10 Safty Tips to cutting down a tree.

So, you’re wanting to cut down that tree in your front yard eh? Well, before you get started you should defiantly know how to handle the whole process safely. You could give your local tree experts a call and we would be happy you help get your trees taken care of. But if you’re wanting to go another route, here are some safety tips we use.


1. Decide if the area is safe
2. Have the correct equipment
3. Predict the fall
4. Clear out an escape route
5. Plan the notch
6. Cut the notch
7. Insert wedge
8. Make the final cut though
9. Remove branches and cut firewood
10. Contact a tree surgeon.


If the list above feels like more than you’re wanting to do, we recommend just following that last step and give us a ring!


Decide if the area is safe.
By reading this guide we are assuming you’re looking to take down a bigger tree than your average suburban front yard tree. That means you should be taking extra safety precautions. Dropping large trees is a big job.


If the tree you are looking to take down has a lot of broken or dead branches, or if the tree has a disease, you may want to move to step 10.
Those weak branches are likely to come down as you work and may land on something or someone and cause harm/damage.


Look around your tree for any potential obstructions such as buildings, cars, power lines, or power boxes.


Estimate the fall of the tree and where it will land. If the tree is likely to land on and obstructions we again recommend skipping to step 10.


2. Have the correct gear/equipment.


Safety gear is one of the first things you’ll need before you begin cutting your tree.  Here’s a list of what you’ll need.


Safety Glasses
Hard hat
Hearing protection
Proper work gloves
A chainsaw (obviously)
Felling wedges


Also, depending on where you live, you may need a permit from either your HOA or more likely, the city. So we recommend checking your local laws to avoid any unnecessary fines and aggravation. Also, be sure to have a person stand in a safe location to help you make sure everything goes well, four eyes are better than two!


3. Predict the fall.
It can be hard to measure the correct height of the tree and predict where it will fall. Look around the tree for any uneven growth. Whether it's due to overcrowding, disease, or anything else. If the trees weigh more on one side than the other they will almost always fall in that direction regardless of ways to direct it.
For a better estimate, hold an ax at arm’s length, and close one eye. Walk away from the tree as necessary until the top and bottom of the tree are aligned with the top and bottom of your ax. Where you stand is roughly where the top of the tree will fall.
If the tree is likely to hit anything we recommend having someone come out to cut the tree from the top down.


4. Clear out an escape route
Make extra time to clear out a safe way to retreat from the work area if things seem to be going poorly. It’s best to have two escape routes to ensure you’ll be clear from the tree and any falling debris.


5. Plan the notch
The notch is what will allow the tree to fall in the correct direction, so you’ll want to have it cut in on the “fall side” of the tree so it will fall towards the side with the notch. If possible, the notch should be on the heaviest side of the tree. Plan t have a comfortable cutting height, you can always cut lower after the tree is down.


6. Cut the notch
Start with the top straight cut, cutting down at about a 45-degree angle. Only cut about 1/3 of the way through. Below that, cut in a straight line in the tree so the lower cut will run into the upper angled cut.


7. Insert the wedges
Depending on the tree you looking to cut wedges may be necessary, if the tree is around 18” in diameter or greater they’ll greatly help control the fall of the tree.
Once the notch is cut and you are beginning the final cut (next step) as soon as you’ve cut enough to insert wedges stop cutting and begin to pound in the wages and complete the cut.


8. Make the final cut
This will be the cut that actually causes the tree the fall. Move to the opposite side of the tree of the notch. About an inch or more above the notch, begin an even back cut. You want to create a hinge, so you will not cut all the way through. As the tree starts to move, stop the cut and take one of the paths to safety.


9. Remove Branches and cut them into firewood.
Once the tree is in the ground, the next thing to do will be trimming and pruning up the tree. This means removing all the limbs from the truck. Then, cut the tree into 12-16 inch slices for easier future chopping. Try to avoid cutting into the ground by cutting 2/3 of the way through, rolling the trunk over, and fishing the cut.


10. Contact a tree surgeon
A tree that needs pruning or removal is reason enough to call an arborist. If you’re unable to ensure the process will be safe, don’t have the proper equipment, or if you don’t feel confident in your abilities, hire a professional tree cutting company.