If you’re just beginning to cut down trees, it’s important to have a small practice first.
It’s especially important to be careful while cutting down a small tree.
Use these steps for guidance on how to prevent getting this specific problem.
In this article, We have shared 7 simple steps on how to cut down a small tree with a chainsaw.
But before deep-diving into the detailed guide, let’s have a quick look at safety gears. Because personal safety is more important.
Table of Contents
Tips for Chainsaw Safety when Cutting down a Tree
Do not cut corners when cutting a tree with a chainsaw. Each step is important in safeguarding the safety and general welfare of everyone involved. Before you start, make sure to consider each one of these safety precautions.
Chainsaw Safety Gears:
Eye Protection
There are a number of options to consider when selecting eye protection.
Face shield
Attach directly to your safety helmet.
Safety glasses
For additional safety, choose safety glasses with side shields or wraparound glasses. Safety glasses come with scratch resistance like Starlite protective eyewear or UVA UVB protection, such as Scorpion Mag safety glasses.
Goggles
Prescription glasses wearers will appreciate the eye protection provided by protective goggles. These goggles can be worn over regular-sized glasses and allow for full vision in all directions.
Coverall eyewear
These coveralls can be worn over prescription eyewear.
Check out our guide on the best chainsaw helmets for more details.
Hearing Protection
Earmuffs and earplugs are the two main tools used to decrease chainsaw noise. To receive the best noise reduction rating (NRR), you should choose the appropriate device.
Earplugs may be the problem or can be connected to a cord or band. No matter what type of earplugs you use, they must be correctly inserted to ensure the best possible hearing protection.
These steps will get you the best experience possible and maximum security.
- Roll the earplug into a compact cylinder.
- Pull your ear up and back to open the ear canal.
- Fully insert the earplug into your ear canal. This will provide the best protection and fit.
You might also think about the muffs’ different aspects, including their comfort, weight, and noise reduction abilities.
Hand Protection
To protect yourself from scrapes and cuts, chainsaw gloves must be worn when cutting trees.
It is not mandatory to wear gloves, but doing so can reduce vibration and the danger of small wounds.
Footwear
Safety boots with a steel or composite toe and non-slip soles are safe options. Lighter footwear may be preferred by tree climbers. Before you use your new boots, make sure they are properly broken in.
How to Cut Down a Small Tree With a Chainsaw
Chainsaw use is becoming increasingly popular for tree cutting due to its ease of use and the ability to quickly cut down a small tree. Following these 7 easy steps will help you safely and efficiently cut down a small tree with a chainsaw.
Step1. Plan ahead
Before you cut down the trees, it’s important to plan in advance. You don’t want to get injured, and you wouldn’t want the tree to fall onto your house or garage. You need to plan in advance to maintain both of these things from happening.
Look first at where the tree is located and the surroundings around it. Look not only for buildings but also power lines, fences, or simply anything else that may be damaged.
To establish warning signs if the tree may come down near a road, set up construction at the site if you’re unacquainted with it. If it’s a strategy you’ve never done before, getting some assistance will help you, as they’ll get to know any of the potential problems or best practices that you d be interested in.
Then, clear out the area around the base of the tree. Remove any undergrowth, fallen branches, or areas having fallen to the ground. Make sure there is sufficient headroom under the tree so you can look at it from every angle without facing any obstacles.
Step2. Clear The Area
Now that the plan is prepared, it is time to consider the surrounding area. Make sure everyone is near the tree knows what you are doing. To make sure the tree falls safely, you should place warning signs in the area.
Determining the dimensions of the fallen area is done using precisely the same approach as that used to calculate the distance to the object from the source. Do not be fooled into thinking that the tree is smaller than its actual size. To get an idea of the distance the tree will travel when it hits the ground, it is recommended that you use the trick with the hatchet.
Hold a cutting blade near your ribcage and face the tree. Close one eye. Fidgety and slowly begin to move away from the tree. When the axe-handle has leveled up with the tree’s crown, the base portion will stand square to the base of the tree. This is how deep the cut.
If you fail, you will have a second exit strategy. You’ve got a better grasp of how to cut small trees with a chainsaw and will likely be safer when navigating one.
Step3. Make your cuts at a comfortable height
Crouching down immediately and going near the ground is not required. You might find it advantageous to begin with a small initial cut, let the tree fall, and, lowering the remaining portion below the ground to create a stump. You should consider your own health and that of the tree as you make your cuts. It is vital to have the hands firmly gripped to propel cuttings to the right place.
Step4. Cut a wedge on the same side
The first cut was horizontal and approximately halfway through the tree. At times, it would be 2/3. The chainsaw ought to be used to make the cut. Do not make a sawing motion. Subsequently, cut at a steeper angle than the first, about 60 degrees, and at a depth where the two cuts meet. The tree must be cut in a wedge shape.
Step5. Make the third cut on the opposite side
Make sure that you’re not acting directly underneath the falling tree, as the fall can be deadly to you. It often seems like the right thing to do for the safety of the tree, but that’s not necessarily true. homeowner’s insurance firms suggest being adjacent to where the tree is planted.
You’ll need to make another horizontal cut above the one you just made. However, do not make it completely across the line of the cut. The tree’s base will begin to weaken because the chainsaw will cut through it.
It will look as though a hinge; this was because I have been a bit anxious about this part, because my father and I have NONE whatsoever of jumping up and interacting with the tree (which, I am not sure you are supposed to do, but I let it go).
Step6. Cut the stump
The trees that are being cut into shorter pieces will move away from the trunk until they are all gone. After the stump has been cut, remove it from the tree.
Step7. Cut firewood logs
Cut off the smaller branches of the tree until you get a clean area for creating into logs. Lift the log above head level slightly. Get the majority of the way and become slow as you go to the end of the cut (otherwise, the cut might give way and send your chainsaw blade into the dirt).
How long does it take to cut down a tree with a chainsaw?
Chainsaws are a commonly used tool for cutting down trees. It can take a person a number of minutes to cut down a small tree using a chainsaw.
For larger trees, it can take longer. A chainsaw can typically cut down a large tree in about an hour, but it may take up to two hours if the tree is particularly large or dense.
How do you get a tree to fall where you want?
If you want a tree to fall where you want, there are a few different ways to go about it. The most common way is to use a rope or chain, but you can also use a bow and arrow, gun, or even your own strength.
If you want the tree to fall quickly, using a gun is the best option. However, if you want the tree to fall slowly and more convincingly, using a bow and arrow is the way to go. You’ll need to practice beforehand so that your arrow lands right where you want it.
The best way to get a tree to fall in an open area is with a chain or rope. This method works best if the area is flat and free of obstacles. If you’re trying to get the tree into dense vegetation or onto another surface, using a chain or rope will be much harder.
What is the best way to cut down a small tree?
It is essential to find a safe and effective way to decrease a small tree that will not harm the tree or yourself. If you want to cut down a small tree with hand tools, it may be best to use a hand-saw or a chainsaw. If you would rather cut down on a large tree with a power saw or pole saw, do so.
As a small tree is cut down, here are a few recommendations.
1. Choose the right tool for the job.
The size and shape of the tree will determine which type of saw is best for cutting it down. If you have an ax, use that; if you have a chainsaw, use that.
2. Cut slowly and carefully.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and don’t take risks when cutting down a small tree. If you make any mistakes, or if the tree proves too hard to cut through, call a professional arborist instead.
3. Clear the area.
In most cases, you’ll want to clear the area around the tree so it can be safely removed. Some people prefer to use a chainsaw to do this, but others feel that a chainsaw could harm the tree.
Final Thought
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chainsaw user, take the time to practice before cutting down a tree. Always be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when operating your chainsaw.
Finally, if you have a small tree to cut down, try using a chainsaw tutorial or guide to help get the job done quickly and safely.