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.
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 tree Related Question:
How do you cut down a tree?
Saw until you have enough room to insert a wedge into the cut to keep the saw from binding. Insert the tree-felling wedge into this cut, pointing at the direction you want the tree to fall. Drive the wedge in and finish the cut, being sure not to touch the felling wedge with the blade. Don’t cut through the trunk.
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).
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.
Can electric chainsaw cut trees?
Although electric chainsaws are smaller and easier to carry, most lack the power and stamina to cut down large trees. If you have big trees on your property that you want to remove or cut into firewood, a gas model is your best bet. Electric chainsaws come in two types: corded and battery-powered.
What size chainsaw do I need to cut down a large tree?
The usual guideline is to choose a chainsaw with a bar that is two inches longer than the diameter of what you need to cut. For example, if you need to cut a tree that is 10” across, you will need a chainsaw of 12”.
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.
What side of the tree do you make the first cut?
Start Cutting Branches at the Trunk Work from the left side of the trunk (as you face toward the top of the tree). This allows the safest and most efficient use of the chain saw because you can rest the side or bottom of the saw on the trunk and slice off the branches with a pivoting motion.
What should you not do when a tree falls off?
When cutting up a felled tree, avoid touching the ground with the chain because even a brief encounter will severely dull the cutting teeth on your chain saw. If possible, cut partially through the tree and then rotate it to cut the rest of the way through.
Which way will a tree fall in a storm?
A tree will most likely fall in the direction of the lean.
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.
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.
When should you top a tree?
Is Topping Trees Good or Bad? Unfortunately, tree topping is not really an advisable option for controlling the tree size. As a matter of fact, professional arborists agree that topping should never be utilized as a primary pruning method. It should only be used if you are planning to remove an unwanted tree.
How do you cut down a tree in sections?
Cut straight through the trunk until you meet the angle of the first cuts. Ensuring the section is secure, lower it to the ground. Repeat this section-by-section cutting process as necessary until you reach the stump. You have successfully removed your tree.
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.
Are electric chainsaws safer?
Safer to Use Electric chainsaws have several features that make them safer for casual users than their gas-powered counterparts: Lower chain speeds. Chains that run only when you’re actively cutting with your saw. Bars that measure no longer than 18 inches.