Content

• Method 2 of 3: Assess the condition of the tree, the environment, and the potential hazard
• Method 3 of 3: Cutting down
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

1 Tools

• Be sure to make sure that you have taken all the necessary tools listed in the "What you need" section.

2 Overalls

• Remember that cutting down trees is a very dangerous activity. Put on your overalls before proceeding.

Method 2 of 3: Assess the condition of the tree, the environment, and the potential hazard

1. 1 Assess the condition of the tree. Examine the tree for dry branches, broken off bark, cracks, and other debris.
2. 2 Walk around the tree and note the following for yourself:
   • The direction of its tilt. Get close to the tree and look up to see which way it is tilted.
   • Placing branches.
   • The height of the tree.
   • Broken branches that may fall.
   • Where is the best place for the tree to fall (place free of people and objects that may suffer from falling on them).
   • Long branches of other trees that are touching or entangled in the branches of the tree you wish to cut down. They should be removed from a nearby tree.
3. 3 Examine the base of the tree.
   • Look for signs of root instability: mushrooms, other uprooted trees, roots near rivers and lakes.
4. 4 Please note the following.
   • Direction of the wind
   • Whether the fall area is even or not
5. 5 Prepare an escape route.
   • Clear a path at least 10 meters from the tree. Your escape route should be at a 45-degree angle from the sides and back of the tree. If possible, go behind another tree.

Method 3 of 3: Cutting down

1. 1 Clear the area.
2. 2 Listen to the tree.
   • Tap the wood with the blunt side of the ax to determine the strength of the wood. A resounding knock or crack indicates a “living” tree, while a missing tree sounds dull. Listen in multiple locations throughout the tree and at different heights.
     
     
3. 3 Determine your work area.
   • The working area is where the tree will fall.
   • Choose the direction that is closest to the natural slope of the tree, but so that the tree does not get stuck in the branches of another tree.
   • Choose a work area or fall area, keeping in mind what the tree can do when it falls. Uneven surfaces can cause wood to roll, break, rebound, or explode.
4. 4 Make the first section - a horizontal section.
   • The first section must be horizontal. It determines the depth of the front cut and the direction of fall. The first section should be at waist level.
   • The horizontal section should be no deeper than a third of the tree's width. The straight line of the timber inside the section is the front of the tree support. The tree will fall perpendicular to this line.
   • Most professional saws have a "guidance line" that points perpendicular to the saw blade.When this line points to the direction where the tree should fall, mark yourself this point for later.
5. 5 Make an oblique cut.
   • An oblique cut completes the front cut by cutting off a piece of wood at an angle.
   • The cut off part of the tree should look like an orange slice.
   • The front cut can be made under or above the first cut. The front cut, also called the Humboldt cut, is used to cut as much of the tree as possible.
     • To keep your slices aligned, place the bar in your horizontal slice so that it protrudes slightly outward.
     • Make a cut from your side of the tree, aligning the bottom with the other side of the horizontal cut. By looking at the block, you can define the cutting path.
     • Stop chopping and look at the block to make sure you are aligned with the block on the opposite side of the tree. Correct the cutting direction if necessary.
6. 6 Make a back section.
   • Taking into account the slope, depth of the front cut and the thickness of the tree, determine how thick the bearing support will be (the joint that will cause the tree to fall). You need to stick to the maximum thickness and still make the tree fall.
   • In most cases, the bearing support should be of the same width. The difference in thickness on each side of the support can be used for "targeted fall," a technique that is beyond the scope of this article.
   • Once you have determined the width of the structural support, make a mark on your side of the tree where you want the rear section to end. The back section should be 5 cm higher than the horizontal section.
   • Make a cut at the back of the tree and use a saw to cut along the supporting leg.
   • Make a cut on your side up to the mark you made. When you have some space, make a corner cut to keep the tree from falling on the saw.
   • Continue sawing until the guidance line is aligned with the selected location on the horizontal cut - indicating that the support leg is aligned on both sides - otherwise the tree will start to fall! When making a back cut, remember to look at the top of the tree and at the notch in your back cut.
   • Drive wedges into the cut when making the back cut. Watch for signs of tree movement and direction at all times, and be prepared to act based on which direction the tree falls.
7. 7 Use your escape route to get away from the falling tree.
   • Get away on your escape route as soon as you notice that the tree has started to fall. Never turn your back on a tree. Beware of the broken branches of the surrounding trees.

Tips

• You can rent a saw.
• Contact your city administration about cutting down trees in your area.

Warnings

• Felling trees kills more people than any other wood-producing activity.
• Be careful with kickback. Kickback occurs when a saw barb catches on a tree but does not cut it. This can throw the saw in your direction (along with the moving chain).
• Cutting down a tree is a very, very dangerous process. Only properly trained people should engage in tree felling.

What do you need

• Chainsaw of the correct power and length, a sharp saw, and a full can of gasoline.
• Stairs
• Rope
• Wedges
• Axe
• Extra Gasoline and Chainsaw Repair Tools
• Overalls
  • Helmet
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Steel toe boots
  • Kevlar cover on legs
  • Work gloves
• Medicines for the treatment of bleeding, fractures and various injuries
• A sense of your own security
• Assistant