When you’re planning on felling a tree, you can estimate where a tree will fall by using the “Ax handle trick.” This is how to fell a tree in the direction you want: hold an ax handle at arm’s length, close one eye, and back away from or move toward the tree until the top of the ax is even with the treetop and the bottom is even with the base. Wedges will keep the saw from getting pinched in the cut if the tree leans back. The instant the tree begins leaning, pull the saw free, set the chain brake and walk away along one of your escape routes, keeping an eye on the tree so you can react if it doesn’t fall the way you planned.
Here at HealthyHandyman, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to show you how to cut down a tree with a chainsaw – the right and safe way! Even with the best planning, your tree may get caught on another tree on its way down. If the tree is twenty inches wide, you would cut the open-faced notch five or six inches deep, and the back cut 12 or 13-inches deep, leaving a 2-inch hinge in place.
You want to cut down a tree and Paul Bunyon isn’t available to help. If you’re reading this guide, you’re probably looking to cut down a tree a bit bigger than the struggling fruit tree you planted three years ago. How to cut down a tree with a chainsaw / Amada44 / CC BY-SA. 6.
how to chainsaw a tall tree Related Question:
What can a 16 inch chainsaw cut?
16 chainsaw would cut through a 14″ tree diameter. 10 inch chainsaw for 8″ in diameter. 6 inch chainsaw can cut a 4″ diameter.
Is it OK to cut branches off trees?
Yes, you can kill a tree by over pruning it. It’s best to start small, and only remove a few branches at a time. Then every year, continue working on it until you reach the desired shape. Also, don’t cut off any large limbs unless they are dead or severely damaged.
What is the difference between topping and pollarding?
The major difference between the two words: Whereas the former is done with design in mind, the latter is done out of expediency. More thought and planning goes into pollarding, which is considered an art form, much like topiary. Topping means cutting older trees down almost to the top of the trunk.
Can you cut off the top of a tree without killing it?
If the tree dies, it will have to be removed. If it survives, it likely will need corrective pruning, although it will never recover its original, natural form. Since topping is not an approved professional practice and causes safety risks, homeowners may be liable for damage from the failure of a topped tree.
Which way will a tree fall when cut?
Plan the Notch The notch is what will allow the tree to fall properly, so you want it on the “fall side” so the tree will fall in the direction of the notch. The fall side should be the heaviest side of the tree. Cut at a comfortable working height.
What is the most common chainsaw injury?
The most common hazards associated with chainsaws are injuries caused by kickback, pushback, and pull-in. Kickback is the most common and poses the greatest hazard. Kickback occurs when the rotating chain is stopped suddenly by contact with a more solid area throwing the saw rapidly backward toward the operator.
How big of a tree can a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
A good rule of thumb is that the diameter of the trees you cut regularly should be no more than twice the length of the bar on a chainsaw. That means a 20-inch chainsaw can handle a 36-inch tree (remember, effective cutting length is roughly -2 inches of the bar length).
What size chainsaw do I need to cut firewood?
Many homeowners find that a 14- to 16-inch chainsaw is a good length for them. That’s long enough to limb-up trees, cut down small trees, and cut most firewood, but it’s also short enough that it’s easy to control the saw.
How many cc chainsaw do I need?
Your work will determine the type of chainsaw you purchase. Heavy work: If the task requires long hours felling trees, consider a professional chainsaw powered with a 65 to 110 cc engine and a guide bar of 16 to 20 inches. Moderate work: Cutting logs for firewood only needs a 55 cc engine with a 16 inch guide bar.
What happens if you prune a tree at the wrong time?
This can be due to laziness or fear of ending up with botched pruning. It can lead to overgrown shrubs or trees that are too tall. The solution to this issue is to prune. Removing old, dead, and damaged branches will stimulate the plant to produce new wood.
What is the three cut technique used for?
The three cut pruning method is a strategy used to remove larger limbs from a tree. Why is it used? This method is used to reduce the weight of the branch and make a clean proper cut.
What is a tree knuckle?
The swellings at the extremities of the framework of a recurrently pollarded tree.
What does it mean to lollipop a tree?
Topping stresses a tree. The tree has already grown the branches and leaves it needs to sustain it. When you cut the ends of branches, the tree tries to re-grow the branches as quickly as possible by sending up multiple, skinny shoots (also known as watersprouts or suckers) so it can replace the lost leaves.
How much of a tree can you cut without killing it?
As a general rule, don’t prune off more than 15% of the foliage. If you must make space for other plants, it is a better idea to remove a tree completely than to risk over-pruning it.
What happens when you cut off the top of a tree?
Tree topping is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when you cut the top of a tree off, which reduces the tree’s remaining top branches to stumps. As a result, your tree is left with weak, unstable limbs and a bare, unnatural appearance. Also, your tree is much more prone to breakage and may be a risk hazard.