Learning how to cut a tree down with chainsaw requires more than just starting the engine and pulling the trigger. This is a high-risk activity where preparation, technique, and respect for the equipment dictate whether the day ends with a job well done or a trip to the emergency room. Success begins long before the bar touches the wood.
Assess the Tree and the Environment
Before you even touch the starter rope, you must evaluate the entire scenario. Look at the tree’s lean, height, and diameter to determine if it is within your skill level to fell. More importantly, assess the surrounding area for hazards such as power lines, structures, roads, and bystanders. You also need to plan the escape route, ensuring you have two clear paths to walk away from the falling tree without crossing its trajectory.
Gather the Right Gear and Prepare the Saw
Personal protective equipment is non-negotiable. You need a hard hat, safety goggles, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and cut-resistant chaps. Never operate in proper attire. On the equipment side, ensure the chainsaw is sharp, the chain tension is correct, and the bar oil reservoir is full. A dull chain causes kickback and requires excessive force, turning a simple cut into a dangerous struggle.
Understanding Kickback
Kickback is the most dangerous reaction of a chainsaw and occurs when the tip of the bar contacts an object or pinches the wood during a cut. This causes the saw to violently kick back toward the operator. To mitigate this, always use the chainsaw’s chain brake when cutting, keep the tip of the bar off the ground, and avoid cutting with the tip of the bar whenever possible.
Plan the Felling Direction
Not all trees fall straight down. You must decide the intended fall direction based on the lean of the tree and the wind direction. Ideally, the tree will lean slightly in the direction you want it to fall, making the job safer and cleaner. If the tree is perfectly straight or leans heavily opposite your desired direction, you will need to use a more advanced felling technique involving a back cut and possibly a directional notch to control the fall.
Execute the Notch and Back Cut
The standard method involves creating a hinge of wood that guides the tree as it falls. Begin by making a horizontal cut on the side facing the fall direction. About one-third of the way through the tree’s diameter, move up the face of that cut to create a 30-degree downward angle, meeting the horizontal cut to form a notch. Next, move to the opposite side and make a back cut that is slightly higher than the apex of the notch. Do not cut all the way through; stop when the hinge wood thins to about 10% of the tree’s diameter.
Know When to Walk Away
As soon as the tree begins to move, turn off the saw and take several steps back on your predetermined escape route. Never attempt to adjust the fall of a moving tree or catch a falling saw. Listen for the sound of the wood splitting; if the tree gets stuck on debris or hangs on a hinge, do not attempt to push it or use a rope to pull it. This requires a secondary assessment or professional help.
Post-Felling Procedures
Once the tree is on the ground, let it rest for a few minutes to ensure it has settled and is not rolling. Then, clear the branches and begin the bucking process—cutting the trunk into manageable lengths for transport or splitting. If the wood is green, you will need to split it to speed up the drying process. Finally, maintain your chainsaw by cleaning the bar and chain, checking the chain tension, and storing the fuel properly to ensure it is ready for the next job.
