A small tree is felled safely by planning the fall around its natural lean, clearing two escape routes, notching the side it should fall toward, and finishing with a back cut slightly higher on the opposite side. Trees over about 10 inches across or 20 feet tall, on a bluff or shoreline, or rotten or hollow are best left to a professional.

Why does a tree's lean decide where it falls?

Because the trunk's weight carries it the way it already tilts once the cuts release it. Following that lean keeps the fall predictable, while a hollow or rotten core can break or swing the trunk in an uncontrolled direction.

What should be checked before the first cut?

The surroundings and the tree itself:

• Obstacles in the fall zone, such as other trees, fences, overhead wires, gardens, and vehicles
• Dead or hanging branches that could drop during cutting
• Two escape routes, one on each side, leading away from the expected fall line

How are the notch and back cut made?

The notch, a V shaped cut that guides the fall, faces the planned direction, opens to about 90 degrees, and reaches one fourth of the way into the trunk. The back cut comes from the opposite side about 2 inches higher and never meets the notch, leaving a strip of uncut wood, the hinge, that steers the tree down.

What happens once the tree starts to fall?

The saw is shut off and the cutter leaves by an escape route, since a falling trunk can bounce back over the stump. Limbing then works from the bottom of the trunk toward the top, from the uphill side on a slope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a small tree be cut straight through?

Trunks up to about 6 inches across can be, but a notch is still the safer choice. A tree cut straight through may settle onto its own stump instead of falling clear.

What is a springpole?

A small tree or branch pinned and bent under the fallen trunk. It stores a large amount of energy, so it is released with a cut at the apex of its bend.

Why are spruce and other conifers harder to cut?

Their sappy, sinewy wood can bind the chain and raise the risk of kickback, a sudden jump of the saw back toward the operator.

What protective gear is worn when felling a tree?

A helmet, eye and hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps or cut resistant pants, and sturdy boots are the usual set.

How are nearby trees protected once the work is done?

By keeping vehicles and log piles off their root zones, where most roots sit in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, and by watering through dry spells. Treegator Original Slow Release Watering Bag, which fits trunks 1 to 8 inches across and installs without tools, lets 15 gallons soak slowly into the root zone of a younger neighboring tree.