How To Safely Cut Down a Large Tree

By Guest Author Mark Dunham

Disease, insects, fungal growth, and even natural disasters occasionally destroy trees. But cutting down a mature tree can be very risky and lead to injuries and sometimes fatalities. Even highly trained professional arborists are regularly injured while performing this task. It is critical to understand the risks when cutting down a tree and to take precautions to avoid injuries.

7 tips to safely cut down a large tree

1. Make sure that power lines are not running through the tree

Tree felling is a sizable do-it-yourself project. Take note of any irregular branch distribution within the crown, note the lean of the trunk, and look for signs of rot or decay in the tree. If there are nearby power lines, avoid felling the tree unless you are sure it will not interfere with them. If the tree must be removed and there is reason to believe it will come into contact with a power line, contact the utility company to remove the tree safely.

2. Inspect the tree for dead, diseased, or loose limbs

Make a visual inspection of the tree for any dead or dangling limbs. Loose limbs that collide with the person cutting the tree can result in severe injury and even death. Remove any loose limbs you see before starting. If this is not possible, fell the tree from a position that prevents any dislodged limbs from striking you.

3. Know the position of nearby trees, large shrubs, and buildings

Take note of the positions of the nearby trees and structures and ascertain that the tree will fall completely to the ground. Tree limbs that become lodged in surrounding trees or shrubs – or worse yet, buildings, are hazardous. Even expert loggers are sometimes victims of felled trees when they become entangled or snagged in neighboring trees. Cut limbs are very heavy and they fall with incredible speed, sometimes in surprising ways.

4. Don’t skimp or improvise – Use the correct tools

Although an axe can safely fell a tiny tree or sapling, a chainsaw is the best tool for mature trees. A 16- to 18-inch chainsaw bar is ideal for small to medium trees. Bigger trees require a 20- to 24-inch bar; this can also dismantle a large tree that has already been felled for firewood.

Remember that heavier chainsaws can quickly fatigue your arms and shoulders. The average chainsaw weighs between 10 and 15 lbs., but some of the most powerful models exceed 20 lbs. Before you begin using your chainsaw, please familiarize yourself with its operation and perform a quick check to ensure the tool is in good working order and is properly fueled and lubricated.

If you’re removing a tree with a diameter of 18 inches or more, you’ll also require a pair of felling wedges. These unbendable wedges keep the tree from leaning back or clamping down on your chainsaw or towards you during the final cut.

5. Use safety equipment

A hard hat, eye protection, work boots, work gloves, and ear plugs are the bare necessities for safely cutting down a large tree. You might also want to use a harness to protect you from falling.

6. Prepare an escape route, just in case

A tree that begins to fall does so rapidly and you will not have time to scan the area and find a safe hiding place. You don’t want to run straight into the tree’s path either. Being prepared and having a plan with an escape route ensures your safety. So prepare your escape route before starting your chainsaw. The route should be counter-clockwise and perpendicular to the predicted direction of the tree’s fall. Additionally, your route should be angled 45° away from the direction of the tree’s fall. Take note that the lean of the tree indicates the direction the tree will fall.

Consider a backup escape route as a precaution, because trees and gravity can sometimes be unpredictable. Create a signal with your partner that alerts you to impending danger. For example, if a tree branch falls on you while you work, your partner can signal you to take a different route. Alternatively, the partner can warn you if the tree begins to fall unexpectedly.

You’ll want to create a physical signal because you may (you should) be wearing earplugs and the chainsaw makes a considerable noise. If your partner sees a problem or thinks you’re in danger, he or she may poke you with a long stick or pole while standing guard. Make sure that the poking device does not obstruct the escape route for you or your partner.

7. Consider hiring professionals

Cutting down a tree seems relatively simple. Until you’re on the wrong end of a falling limb. Cutting a tree cleanly and safely while accurately predicting its fall location is usually a job best left to professional tree experts known as arborists.

Tall trees, trees with a large diameter, trees growing close to obstructions, and trees with unusual characteristics are just a few reasons you may want to hire a tree removal service. Large dead branches, rotting trees, and trees that lean one way or another are all unusual characteristics.

Trees that are dead, diseased, or overgrown must be removed. Although the procedure is not complicated, it can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with it.

Author bio: Mark Dunham is a tree expert from Canopy Tree Pty Ltd and writes articles to help homeowners learn proper tree care. Mark likes to visit parks, bike, and travel internationally during his free time.