What one person may consider as the best chainsaw might not be the same for you, so choosing your ideal tool should not be something decided rashly. You can use a chainsaw to trim small branches from a tree, as long as you don't have to hold the chainsaw higher than shoulder level. The tree may start to fall at this point. It’s a potentially dangerous job that’s best left to trained professionals. 3-year warranty through the manufacturer. Always look up for hazards and around for your teammates before the final release! Dead trees make great nesting and feeding places for many animals, so where it is safe to do so, consider leaving them in place. Get really drunk first. Like most working folks who like to tinker around their yards on the weekend, you probably don’t own a powerful gas-powered chainsaw. Step 4 As with anything that involves building (or tearing down), there are … It may take longer, but you’ll still get it done. You probably can’t get it out that way anyway. I have some small trees that I already cut down by hand but I want to cut into logs and a power tool will be much faster. One safety tip: before you begin sawing, make sure that the trunk is unable to roll away. How exactly does one go about doing this? How to cut down a tree using a chainsaw safely Cutting down a tree, also known as felling a tree, requires careful planning and a high degree of skill. View the Best Small Chainsaw for the Money, Below. Well, there’s no need to... How to Keep String Trimmer Line from Sticking. Inspect the trees around it and make sure you won’t create a domino effect with the first falling tree. Cut out a wedge in the direction of fall, 50% – 80% through the tree. These are fairly basic tree felling tips and techniques. link to How to Keep String Trimmer Line from Sticking, buy some Spiked Felling Wedges from Amazon, trees you’re cutting or what tasks you need the chainsaw. These logs are sitting out on the yard waiting to be cut up and piled neatly in your basement or barn. A leaner exemplifies an accident ready to happen and needs fixing as soon as possible. Immediately … Asked by Casey Rozenberg, Last updated: Nov 05, 2020 + Answer. I'm Peter, the owner of BackyardGadget. If you’re planning to learn how to fell down a tall tree by yourself, you need to be extra careful. What I did first was cut a notch on one side then the other side, all the while careful not to meet the cuts. Cut from the top and use a downward stroke along the lower edge of the chainsaw. Again, it will depend heavily on the guide bar length of your chainsaw. Make the Back cut. Don’t feel the need to squat down and cut close to the ground right away. It is easy for the chainsaw bar to get pinched if the log is not properly supported. After checking to ensure that your tool has been well-maintained, examine the area around the tree that you would like to fell. Method. Next, after you have decided what direction the tree is going, you should clear a space for it to fall into, cut down smaller trees, remove brush and shrubs etc, you don’t want anything getting damaged by the trunk or the branches. The idea is to make a small wedge cut and then the main cut from the other side to meet that wedge cut. Fortunately, there are so many different models on the market that you will be able to find the one that is right for you. Go slow and take your time. You can also hurt yourself or those around you. Once that is done, conduct a quick hazard analysis and plan your escape route just in case you’re forced to flee out of the way of a falling log. We think you’ll also like: Best Chainsaw Chaps Review. Identify a clear escape route that leads approximately 20 feet away from the tree. To clear branches or limbs, use a pulling chain. One of the best parts about this design is how lightweight it is – the user will experience minimal fatigue while taking on some serious pruning and yard clearing tasks. Continue to step-by-step instructions. Morg , teacher, Centerville. There is a current limiter built in to reduce the power that goes to the motor in the event that the saw overloads, making this tool-less blade machine even safer. The first option is the safest and simplest method, but as long as you are careful, the other two can also be completed safely. The 20” bars and larger should only ever be used by an experienced user and industry professionals. link to Can You Use a String Trimmer on Wet Grass? Don't cut through the trunk. The face cut, sometimes called a notch cut, comes first. Cut the tree stump down close to the ground level Dig all the dirt away from the stump – exposing the roots Cut the roots with a chainsaw Pry the stump from the ground Apply the chainsaw gently with a pulling chain to reduce the risk of kickback. We’ve done the research for you with these chainsaw reviews and guide that can help you to find the right one for you. This type tends to be easier to carry around and handle due to their smaller size; this design also contributes to their affordable price. You won’t have to worry about much kickback from the 12” bar either, which is always comforting to know when using such a potentially dangerous tool. They don’t have spikes on them, so they can fall out easier under high pressure. How to Cut Down a Tree in Segments. I really like nature and animals. For example, if you only want to use the machine several times a year, you are probably better off purchasing a cheaper model. As far as top-rated chainsaws go, this one may be one of the best 16-inch chainsaw options available. The user comfort that is aided by the minimal vibration makes this machine a pleasure to work with. Never attempt to cut down the tree that holds up the leaner. This GreenWorks line of 40V battery powered tools offers the versatility of supplying power for many other machine options along with the same battery that charges quickly and efficiently. In this guide, we will discuss how to correctly cut logs with a chainsaw. However, if there are objects or buildings in the way, you should consult with an experienced professional to come out and make sure everything happens as safely as possible. A chainsaw with a 10 – 14 – inch bar is capable of felling a large tree (preferably under 20 inches in diameter) or blocking up firewood. However, if the tree has a diameter thicker than 16”, it is definitely worth using a more powerful gas chainsaw . You might be tempted to cut the tree in half by climbing a ladder. Perhaps you’ve just had several cord of wood delivered to your home. The tool itself has changed and evolved in the past decade, and today small chainsaws are easily found that are instrumental in the home maintenance tasks of average homeowners. The amount you want to invest in this is slightly dependent on the intended use of the chainsaw. What if you need to cut large logs and you only have a small battery – operated or electric chainsaw? 9. Next, use the underbucking technique to cut into the log from the underside and cut upward until you reach the first cut. For very large trees, it is recommended to make a bore in the middle of the directional notch. While this design isn’t as lightweight as the previously mentioned Black+Decker, it offers strong cutting speeds with low volume levels. When you are ready to begin, you have the options to lay the log fully on the ground, supported on both ends, or only supported on one end while the other is in the air. Of course, whatever option you choose will need to end up fitting within your budget. It can make pruning jobs a snap, reduce logs to manageable sizes and cut firewood. As with cutting logs, you use the same techniques for cutting up firewood or fallen trees. The versatility and diversity of applications for this tool make it worth the expense and the sprocket-nose bar for added cut control seals the deal. Previous Next. They do have added safety because the battery eliminates any potential cord tripping hazards that one may encounter with corded models. Simple demonstration of cutting down a tree (felling a tree) with a chainsaw. But before you start this venture, there are several procedures you must go through to ensure that the job is done safely and smoothly. This design sports a lot of stability throughout use, even when it is emitting its peak horsepower. Felling a tree with chainsaws takes planning and should be well thought through. For chainsaw operators who are using a smaller bar, it’s best to employ a combination of plunge and fan cuts. 2 Remove all the smaller tree limbs. Then, use one of the appropriate chainsaw techniques listed above to perform the correct and safest cut. There’s nothing to cutting down a live Christmas tree. Here are the steps you should follow if you plan on using your tool to cut down a small tree: You should clear the workspace around the tree, removing any tripping hazards and creating a clear escape route in case you need to get out of the way of your tree falling quickly and unexpectedly. Plus, they are considerably less noise compared to their gas-powered counterparts. The Area Needs to Be Clear! The biggest trunk was maybe 8 inchs thick at very most. There are several techniques to cut a tree stump; however, this method is the easiest and most fool-proof. As we are cutting down a tree with a chainsaw, it will definitely fall down in a particular direction. Plan ahead. You would need some effort to bring the tree down safely. Aside from the generous warranty that Makita is known for, this tool is a decent size and can get everything you need to have done for an affordable cost. Forestry professionals and hobbyists alike are often concerned about the limit of tree you can cut down. Go slow. If you have a clear path, you can make the face cut – this is the cut that determines the direction that the tree will fall in. If quaking aspen has been dominating your yard, this is the best chainsaw to round out your collection and prune or clear any unwanted shrub growth. Make a back cut to meet the upper part of the wedge cut. With 14.5 Amp power and a 16” bar, this Worx tool packs a punch. This kit comes with a dual-port charger that can charge both batteries efficiently and simultaneously while also ensuring that you don’t have any harmful emissions. Here are the steps you should follow if you plan on using your tool to cut down a small tree: Safety First. Observe these steps to make an open directional notch in a small-to-medium sized tree … The apex of the notch should go approximately 1/3rd into the tree. Walk around the tree to the opposite side. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to have someone who is an experienced chainsaw user with you to help. The GreenWorks 20312 40V has a reliable battery-powered runtime and an impressive amount of safety features, including its low kickback chain and chain brake that prevents any accidental kickbacks. But if the diameter is higher than the guide bar length by a wide margin, a saw with a less powerful engine will be of little use to you. Before you start cutting down a tree, make sure you have safety glasses on to keep out dust and debris, along with ear muffs or high-quality ear plugs.. You’ll also need a helmet to protect your head from falling branches. As you can probably imagine, I was concerned that it wouldn’t work. Share. When making your own firewood or cutting logs for any other reason, you need to make sure you are following the steps properly. Though these may hinder your movements a little, it’s a small price to pay for your safety. Make sure to read through it all carefully and you will be on your way to fell small to medium sized trees. Batteries are known for their fast charge times. Powered by two 18V batteries, this Makita model will give you 36V run-time and performance without having to worry about the battery demand of anything larger than an 18V. How to Cut Down a Tree with a Chainsaw. Auto-tension system for the chain assists with tightening. Next, tie a rope ⅔ of the way up the trunk and hook the end to a hand-winch that’s tied to a larger tree. Once the tree is down, you'll have to remove the branches. If you only do a single cut from the top of the tree, you risk pinching your saw between the wood, and it’s a pain to get your saw blade unstuck. There is confusion surrounding whether you can use a string trimmer on wet grass. The steps in this guide will help you get rid of a pesky tree or make wonderful firewood for the winter. There are a few downsides to these, however – because they need to be tethered to a stationary power source whenever they are in use, their portability drops significantly. Stop cutting when there is a parallel strip of uncut timber not less than 1/10th of the diameter of the tree. This type (usually) features a two-stroke engine powered by fuel, making them extra powerful. If one or both ends of the tree are off the ground, you’re going to make two cuts. It is best to cut down trees in segments when there are close obstructions or the tree is too tall to tackle with one cut. This position will ensure that you don’t get injured by the felled tree if it rolls down the hill. You're cutting a small, horizontal wedge out of the trunk. Avoid experiencing the same thing by wearing your safety gear. If you’re looking to purchase the best chainsaw but aren’t sure what make and model to invest in, you’ve come to the right place. After making your first cut, move your chainsaw down several inches. Always look up for hazards and around for your teammates before the final release! A number of years ago, I worked as a forester. Dress properly for safety with head protection, eye protection, hearing protection, heavy duty boots for ankle protection, and any other leg and body protection you may need. Safety Gear. With all of the different kinds of small chainsaw models and chainsaw chains on the market today, it can be difficult to find the one that best suits your needs, budget, and overall preferences. Hi! You're bound to knock a branch loose and have it fall on you. To prevent the falling branch from tearing the bark from the trunk as it falls, make a cut a foot or so from the trunk and cut … How to Use a Chainsaw. - It is obviously leaning in one direction or heavily loaded with branches on one side. You don’t want your chainsaw to go past the tree and cut into the ground, as that can damage your chainsaw. If not, you might want to make a deeper felling cut. Landscaping is a love-it-or-hate-it activity, but if you want to keep a great-looking lawn, you're going to need an effective string trimmer. Trimming small branches from a tree. Regardless if the tree is large or small in size, safety should always be taken seriously. 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