Don't 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

Wear full safety gear
- Helmet, eye/ear protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, chainsaw chaps
Inspect the tree
- Look for lean, rot, cracks, dead branches, or wildlife nests
- Identify hazards (power lines, structures, vehicles)
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.

Don’t Do This When Cutting Down A Tree