- 1. Decide if it\u2019s Safe<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Gather Equipment<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Estimate the Fall<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Clear Escape Routes<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Plan the Notch<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Cut the Notch<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Insert Wedges<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Make the Felling Cut<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Remove Branches and Cut into Firewood<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Get Expert Tree-Cutting Help<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
If it feels like tree cutting is too much for a weekend DIY project, or you\u2019d rather a pro do the job, feel free to skip to Step 10.<\/p>
1. Decide if it\u2019s Safe<\/h2>
If you want to cut down your own tree, you\u2019re probably looking to fell something a bit bigger than the struggling fruit tree you planted three years ago. This means you need to take safety precautions from the start.<\/p>
Assess the tree\u2019s condition<\/strong>. You\u2019ve already given the tree a checkup<\/a> to see if it needs to come down, but take another look. If it has a lot of broken, loose, or dead branches, or if your tree is diseased or dying<\/a>, skip to the final step in this guide. A dead tree and its branches will come down on you and could cause serious injury.<\/p>
Walk around the tree<\/strong> and your property and look for obstructions, including buildings, electrical boxes, and heavy growth.<\/p>
Use caution<\/strong> if power lines are nearby. Don\u2019t attempt to cut down a tree if there\u2019s any chance it could fall on the lines, or your equipment could touch the lines. For dangerous or large trees, call your power company.<\/p>
Estimate the fall area<\/strong> and determine where the tree will land. If any obstacle is in the way, skip to Step 10.<\/p>
2. Gather Equipment<\/h2>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Untitled-design-71.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bill Oxford<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Next, assemble the proper safety gear. Here\u2019s what you need:<\/p>
- A hard hat<\/li>
- Safety glasses <\/li>
- Hearing protection<\/li>
- Work gloves<\/li>
- A chainsaw<\/a><\/li>
- Felling wedges<\/li> <\/ul>
Note:<\/strong> You may need a permit from your homeowners association or city, so check local regulations before cutting down a tree with a chainsaw. And for safety, enlist a trusted friend or family member. Two sets of eyes are always better than one. Plus, you need someone to yell, \u201cTIMBER!\u201d<\/p>
3. Estimate the Fall<\/h2>
It can be difficult to measure the exact height of the tree and determine where it may fall. Assess the tree for uneven growth, whether due to disease, overcrowding, or any other factor. If the tree is heavier on one side than another, it will fall that way<\/a> regardless of your attempts to redirect it.<\/p>
- For a better estimate, hold an ax at arm\u2019s length, and close one eye.<\/li>
- Walk until the top and bottom of the tree are aligned<\/a> with the top and bottom of your ax.<\/li>
- Where you stand is roughly where the top of the tree will fall.<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Clear Escape Routes<\/h2>
Make sure you have a safe escape path to retreat from the worksite. It\u2019s best to have two routes away from the direction of the falling tree and ensure they\u2019re clear from debris. If something goes wrong, you want a direct path to safety.<\/p>
5. Plan the Notch<\/h2>
- Where you stand is roughly where the top of the tree will fall.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Felling wedges<\/li> <\/ul>
- 2. Gather Equipment<\/a><\/li>