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0 Using a chainsaw to cut down a tree is probably the easiest and most effective way no matter the size of the tree. However, a chainsaw is a very dangerous machine at the same time that can cause serious injuries. This is why tree removal should be carried out by tree removal services. If you are new to this, we have some tips that would help you cut down a tree using a chainsaw. Let’s discuss!
Plan Before You Cut
Before you can proceed with cutting the tree, you will need to plan the tree felling. You will also need to follow the local rules & regulations. Depending on your state, you might be required to acquire a permit. Even if the tree happens to be on your property, you might still need the permit as the process could risk others in the surrounding area.
Once you have requested the permit, you will need to take a look around the tree and determine its length and felling distance. This is a very important step to avoid serious consequences. Take a good look and see if tree is leaning to one side. If it’s already leaning, it means it will fall sooner or later.
If the tree happens to be big, you should cut down the branches so that the tree does not cause any damage when it falls to the ground.
Estimate The Reach
This is perhaps the most important step as no one can tell where the tree will exactly fall but you can determine a close to an accurate estimate. Consider structures, vehicles, trees and power lines, etc. in the surrounding. Keep in mind that trees also look big standing below. As a result, you won’t be able to estimate the exact height of the tree.
Use the ax handle trick. Hold the ax and keep your arm straight towards the tree. Close one eye and step back until the top of the tree is aligned with the base of the ax and the bottom of the tree is aligned with the bottom of the ax.
This will give you an estimate of where the treetop will land. Make sure that you clear some extra area due to the rough estimate.
Clear The Cutting Area
Next, you will need to clear the cutting area as the tree could fall on people, kids, pets, and other valuable items in the surrounding area. Once the cutting area has been cleared, you need to plan two escape routes. This will help you escape the felling area right before the tree is about to fall.
Always make two escape routes so that if one does not work out, you can use the other as a backup plan. Another reason for clearing the cutting area is that you should not trip or fall while the tree is falling. Generally, you should remove branches less than 6 feet high so that the risk of damage caused by the tree falling is minimum.
Make A Notch With A Chainsaw
Now comes the trickiest part – making the notch. There are three types of notches that are most commonly used that are the conventional notch, the open-face notch, and the Humboldt notch. However, these notches are more or less similar and let you fell the tree in the direction of the notch.
While making the notch make sure that you do not go too deep and always make the first cut on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. Plus, make the notch lower than 4 feet high.
Make The Back Cut With A Chainsaw
After making the notch, move around the opposite site and make the back cut. This cut is also known as the felling cut, which will make the tree fall. The back cut will be made by placing the chainsaw slightly higher than the apex of your notch so that the cut meets the notch.
Continue cutting the tree until it begins to fall. Use the escape routes to shift to a safe location.
Conclusion
Using a chainsaw to cut a tree is risky but following the tips mentioned above will help you avoid serious risks and casualties. And you won’t be able to do this alone, ask for a helping hand or hire a tree cutting service Bethesda.
