Proper Procedures for Cutting Down Trees

Assessment

• The first step in cutting down a tree requires you to examine the tree and the space around it to determine the best path for it to fall. Trees will tear down the limbs and possibly trunks of trees in their way as they fall, so choose a falling path that is as clear as possible. The lean of the tree, existing wounds and wind will also affect how the tree falls once you've made your cuts, says the University of Missouri Extension.

First Cut

• Only small trees with trunks less than six inches in diameter are easily cut in one pass of a chainsaw. Most trees require you to make a first cut on the side of the tree where you want it to fall, according to the North Dakota State University Agricultural Extension. This cut should take a 45 degree angle wedge out of the tree's trunk. It should be a third of the trunk's diameter in length, but no more, or the tree could begin to fall too early.

Second Cut

• Making your second cut on the opposite side of the trunk keeps you out of the fall path of the tree as it comes down. Make another 45 degree angle wedge cut out of the trunk towards the first cut, but leave a few inches of trunk between the two, recommends the North Dakota State University Agricultural Extension. Most trees will begin to fall as soon as you finish the second cut, and you need to walk away quickly so large limbs or branches don't hit you as the tree comes down.

Wedging

• Trees with strong trunks or with serious lean in one direction need wedges for safe felling. If you are planning on cutting down a lot of trees, a set of tough plastic wedges is an inexpensive investment, or you can cut impromptu wedges from extra wood. A wedge is driven into the cut on the opposite side of where you want the tree to fall, says Northern Woodlands, and then hammered with a sledge. The lifting and pushing action that the wedge creates tilts the tree towards your first cut and will safely make it fall in the direction you want.