Easy Steps to Cutting Trees

by | May 15, 2020 | Augmented Article®, Demolition, Dumpster, landscaping hardscape, Yard Lawn Snow Maintenance

A Done with That® Project by Koper, America’s #1 Connected ContractorTM, Free Augmented Article©

Although trees give your yard shade and beauty, sometimes they have to come down. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can cut down most small to mid- size trees easily and safely.

There are a number of reasons why you might need to cut down, or fell, a tree. One reason might be that the tree is standing in the way of something you want to build, such as a patio or deck. It may be necessary to remove a diseased or storm-damaged tree before it can fall and possibly destroy property. You may also want to cut down a tree in order to bring more sunlight into a shaded area of the yard.

Your first and most important concern must be safety — to yourself, your helpers and your property. Never attempt tree work without absolute confidence in your own experience and ability.
Whether you do the job yourself or call in a professional depends on two factors: the size of the tree and the area surrounding it. Generally, homeowners can safely handle small to mid-sized trees — those up to six inches in diameter and of moderate height. However, a tree that might be easy to fell in a wooded lot may be quite difficult to take down in a small backyard near a house, electrical wires and other structures.

There are two basic techniques for cutting down a tree:

A. sawing a wedge cut and topping. The wedge cut, which is the
only technique homeowners should use, involves cutting a triangular wedge out of the base of a tree trunk. Because the cut serves to change the tree’s center of gravity, a properly placed wedge cut determines the direction of the fall. This technique leaves a piece of wood holding the tree to its base. This acts as a hinge that helps to control the fall. You can also tie a rope to the trunk — an assistant pulls on the rope as the tree falls, helping to direct the fall
B. Topping is a technique that should be used only by qualified professionals. It involves climbing the tree and removing sections of it from the top down.
Only a few tools are necessary to cut down most small to medium-sized trees. Many can be felled with a bowsaw. A chainsaw, however, makes the job faster and easier. A rope and protective clothing are the only other items you should need.

Using a Bowsaw to Fell a Small Tree
  1. Saw horizontal and angled cuts to form the wedge on the side of the tree toward which you want the tree to tall. Remove the wedge piece.
  2. On the side of the tree opposite the wedge, saw the horizontal back cut, leaving a thin sliver of wood connecting the tree to its base.
  3. Push the trunk toward the wedge cut to start the fall. As the tree begins to fall, quickly move several yards away to stay clear of the base.
Using a Chainsaw to Fell a Large Tree
  1. Determine the best direction for the tree to fall by identifying the clearest path. Include the spread of the tree top in the calculation.
  2. Examine the tree for bends, heavy branches and other features that could affect the center of gravity of the tree.
  3. On the side facing the fall, make the top cut of the wedge at a 45- degree angle. Saw one quarter of the way through the trunk.
  4. Finish the wedge by making a horizontal bottom cut that meets the top cut evenly. The wedge piece should be loose.
  5. Knock the wedge piece from the trunk with a maul or the flat end of an axe head. For your personal safety, do not use your foot or hand.
  6. Begin to saw the back cut, a level cut on the side of the trunk opposite the wedge at the same height as
    the bottom cut in the wedge.
  7. Continue to saw the back cut until only a thin sliver of wood separates it from the wedge cut. This will act as a hinge. Turn off the saw.
  8. Push the tree over with your hand or by using a pry bar. Drop tools when the tree begins to fall and get away from the tree quickly.
Cutting Up the Felled Tree
  1. Remove branches with an axe or chainsaw. Determine the length of the logs you want and mark the main trunk accordingly.
  2. Make sure that there is plenty of clearance for the saw blade underneath the main trunk. From the top, saw halfway through the trunk.
  3. Complete the cut from underneath. The top cut prevents the saw blade from pinching while you saw underneath the log.

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