How To Cut Down A Tree

In the world where everyone is swearing by DIY projects, asking a woodcutter to cut a tree from your driveway doesn’t seem to be a good option. When you have the time and the inclination to cut a tree by yourself, why call someone else for it! However, if you think of it as an amusement, you are completely wrong. Cutting a tree is a tough job and if not done properly, it can even pose a threat to people. So, unless you have a little clue as to how to go about it, you need to let the “do it yourself” whim go and ask a professional to do it. Coming down to the other end, if you feel that you are up to the job and have the basic idea about it as well, go ahead! There are a few things that you need to learn, in order to do the job properly. Read on to tips on how to cut down a tree by yourself.

 

 

In order to cut a tree, you need to assemble the gear too. You would need a chain saw, which is readily available in any hardware shop. You would also require leather gloves, though latex ones will also do. Nevertheless, before you buy gloves, make sure that they are comfortable. If they result in sweating hands, you will feel uncomfortable cutting down the tree and might end up doing something wrong as well. Invest in a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes. You will need helmets and ear protection as well, since a chain saw is very noisy.

 

If the tree is in an open area, it’s okay to cut it. However, do make sure that there are no wires running or cars standing in the way, where the tree would fall. It should also not be on a slope, as after you cut the tree, it may move downwards and hurt people. If the tree is in the vicinity of other trees, it may entangle with them and not fall properly. Before you attempt to cut the tree, make sure that the area is clear of people and vehicles.

 

Check the base of the tree, whether it is live or hollow or infected with some disease. If it has a very big base, you will have to make many cuts on it, to make it fall down. Strike the back of the axe at the base of the tree. If it goes ‘thonk’ or ‘crack’, the base is a live one and it will take time to cut it. However, if axe sound is muted or hollow, it would be easy to cut the tree.

 

Determining the lay means ascertaining where the tree would fall. Select the direction that is as close to the tree’s natural lean as possible. In other words, if the tree is slightly bent, prefer to make it fall on the bent side only. In addition, make sure that the lay ground is smooth, as uneven grounds may cause the tree to roll, bounce, or even explode.

 

Planning the cut carefully is very important for smooth cutting. For this, keep the size of the tree in mind. For example, if the tree is small, one pass would be enough. However, for big trees, you would need several passes. The best way is to start from the 45-degree notch in the same direction the lay is. Cut the bottom of the notch first and then make the second cut on the same 45 degree, to make it meet the depth of the first cut. Make the falling cut from the opposite side.

 

In order to prevent any harm or injury to yourself, it is very important to remember to make an escape route. After making the cut, ensure that you are much away from the falling tree. Never, in any case, keep your escape route in the way of the falling tree. Be at least thirty or more feet away from it, before the tree starts to fall.