How to Safely Cut Trees With A Chainsaw

The following is general chainsaw operation information only and should not be used solely to guide operators in felling trees. If you are unsure, seek the help of a professional arborist and always consult the chainsaw operation manual.

Cutting down trees can be risky business and if it’s not done right,  it can be dangerous and lead to serious accidents. This is why it’s extremely important that you follow the correct safety procedures, and carry out the task at hand in the best way to avoid any injuries.  Before cutting the tree you should make sure to assess the tree, to determine how you should be cutting the tree, or if you should even be cutting the tree down at all. In this guide, we’ll explain how to cut down trees in a safe manner so that you cut them in a more efficient manner that will keep everyone safe.

Equipment You'll Need For The Job 

A chainsaw is the only tool you’ll need for this job and while you might be able to get away with using a handsaw, we don’t recommend it. Using a chainsaw will reduce the time you’ll need to spend on the tree since it’s motorised and you’ll be more likely to get a clean and precise cut with a chainsaw. 

Chainsaws aren’t the most common tools to have in your shed and if you don’t have one yourself, no worries. At Hirepool we’ve got you covered with chainsaws for hire at fantastic rates so that you can get the job done without having to spend too much money to do it. If you’re unsure about selecting the right chainsaw for your size of tree or project, the team at your local Hirepool branch can help recommend the best option for you. 

Assessing Trees Before Cutting

There are a few important things to consider before you trim or cut down trees on your property. The first is to understand the size of the job and if it’s safe to do it yourself.

Check For Hazards 

Checking the ground is level and you have enough room to fell a tree without causing damage to your property (or your neighbours) is important. If unsure, it pays to consult a professional arborist who can help you fell or trim a tree safely.

It’s also important to check for any hazards near the tree you plan to cut, such as other people in the area, power poles or electrical wires or structures that could be damaged by a falling tree. '

Plan Your Felling Direction And Escape Route 

Before you cut, make a plan for felling your tree and consider where you want the tree to fall. You’ll want to take into consideration the ground, overhead hazards, wind direction and how the tree and branches grow. Check out the worksafe manual for a comprehensive guide on planning before you fell a tree. 

Check The Tree

It’s also important to know what kind of tree you are removing, as you may require council consent or find there are restrictions when wanting to remove native trees. Check with your local council or consult with an arborist before your chop, or rick facing a hefty fine. 

Make sure to give the tree a once over and keep an eye out for any dead or decayed section of the tree that may break off. Look out for loose branches that may fall as your tree is being felled, or any vines that might disrupt the fall or pull from other trees. 

Steps For Cutting Large Trees With A Chainsaw

Stage 1: Turn The Chainsaw On

Now that it’s time to start using the chainsaw, turn it on:

• Engage the choke and pull the starter cord firmly until the engine starts running. You should always make sure to do this when the chainsaw is on the ground so that the kickback you might experience from the engine starting won’t hurt you. 

• Once the engine is going, you should get the chainsaw into the correct position. 

• Feet planted, place your stronger hand on the front handle of the chainsaw and your other hand will be controlling the throttle, so it should be placed on the rear handle. 

Remember to have all the safety equipment on when you’re using the chainsaw, including safety goggles, helmet and ear muffs, as well as protective footwear with steel caps, and chainsaw chaps. You never know what might happen and if the worst were to happen, you’ll be less likely to get injured with the right protective gear on. 

Stage 2: Cut A Wedge 

The first thing you’ll want to do is make a directional cut on the tree. You should have already evaluated the tree and decided which way you want the tree to fall in - that’s the side of the tree you should be cutting. 

• Get your chainsaw in position and cut down diagonally into the tree at a 45 degree angle and cut inwards and downwards to approximately a quarter or a third of the way into the tree. (see cut 1 as shown above) 

• Next, make the second cut known as a bottom cut, horizontally into the tree at the position where it will intersect with the bottom of the first cut, creating a wedge that is removed from the tree. You may need to adjust your hand positioning of the chainsaw so that your thumb is pressing the throttle, to gain greater control. (see cut 2 as shown above)

Stage 3: Make A Felling Cut 

When your wedge is removed, move to the opposite side of the tree and make the third cut which is known as the felling cut. This is a horizontal cut made a couple of inches above the level of the bottom cut about ⅓ through the tree. When using the chainsaw for this horizontal cut, you’ll want to apply a slight downward pressure on the saw when cutting, and then release the pressure once you’ve reached the end of the cut. 

Be extremely careful here as this can be the most dangerous part of the cut, as the tree can split as you saw causing a violent "kickback" of the trunk. Ensure you are standing to the side of the tree, clear of the fall direction and the kickback as you cut. 

When the felling cut meets the directional cut, your tree should begin to fall. As soon as the tree starts leaning, take out the chainsaw smoothly and turn it off by moving the start-stop switch to stop and engaging the chain brake. 

You should then walk away from the area to avoid having the tree fall on you. 

Hirepool top tip:  If the saw starts to bind, remove it and drive a wedge into the felling cut carefully to force the tree to fall.

Safety First  

We’ll say it again - cutting down a tree can be a dangerous job. If you aren’t confident we strongly suggest getting help from an experienced professional. If you are ready to cut a tree down, we’ve got top quality chainsaws for hire - it’s unlikely you’ll need a chainsaw every day and hiring one means you can easily afford to use the best of the best. Order professional grade gear online or call in to your local branch to chat to the team.