Tips and Tricks on How to Properly Cut Trees

When cutting trees, there are essential, working techniques that won’t just create a working environment that’s safe for you and your property but will also allow you to work more effectively. In this article, we are going to give you the strategies you can use whenever you decide to do your own tree removal.

Safety First

Although it goes without saying, there’s a need for us to emphasize its importance. You should always wear ear protection, gloves, a hard hat, eye protection, and steel-toe boots when working with a chainsaw. It’s better if you can get your hands on safety chaps. Even if tree trimming seems pretty straightforward, you should always put your safety above all else.

Take Your Time

It’s tempting to cut a couple of trees in one go. However, you must take your time because you need to examine every tree thoroughly before deciding to cut it. This is to ensure that you’re sure of the direction of its fall. Aim to limit your workload. Plan carefully and do not rush the process, so a tree will fall exactly where you want it to.

Don’t Force It

Unless you’re a seasoned logger, you should never force trees to fall in the direction they don’t want to go. When you’re dealing with an “uncooperative” tree, it’s safer if you allow it to drop to the direction it’s inclined to fall. Also, you need to remove the logs off. As for the treetops, move them by hand and place them strategically. If you’re unsure of where a tree is going to fall, stop your tracks and ask for an expert’s opinion.

Stay Sharp

Keep the blade of your chainsaw sharp. This will ensure that you endure the work longer. Getting tired often leads to mistakes. Mistakes when handling a chainsaw may lead to very grave injuries.

Measure the Felling Zone

Trees reach the ground farther than you’d expect them to. They are also much taller than what you might think of them. You can estimate the fall of a tree by using the expert’s ax handle trick. With this strategy, you need to hold the handle of an ax at arm’s length, and then close one eye.

Back away from the tree or move towards it until the topmost part of your ax is even to the topmost part of the treetop. The bottom part of the ax must also be even with the tree’s base. After doing the trick, make a mark to where you are exactly because that’s where the treetop will fall. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate; therefore, you need to allow extra room.

Don’t Work Alone

When it comes to tree services, it’s a good idea to work with a partner. If you have a phone, bring it along with you. If an unfortunate event occurs, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. If you’re just working in your backyard, let your partner check up on you every hour.