How Do You Cut Down A Tree? Step-by-step Answer
Ever watched a lumberjack on TV, or perhaps just admired a particularly impressive tree that’s reached the end of its natural life? There’s something primal and satisfying about the idea of felling a tree. It’s a skill that connects us to nature, to history, and to a certain rugged self-sufficiency. While it’s definitely a serious undertaking that requires respect and caution, understanding the basics of how a tree is brought down can be surprisingly fascinating. It’s not just about brute force; it’s a dance of leverage, precision, and understanding the tree’s own nature. So, grab your virtual chainsaw, and let’s dive into the surprisingly engaging world of how you cut down a tree, step-by-step!
Why Learn About Felling Trees?
You might be wondering why you, a perfectly content city dweller, would need to know how to fell a tree. Well, it’s not always about clearing land for a new cabin (though that’s an option!). Sometimes, a tree on your property can become a hazard. Storm damage, disease, or simply old age can make a towering giant a potential danger to your home, your car, or even your loved ones. Knowing the fundamental principles can help you assess the situation, understand what professionals are doing, or even empower you to tackle smaller, manageable trees yourself (with the right training and equipment, of course!). Beyond the practical, there’s a unique sense of accomplishment and connection to the natural world that comes with understanding this age-old process. It’s a glimpse into a world of skill, strength, and environmental awareness.
The Art and Science of Bringing Down a Giant
Before we even think about revving an engine, the most crucial step is assessment and planning. This isn't the time to be impulsive. You need to look at the tree and its surroundings with a critical eye. Which way is the tree leaning naturally? Are there any dead branches, known as widowmakers, that could fall unexpectedly? Where are the structures, fences, or other trees you need to avoid? This preliminary survey dictates the entire operation. The goal is to control the fall, guiding the tree exactly where you want it to go, minimizing damage and ensuring safety. Think of it like a carefully choreographed ballet, but with a much heavier leading performer!
Safety is paramount. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, cut-resistant chaps, and sturdy steel-toed boots. Never work alone!
How to Safely Cut Down a Tree
Making the First Cut: The Notch
The first significant action is creating a felling notch on the side of the tree where you want it to fall. This notch acts as a hinge, guiding the tree’s descent and preventing it from twisting or kicking back. There are two main types of notches: the open-face notch and the conventional notch. The open-face notch is generally preferred for better control. This involves making an angled cut from the top, meeting a horizontal cut from the bottom. The angle of these cuts is important, typically around 70 degrees for the top cut and 20 degrees for the bottom, creating a large opening. The depth of the notch is also critical; it should be about one-quarter to one-third of the tree's diameter. This is where a sharp, well-maintained chainsaw is your best friend. Think of this notch as the tree’s “nose,” pointing it in the right direction.
The Back Cut: The Final Push
Once the notch is precisely cut, the next step is the back cut. This cut is made on the opposite side of the notch, slightly higher than the bottom of the notch. The key here is to leave a strip of wood between the notch and the back cut, called the hinge. This hinge is absolutely vital. It acts like a door hinge, allowing the tree to pivot and fall in a controlled manner. The hinge needs to be the correct thickness – too thin and the tree might not fall cleanly; too thick and you lose control. As you make the back cut, you’ll often insert felling wedges into the cut behind the chainsaw. These wedges are hammered in, helping to widen the cut and prevent the chainsaw from getting pinched. They also provide a gentle, persistent push, encouraging the tree to lean towards the notch.
Listen for the creaks and groans. As the back cut progresses and the hinge starts to work, the tree will begin to lean. When it starts to move, get out of the way immediately!
The Fall and Beyond
When the tree begins its final descent, it’s time for the operator to quickly and safely retreat. The planned escape route should have been cleared beforehand, typically at a 45-degree angle away from the direction of the fall. Once the tree is down, the work isn’t over. There's still the process of limbing (removing branches) and bucking (cutting the trunk into manageable sections). These steps also require specific techniques and safety precautions, especially when dealing with tension in the wood. Learning to cut down a tree is a journey, and like any skilled craft, it’s best learned with guidance from experienced professionals. But understanding the fundamental steps – from the careful assessment and the precise notch to the strategic back cut and the all-important hinge – can give you a newfound appreciation for this powerful and potentially rewarding skill.