DIY Tree Cutting and Felling Guide: Tips and Suggestions to Cut Down a Tree

Tree Cutting Equipment

Before you get to work, ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. The following equipment is essential:

• Protective Gear People are often injured while falling trees. Wearing Kevlar leg covers, a hard hat, steel-toe boots, heavy-duty gloves, and goggles can reduce the risk.
• First Aid Kit– Have medical supplies on hand in case of emergency.
• Make sure your chainsaw has a sharp blade and a full gas tank and works well.
• Ladder
• Rope
• Axe
• Wedges

Four Questions to Ask Before You Cut a Tree: Examine the Tree First

Take a hard, objective look at it. These are the questions you need to answer before you can start:

1. Is it leaning in one direction?
2. Are there any dead or broken branches?
3. Is there an area where it can safely fall?
4. Are there branches from nearby trees in the way?

You can also find a quick escape route while you are at it. You should be able to get away from the tree quickly if things don’t go according to plan. If the tree you are cutting isn’t falling as it should, it’s a good idea to try running behind another tree.

How to Cut Down a Tree

These steps will increase safety and efficiency during tree removal in west auckland.

1. Sound It Out – Use your axe to knock the tree down. It may sound hollow if it is dead or dying. It will be easier to cut if it sounds solid. You can do this at various heights and points. You’ll be able to find a spot that makes the cutting much easier with any luck.
2. Determine Where It Will Fall. Does the tree tend to lean in one direction or another? It is best and easiest to pick a drop zone where the tree will naturally land. Avoid choosing a spot that is too low, or else the tree may bounce, roll or cause injury.
3. Make horizontal cuts. This should not exceed your hip and should not extend beyond the tree’s third. The horizontal cut will cause the tree to fall perpendicularly.
4. Make a wedge cut. The result should be a slice the size of an orange. To ensure a straight wedge, place a stick on the top or bottom of the horizontal cutting.
5. Make an angled back cut. This will determine the thickness of your holding wood, affecting how the tree falls. It should be as thick as you can. Mark the spot where the back cut should be made on the tree. It should be at least 1.5 inches higher than the horizontal cut for best results. To prevent the tree’s settling on the chainsaw, you can place a wedge as you cut.
6. Be ready – After completing your back cutting, you should have an even-holding piece of wood. Or the tree will fall. Continue adding wedges as needed. Always be ready to run.
7. Run. Keep your eyes on the tree. You can drastically reduce your chance of getting seriously injured by keeping your eyes on the fallen tree.