How to Remove a Tree Using a Chainsaw

Removing a tree requires the use of power tools such as a handsaw or a chainsaw. The process of removing a tree should begin with careful planning and follow by proper execution. It will help a lot if you ask someone with experience operating a chainsaw if it's your first time doing it. Make sure to obtain the requirements before getting started.

Prepare to Cut Down the Tree
Prepare the area to prevent accidents when the tree falls. Look at where the tree is falling and its surrounding area. Make sure it's far from your house or any fixed structure, including power lines. Get someone experienced in removing a tree to help you in the process. Consider trees as well. Removing a tree may affect other trees, especially ones that are weaker and smaller.

Decide What Direction to Fell a Tree
It is crucial to find out where the tree is falling to ensure you and your property's safety. If the tree is leaning towards one direction, it is best to fell it in that way. Just make sure there are no structures that will be affected.

Getting Away
Don't begin sawing until you have removed undergrowth around the tree. Get rid of fallen limbs, branches, and other obstruction in the way.

Clearing Tree Limbs and Buttress Roots from a Tree
Clear the lower part of the tree of any small branches and buttresses using the chainsaw.  You can use a pulling chain to remove branches. At a downward angle, begin cutting from the top. Don't cut limbs that go higher than your shoulders because it is perilous.

Directional Felling: How to Fell a Tree in the Right Direction
The direction of the tree's fall largely depends on the first few cuts you make or what is called the directional notch. You can make a directional notch in different ways, including the open directional notch.

Use these practical steps to make an open directional notch using a chainsaw:

• Decide where exactly you want the tree to fall. Use any landmark in your surrounding as a guide when planning the cut.
• At a 60-degree angle, make a top cut into the tree's trunk. Saw the trunk at 20-25% deep of its diameter.
• You should make a horizontal cut that meets the first cut you made. This will now serve as a notch carved of the tree's side at the felling direction.
• There should be no objects or people within the zone to ensure safety.
• Saw a horizontal cut slightly above the undercut. Halt sawing just before you reach the directional notch. Doing this will create a hinge that will help make the tree fall in a controlled direction.
• With a felling wedge used as a lever, you can begin felling the tree.
• Always keep watch of the falling tree. Move quickly yet calmly away from the falling tree. You should move at a 90-degree angle from the tree to protect yourself from the tree and the opposite side where the tree separates from the trunk.

Cutting Down Large Trees
In cutting a large tree, it is vital to use the right cutting technique. If you have a large tree that has a diameter larger than the chainsaw bar, a plunge cut is necessary.

A felling wedge and a breaker are some of the tools you will need to safely and successfully cut down a tree.

• Determine the exact location where you want the tree to fall. Use an object or a landmark as a guide when planning your cut.
• You need to cut the directional notch from two angles because the trunk is larger than the chainsaw. Saw at a 60-degree angle from the top of the trunk. Saw at a depth of 20-25% of the tree's diameter. Make sure that the notches are even by lining up the cuts as close as you can.
• A horizontal undercut that joins the top cut should be made. The cut should be from both sides of the tree, making sure that you are making a straight undercut. The notch should now be carved at the direction of the fall.
• There should be no one within the danger zone of the falling tree.
• The plunge cut can be created by inserting the lower section of the chainsaw into the trunk. Make sure not to let the upper part of the chainsaw bar nose to touch the tree.
• After placing the nose of the chainsaw into the trunk, adjust it until it's parallel with the directional notch.
• Put pressure to the chainsaw as it cuts into the tree.
• Carefully saw the trunk. Once you've reached the middle of the trunk, put the felling wedge into the tree to keep the chainsaw from getting stuck in the tree.
• Don't pull the chainsaw out of the trunk if it gets stuck. Turn the engine off and use the wedge or breaking bar to loosen up the trunk, then you can pull the saw carefully.
• Keep sawing until the directional notch is side by side with the chainsaw. 
• There may be a need for you to hammer the wedge to get the tree to fall. In some instances, you will need two or more wedges to get the job done. A breaker bar will come handy to work the tree until it starts falling.
• Keep your eyes glued on the falling tree. Move swiftly but calmly to a safe area. Move at a 90-degree direction from the falling tree to ensure that you're far from the felling zone and the direction where the tree separates from the stump.

Rotten or Dead Trees
When it comes to felling a dead or rotten tree, you may need help from expert tree service. It is extra challenging to remove trees of this kind, and you need to practice extra caution. If you see that the trunk is hollow or discolored, it can be an indication of rot in its interior. It is crucial to use a larger hinge to effectively and safely remove rotten and dead trees.

Lodged Tree
Don't leave the tree that is stuck in another tree without addressing the matter. You should call a professional tree service company right away if the tree lodges in a tree on its way down. You should make the pedestrians aware of the danger by roping the area, then call for help.  

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