How to Safely Cut Down a Tree: Expert Tips

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Use the Correct Protective Equipment

When it comes to cutting down trees and operating chainsaws, safety is not just a casual term; you have to treat it with utmost seriousness. Certainly, there are precautions essential safety gear For any chainsaw tasks, you should always use protective gear such as gloves and hearing protectors designed to reduce noise. Additionally, there are certain tools specifically intended for felling trees that you ought to consider using.

    • A logger's helmet to shield you from descending limbs, which are a primary source of logging accidents.
    • Ear protection and a facial shield to safeguard your hearing and vision.
    • Protective eyewear to shield against debris.
    • Kevlar chaps capable of halting a chain immediately if you accidentally let the bar touch your leg.

Buy Felling Wedges

To avoid having your chainsaw get stuck during a cut, use two plastic felling wedges. These can be purchased at any retail location that sells chain saws for outdoor tools.

Estimating the Fell Area: Techniques for Directing Tree Fall as Desired

The height of trees often exceeds what we imagine, extending much further across the landscape than anticipated. To cut down a tree precisely as desired, consider employing the "axe handle method." Here’s how this technique works for directing the fall of the tree: extend your arm fully holding an axe handle horizontally, then shut one eye; adjust your position closer to or farther from the tree until the tip of the handle aligns with the very top of the tree and the end lines up with the trunk base. You'll likely find yourself standing approximately where the crown would land post-fall. Keep in mind, however, that this serves merely as a rough guide—ensure sufficient clearance around potential obstacles nearby!

Clear a Cutting Zone

Even when you're confident about which direction the tree will go down, you shouldn’t rush into cutting it. Clear out all vegetation surrounding the base of the trunk and prepare two exit paths on the side where the tree won’t drop. These pathways should form roughly 45-degree angles between them but point in opposite directions. You definitely don't want to stumble as you move away from an approaching fallen tree.

Size Up the Tree

Begin by examining the tree. Avoid cutting it down if you notice:

- Broken deadwood limbs that remain hanging due to partial detachment or because they're resting on other branches. There’s a high chance of dislodging one and having it drop onto you.

– Clearly, it has a pronounced tilt towards one side or is significantly weighed down with branches on one end. Regardless of your attempts, it will topple over in the direction of this lean or weight distribution.

- There are structures like buildings, fences, power lines, or other elements you're concerned about within the falling area. In this case, avoid attempting the fall and consult a professional instead.

Structure of a Well-Formed Notch

The general guideline for cutting down a tree involves making the notch about one-fifth of the width of the tree trunk. Aim to create angles similar to those depicted in the accompanying illustration (as accurately as possible). Ensure that your felling cut aligns with the tip of the notch. As the tree begins to topple, the hinge created serves to direct the fall towards the intended spot.

Plan the Notch

You'll need to create a cut on the "fall" side of the tree trunk. Align yourself with the handle and adjust the saw so it points towards your intended falling direction. The point where the bar contacts the bark will mark the center of the notch. Prior to making the cut, outline the notch either using chalk or by lightly scratching the bark with the chainsaw. Ensure the notch is positioned at a convenient working level. If necessary, you can later trim down the stump. remove the stump later.)

Cut the Notch

Start by making the upper cut followed by the lower one. While cutting at the lower position, use your thumb to manage the throttle settings. Should the top notch align precisely, the wedge should fall away naturally. Typically, though, you might need to continue cutting from above or below until the wedge becomes dislodged and falls freely.

Utilize Wedges for Large Trees

When dealing with trees larger than 18 inches in diameter, start by making your notch cut and then proceed with the felling cut. Once you've made an opening deep enough for the wedges, pause your work. Keep the chainsaw inside the cut with the engine still running; engage the chain brake before carefully inserting the wedges. After placing them, complete the final part of the cut. The wedges help prevent the saw from becoming stuck should the tree shift backward during this process.

Make the Felling Cut

Draw a guideline from the top of each side’s notch peak to serve as a cutting reference. Ensure that the rear cut aligns evenly and parallels this peak. Proceed then with making the final cut. As soon as the tree starts tilting, immediately release the saw, activate the chain brake, and move quickly along your predetermined exit path, continuously monitoring the tree’s descent to respond promptly if things do not go according to plan. Always keep vigilant and watchful over the falling timber.

A Watchful Observer Could Protect Your Well-being

While cutting down a tree, ensure you have an experienced helper positioned several feet behind you, monitoring the treetop for loose branches and signaling when the trunk begins to drop. This person should use a stick to gently touch your shoulder as a warning signal. Should this occur at the start of your work, stop immediately; it indicates potential danger from falling limbs. Towards the conclusion of your task, such a nudge suggests the tree is about to topple over, prompting immediate evacuation.

Begin Pruning Limbs at the Base

Once the tree has been toppled, begin removing the branches starting from the base of the trunk moving upwards. If feasible, position yourself on the upslope part of the fallen tree. Approach your task from the left side of the trunk when facing towards its upper section. Doing so ensures both safety and effectiveness as you wield the chainsaw; you can stabilize either the edge or underside of the tool against the trunk and trim away the limbs using a rotating action.

Chopped up the trunk for firewood

Slice a log into pieces measuring 16 inches long for firewood by initially cutting about three-quarters of the way through the log. Afterward, turn it around and finish the cuts.

Learn how to cut firewood various methods allowing you to utilize whatever tools are at your disposal.

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