Even when you're sure in which direction the tree is going to fall, you're not ready to cut it down yet. Cut any weeds around the trunk and clear two escape routes on the side of the tree that “doesn't fall”. They should be about 45 degrees from each other in opposite directions. The last thing you want is to stumble while moving away from a falling tree. Cut an open notch on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want the tree to fall.
Start cutting the top of the tree at any height above the ground, leaving enough room for the lower cut. Once you have chosen the tree that you are going to cut down, you must decide in which direction you want it to fall. Is the tree tilted? Do the branches hang mostly in one direction? In which direction is the wind blowing? The easiest option is to cut down the tree in the direction it would naturally fall due to the slope, the overhang and the direction of the wind. Logging in another direction requires a special technique, more effort, and sometimes it's simply impossible.
In the following video, you can learn the proper methods for creating different notches and the techniques for maintaining a correct hinge so that you can cut down a tree safely and comfortably. As soon as the tree begins to lean, release the saw, apply the chain brake and walk along one of your escape routes, watching the tree so you can react if it doesn't fall as expected. Cutting down a tree just means cutting down all the small branches of the tree so that you only have the trunk left. Buzz bought a cheap lot of trees deep in the woods, and he uses them not only for his own firewood needs, but also to supply the wood he cuts, divides and distributes to less fortunate neighbors who need the logs to heat their homes during the long winter.
Mike has a degree in ornamental horticulture, C-27 landscape contractor and D-49 tree service contractor licenses, and permaculture design certifications, California naturalist, internationally certified professional pond contractor, and pond construction. Ideally, the tree should fall in an area that is as clear as possible so that it does not get caught in the branches of other trees when it falls. To cut down a tree with a chainsaw, first place the chainsaw 1 to 2 feet from the ground and at a 70° angle, and cut a notch 1/3 of the tree trunk.