We’ll show you how to use a chain saw to fell trees – those with a diameter less

than the length of your saw’s cutting bar.

Before you start, be sure you’re familiar with the operation of your saw and follow

all safety recommendations. For some tips, check out our How to Use & Maintain a Chainsaw

video.

For larger trees, trees that are near a structure, trees that you want to fell opposite of their

lean, or any tree you feel uncomfortable tackling – call a professional.

Start by taking a good look at the area. Be sure there are no structures, power lines,

people or pets close to a radius the height of the tree. Then pick a direction you want

the tree to fall, and plan a clear escape path – opposite the direction of the fall

and at a 45-degree angle.

Clear the area around the tree, and make sure there are no loose branches overhead.

With the tree on your left, make a 70-degree cut on the side facing the direction you want

the tree to fall. Use the felling sight on the top of the saw as a guide. Cut to a depth

of about a quarter of the tree’s diameter. For the next cut, turn the saw sideways and

cut horizontally to meet your first cut, creating a notch. Be sure the cuts meet.

For the felling cut, move to the opposite side and make a horizontal cut slightly above

the previous cut.

Saw until you have enough room to insert a wedge. Then finish the cut being sure not

to touch the wedge with the blade. Don’t cut through – leave about 10 percent of

the width as a hinge. When the tree begins to fall, move away down your escape path.

Once the tree is down, remove the branches – called limbing. Work carefully starting

at the base. You can cut downward – called a pulling

chain – or cut upward – called a pushing chain. Offsetting cuts keep the chain from

binding. Limbs on the underside can be cut if you have a good working height. Limbs under

tension can be cut later when the tree can be turned.

Large branches can be under great tension and should be cut starting from the outside,

working toward the trunk.

When you’ve removed the limbs it’s time to cut the trunk – called bucking. Look

for where the wood might compress as it’s cut. Cut a third of the way through the side

where compression might take place, then cut a 1-in offset from the opposite side to keep

the blade from binding and give you more control. A wedge can also be used to hold the gap.

For logs on the ground, cut through most of the way, then turn the log and finish the

cut so the blade doesn’t contact the ground. For logs supported on one end, cut up from

the bottom, then finish the cut on top.

Cut the pieces into manageable sizes and stack them away from the work area.

By working carefully and safely, you’ll successfully cut down that tree.

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Next, learn how to prune your hedges.