How to Take Down a Large Oak Tree

Examine the area around the tree. Look for nearby electrical wires or other buildings or objects that the tree or its branches could hit as they fall. Remove all objects in the tree's potential landing area. If electrical lines touch the tree branches or are within reach of its canopy, contact your local electrical company and a tree-removal professional; never attempt to fell a tree with live power lines nearby yourself.

Lean a ladder against the trunk of the tree. Have your helper hold the base of the ladder steady. Climb it with the tree clippers and remove all of the smallest branches. Clip large branches as close to the trunk as possible. Use a chainsaw if a branch is too thick for clippers. Repeat until all branches are removed.

Climb down and remove the ladder. Cut a horizontal, V-shaped wedge section known as an undercut out of the trunk a few feet above the ground with the chainsaw to control which way it falls--the tree should fall in the direction of the cut, but this is not always predictable so be alert and have an escape path set for every possibility. Walk around to the other other side and saw through the trunk at the same level as the midpoint of the V until the cut is completely through the trunk and it falls to the ground.

Slice the trunk and larger branches into logs of a manageable size with the chainsaw. Pile them in a corner of your yard to be used as firewood. Break up smaller branches for kindling or discard with your yard waste.