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.
One of the most common ways I see people mis-using a chainsaw is when they are cutting down large trees. Here’s what people tend to do WRONG: They walk right up to these large trees and make a single felling cut, right into the trunk of the tree, and saw until the tree falls. Even if the tree begins to lean and fall like you want, the butt can still split as the tree is falling, and usually the top half of the butt kicks back violently in the general direction of – you guessed it – the person holding the chainsaw.
how to chainsaw big tree Related Question:
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.
Can an electric chainsaw cut down a tree?
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 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 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.
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 tall of a tree can you cut down?
While many people automatically call an arborist to take down a tall tree, you can cut down your own tall tree with the correct precautions. Call a professional if the tree you wish to cut down has a trunk more than about 16 inches in diameter or if buildings or other obstacles may be hit when it falls.
What happens if you prune a tree at the wrong time?
Most importantly, if you make pruning cuts at the wrong time–even good cuts that avoid the most common mistakes described here–you risk leaving your plants and trees susceptible to disease pathogens that are airborne or transmitted through insects.
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 happens if the branches of a tree are cut of on killing a tree?
The task of cutting a tree is represented as a killing or murder of a tree. (d) What happens if the branches of a tree are cut off? Answer: The branches that are cut off are replaced by new boughs, which will grow into their former size.
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.
When should trees be cut down?
If your tree has a less severe problem, one of the best times to remove trees is during the dormant season, between late winter and early spring. Here’s why. Dormant trees are leafless and lighter, so it’s much easier for a certified arborist to cut and handle the branches.
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).
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.
How long will a battery-powered chainsaw last?
How long will a battery-powered chainsaw last? A battery-powered chainsaw typically runs about 30 to 40 minutes with intermittent use depending on the battery’s size.
How do you keep a tree from falling down the wrong way?
A tree leaning away from the intended direction of fall has “back lean.” By using wedges and shims to lift the trunk off the stump, you can compensate for the back lean and bring the tree up and over in the intended direction.