How to Cut Down a 60-Foot Tree That Is Near Your House

You will need a good sized chainsaw to cut down a 60-foot tree.

Knowing how to cut down a tree can help you improve landscaping or collect firewood. You cut down a 60-foot tree in the same way you cut a smaller tree, except that you need to take extra precautions on clearing the area where the tree will fall. A large tree will have a larger branch spread and overall weight. Knowing the basics of tree felling will allow you to cut down any size tree.

Things You'll Need

• Chainsaw

Instructions

1. Clear the entire area where you intend the tree to fall. Make sure to clear an area wider than the width of the crown of the tree, since it will likely not fall exactly where you think it will. Remove all vehicles and structures, and make sure no pets or people will unknowingly wander into the area. Expect that anything you leave in the fall area will be destroyed.

2. Cut any low limbs off the tree trunk. Take out any branches that are less than 5 feet off the ground. Removing lower branches will get them out of your way as you make the necessary cuts to bring the tree down.

3. Start your chainsaw and place it at a 45 degree angle to the trunk of the tree; make a downward cut about 2 feet off the ground on the side you want it to fall toward. Go about a third of the way into the trunk of the tree with this cut. Make a second cut coming up from below the first cut. These two cuts should meet and allow you to remove a chunk of wood.

4. Make the felling cut from the opposite side of the tree. Place the chainsaw at a 45 degree angle and cut down toward the area you removed the chunk of wood from on the other side of the tree. Apply steady, firm pressure to the chainsaw and cut slowly, taking your time to observe the effects of sawing on the tree.

5. Listen for the sound of the tree beginning to fall. Take the chainsaw out of the trunk and carefully get away from the tree as it begins to fall. Plan ahead of time the path you will take to get away from the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow all safety precautions when using a chainsaw.

References

• Mother Earth News: Felling a Tree
• NDSU: Chain Saw Safety
• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Cutting Firewood Safely