How To Cut Down A Small Tree

Research, safety, and planning should be top of mind before attempting to cut down a small tree. Use our complete step-by-step guide below.

Cutting Down A Small Tree In 5 Steps

Make safety your number one priority before attempting to cut down any trees. Use these steps below to complete this DIY project.

Step 1. Gather Proper Safety Equipment And Tools

• Have ear protection and a chainsaw for the task at hand.
• Wear clothes that are pretty tight to your body.
• Make sure the chainsaw is in good working condition once you understand how to properly use it.

Step 2. Examine Surrounding Area

• Make sure you know exactly which direction you’d like the tree to fall.
• Next, figure out the direction of your cutting.
• Call a professional for the job if the tree is located near homes or power lines.
• Always ensure you have a clear line to escape if things do not go as planned.
• Plan to escape in the opposite direction of the tree’s descent at a 45-degree angle.

Step 3. Cut A Diagonal Line

• First, make a 70-degree cut on the side of the tree which you plan for it to fall on.
• With the tree on your left side, brace your left shoulder against it.
• Some chainsaws may feature a sight that tells you the angle to cut at.
• This first cut should be about a quarter of the tree’s total width.

Step 4. Make A Relief Cut

• Your relief cut should be horizontal at the deepest point of your previous cut.
• This means that a triangle-shaped cut will come out of the tree at this time.
• This ultimately encourages the tree to fall in your desired direction.
• If the cut is not perfect, then do not make any more cuts.
• You should contact a professional at this point.

Step 5. Fell The Tree

• Only proceed to this step once you are sure the cut is facing the proper direction.
• Felling the tree means moving to the opposite side of the wedge you’ve cut out.
• Start the cut slightly higher than the previous horizontal cut.
• Saw far enough to drive a wedge into the cut, but not all the way through.
• You want the wedge in with enough room to operate the chainsaw without touching the wedge.
• Leave approximately ten percent of the center of the tree to help keep the tree secure on the stump.
• At this time, you can gently push the tree (using the 45-degree angle escape plan).
• Or you can simply wait for the tree to fall.