it at a 45-degree angle, meeting the end of the first cut. These cuts create a wedge that can be removed from the trunk.
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Cut from the back of the tree on the opposite side of the undercut, 2 to 4 inches above the undercut. Cut through the tree until the tree begins to fall.
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Pull on the rope to help guide the tree during the fall. Have a partner help with this.
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Tips & Warnings
Lay down a layer of tree limbs in the location where the tree will fall to prevent damage to the lawn.
Check for overhead power lines before cutting the tree. Do not fell a tree near power lines. Call a professional.
Always wear work gloves, safety glasses and, if possible, a hard hat when felling a tree.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
