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Category Archives: Cutting Down A Tree

Never Do This When Cutting Down A Tree
Author webtechs Categories Cutting Down A Tree, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Trees In Arizona Posted on

Don’t Do This When Cutting Down A Tree

Never Do This When Cutting Down A Tree

When cutting down a tree, safety and technique are everything. Many accidents happen because of simple mistakes. Here’s a list of things you absolutely should NOT do when felling a tree:

🚫 DON’T Do These When Cutting Down a Tree

1. ❌ Don’t Skip Safety Gear

  • ALWAYS wear a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

  • A falling branch (called a "widowmaker") can be deadly.

2. ❌ Don’t Cut Alone

  • Always have someone nearby to assist or call for help in case of emergency.

  • Let someone know where you are and what you’re doing.

3. ❌ Don’t Use a Dull Chainsaw

  • A dull saw increases the chance of kickback and puts you at higher risk of losing control.

  • Keep your saw sharp and well-maintained.

4. ❌ Don’t Forget to Plan the Fall Direction

  • Know which way you want the tree to fall and clear that area.

  • Remove anything that might be damaged (cars, fences, power lines, etc.).

5. ❌ Don’t Stand in the Wrong Spot

  • Never stand directly behind or in front of the tree when it begins to fall.

  • Move at a 45° angle away from the fall path, and stay alert.

6. ❌ Don’t Ignore the Tree’s Lean or Dead Branches

  • If the tree is leaning, it may fall in that direction regardless of your cuts.

  • Look for dead limbs or weak spots—these may fall unexpectedly.

7. ❌ Don’t Make Only One Cut

  • Don’t try to chop through the tree with one horizontal cut.

  • Use the proper notch and back cut method:

    • Create a notch (face cut) on the fall side (usually 70°/20% deep).

    • Then make a back cut slightly above the notch on the opposite side.

8. ❌ Don’t Forget to Check for Obstructions

  • Power lines, structures, vehicles, fences—clear everything in the fall zone.

  • Trees near buildings or power lines should be handled by pros.

9. ❌ Don’t Cut in High Winds or Bad Weather

  • Wet or windy conditions can cause the tree to fall unpredictably.

  • Wait for calm, dry weather.

10. ❌ Don’t Attempt Large Trees Without Experience

  • Trees taller than 20 feet or near hazards (like power lines) should be handled by certified arborists or tree removal professionals.

✅ Bonus Tip: Inspect the Tree First

  • Check for:

    • Hollow trunks

    • Cracks

    • Rot or fungus at the base

    • Bee/wasp nests or wildlife

 

🌲 Step-by-Step Tree Felling Guide

✅ Before You Begin: Prep & Safety

  1. Wear full safety gear

    • Helmet, eye/ear protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, chainsaw chaps

  2. Inspect the tree

    • Look for lean, rot, cracks, dead branches, or wildlife nests

    • Identify hazards (power lines, structures, vehicles)

  3. Clear the area

    • Remove debris around the tree base

    • Ensure you have a clear escape path and fall zone (twice the tree height)

✂️ Step 1: Plan the Fall Direction

  • Decide where you want the tree to fall (usually in the direction it naturally leans)

  • Clear at least 2 escape paths at 45° angles behind you and away from the fall line

✏️ Step 2: Make the Notch Cut (Face Cut)

This tells the tree where to fall.

  • Side facing fall direction

  • Make 2 cuts:

    1. Top cut: Angle downward at 70°

    2. Bottom cut: Horizontal to meet the top cut

  • The notch should be about 20–25% into the tree's diameter

🪓 Step 3: Make the Back Cut

This releases the tree to fall.

  • Go to the opposite side of the notch

  • Make a horizontal cut slightly above the bottom of the notch

  • DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH — leave a "hinge" of wood (about 10% of the tree's diameter) to control the fall

🏃 Step 4: Retreat Immediately

  • As the tree begins to fall:

    • Shut off or drop the saw safely

    • Retreat along one of the 45° escape paths

    • Keep your eyes on the tree as you move

⚠️ Step 5: After the Fall

  • Wait for all motion to stop before approaching the tree

  • Be cautious of:

    • Tensioned limbs or branches

    • “Barber chairing” (a tree splitting vertically due to improper cuts)

🧰 Pro Tips:

  • Use wedges to prevent the tree from leaning back and pinching the saw

  • For large, heavy, or leaning trees — hire a professional arborist

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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