Generally, a tree cutting should always be handled by professional. There are several risks in the job, and professionals have the experience and knowledge to do the job correctly and safely. There is not just risk of personal injury, but also of personal property. If the cutting is not managed properly, then falling tree could damage the property. But still, if there is small tree which you think you can manage, then here are some tips on cutting a tree.

• The Equipment

Make sure that before planning the job, all the equipment required is in good condition. You should also know how to handle the equipment properly, as these saws could be really dangerous in the wrong hands. So, what is it that you would need to cut down a tree?

The first and the most important tool you would need is a chainsaw. They are easily available on the nearest HomeDepot or Lowe’s store. A 3.5 horsepower 20 inch bar chainsaw should be good enough for a tree cutting project.

Apart from the cutting saw, you should also have some safety gear. First in that is the safety glass. A motorized saw when grinds against the wood, a lot of splinters and saw dust flies around. Eyes are very delicate and should be protected at all cost. The second thing that you would need is the protection for your legs. You can either go for a knee high safety boots or wood leg protectors.

• The Technique

After you have determined the condition of your equipment, you are ready to start the job. Tree cutting is never a one man job; you would require friends or family to help you out in the process. Before you begin the job with the chainsaw,  you need to determine the fall path of the tree, the height of the tree and then clear everything in the path to the height of the tree and some distance extra in that direction and to some extent in an arc. Then tie a high strength rope above the middle of the tree and then have your friends or relatives stand clear of the fall zone holding the rope. This would make sure that the tree falls in that direction.

Now the cutting begins, you would first cut a shallow V-shaped around the knee height on the trunk. The vertex of the V should be approximately on the center of the tree. The arc of the V should be towards the direction where you want the tree to fall. Once that is done, you would start cutting from the opposite end, in a straight file toward the vertex. Once the tree starts falling, clear the area.

It is advised though that if you have a big tree, then hire professional tree cutting service.