Sarah Rodriguez is a homesteading wife and mother of five living in Appalachia. She grew up in a homesteading and logging family. Refer to this article for splitting firewood and this article for seasoning firewood. The difference between felling a tree with an axe comes in how you do the back cut. There are numerous factors that influence that, such as the age and the condition of the tree, etc. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At this point, the tree is likely to be unstable so we can expect it to fall soon. The felling axe is designed to cut trees, but with so many brands, it’s not easy finding the best felling axe for the money. Before Making a Single Cut. Then, go 3 to 4 inches above that line and saw down at a 45 degree angle to cut out the wedge piece. The secret is to make one chop downward at the top of the cut and the next chop upward at the bottom of the cut. 3. The principle is essentially the same because we need to use horizontal swings. What happens if I slip? It’s not the quickest way to kill a tree stump, but you can accelerate the process by combining techniques. Continue this until you’re about a third of the way through the tree. The next cut is at a downward angle above the first cut, about 60 degrees or so, at a depth so the two cuts meet. When the tree starts to fall, the hinge will help guide the tree to fall in the desired direction. Allow the chainsaw to work the cut; do not work it in a sawing motion. To chop down a tree with a chainsaw, cut a horizontal line about ⅓ of the way into the tree. 3. This puts the outside fibres on the opposite side of the trunk under tension. Stop cutting when there is a parallel strip of uncut timber not less than 1/10th of the diameter of the tree. Once the tree starts to fall use your designated escape route for safety. Second of all, we need to look for trees that are straight and have a diameter of 24″, at least. There’s always something that we might miss, which doesn’t have to mean that they will too. If you become fatigued from the chopping take a break because that is when accidents can happen. Instead, we need to use our brain. You will need a clear path planned out so that when the tree starts to fall you can get away from it. For example, carving, splitting, and chopping wood are all different activities that require different axes. Mattock is handy for the digging bit. 6 Pull the tree out of the hole and onto a piece of burlap or a plastic tarp. Besides the shape of the head, a thin taper as opposed to a thick wedge, the weight is on the lighter side as well. Cutting through the back notch into the felling notch is the safer method as when the tree goes to fall you will not be in the way. Inspect your axe before you use it. Select the direction you want the tree to fall and start to notch it there. The trees and axe pionate diy hardware axe in cut down tree cut down a treeBest Axe For Cutting Down Trees Clutch AThe Trees And Axe Pionate San AntonioHow To Cut A Tree Sashank PurighallaChopping Down Trees With An Axe Extremely Sharp LifeAxe In Cut Down Tree Stock Picture I1231697 At FeaturepicsTree Falls On 79… Read More » 113) and cut it half-way through the trunk. It might start swaying and spinning around as it’s falling down. That includes carefully inspecting the tree to see where it’s best to strike. Before chopping a tree down, select the place where it is to fall, a place where it will not be liable to lodge in another tree on its way down. Next, tie a rope ⅔ of the way up the trunk and hook the end to a hand-winch that’s tied to a larger tree. Be sure to clean the head of the axe before sharpening it. If we brought other people and pets with us we need to make sure that they’re at a safe distance too. The wood between the two cuts creates a “hinge,” holding the tree in place as it begins to fall. Actually, I have chopped down several trees using a double bladed axe. There’s also a possibility that it’ll snag the branches from the other trees. Stay to the left or right of the direction in which the tree … Before starting to cut down the trunk, you need to cut down the branches first to make way for easy maneuver around it. This puts the outside fibres on the opposite side of the trunk under tension. There, we need to make a deep horizontal cut that’ll end halfway through the trunk. If using steel wool, buff it clean with that on both sides. The process takes a few months, and allows the stump to die over time, similarly to the plastic wrap technique. You should assume any link is an affiliate link. We hope that our readers were able to extract some value from this article and find the info that they were looking for. Check the head for rust, dirt, and any burrs in the metal. The goal is to make the angles as shown in the diagram (or as close as you can). Cutting down a tree with an axe. In addition, we should listen if anything’s happening inside the trunk of the tree. Be sure to work up all of your wood, and clean up the area for use and safety. To avoid injury, make sure there are no people, pets, and … Using leather gloves can also help to protect your fingers from any cuts from a sharpened axe. Alternatively, you can learn how to remove a tree stump here. Step 4 - Start the Felling Cut. This will start the tree to fall. A full-sized felling axe with a 36″ in length will do the job just fine. Our first cut was horizontal, about halfway through the tree (sometimes 2/3 if it’s small). The process takes a few months, and allows the stump to die over time, similarly to the plastic wrap technique. The felling cut should meet the point of the notch. Cut 2 - Just a small distance from your first notch make a relief cut that goes through the entire branch. Of course it depends on the size of the tree. There are so many things that can go wrong while we’re chopping down a tree. Saw the horizontal felling cut. It is never safe to be next to the butt of a falling tree. So once we take into account and follow these general rules, we can start looking for a suitable tree. In fact, it should be avoided because we need to make a wedge-shaped gap in the tree’s trunk. Remove a section of root, ie cut close to the trunk and another cut 200mm out. This is a technique that works great with leaning trees Keep the wooden handle covered with linseed oil to prevent it from cracking and drying out. We can either choose to chop it from either side or only one. If the axe is to bounce back off of the tree or miss altogether, then your legs will be safe. If you see any cracks or defects in the wood, then you will need to replace the handle. Before we start chopping, we need to position ourselves so that we’re hitting the tree with our main hand. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Using Epsom salt is a cheap, natural way to kill a tree stump, and it may be one of the easiest methods on this list. Take a saw, kneel down at the tree’s base, and make a level cut, in most cases one parallel to the ground. Now, once we know what to chop down, we can start looking for an appropriate axe. With the notch cut a little more than 1/3 of the way through the trunk, the sawyers swapped their axes for a two-man crosscut saw, which they used to make the back cut that actually brought the tree down. Cut a notch on the side of the tree facing the direction you wish it to fall (Fig. Now, selecting the right tree might depend on what we intend to use it for. Before cleaning the head of the axe, be sure to wear a mask so you don’t breathe an any rust or metal particles. Your first swings of the axe should create a notch in the tree in the direction you want it to fall. When there’s only about 1/10 of the diameter left, stop cutting and take your escape route. That’s why there has to be a purpose as to why we’re chopping them down. Do not cut all the way through but leave a hinge that will keep the tree from kicking back and upward as … What did the Man do but fix it into the axe head, and soon set to work cutting down tree after tree. How to cut down a tree with an axe: Make sure the tree is either small enough to push over or leaning in the direction you would like it to fall Cut a horizontal cut low on the "front" of the tree, going through about 40 per cent of the tree's thickness. In Axe Safety In Camp: Care, Attention And Good HabitsI took a methodical look at fundamental axe safety for day-to-day usage around camp. As the back cut is sawn, the wedges are driven in with an axe. One of the key things to do is to prepare ourselves for when the tree starts falling down. There is a right way and (many) wrong ways to cut down a tree. On the other hand 'splitting' firewood is when the axe/maul … The comfort in your swing will make it more effective. You need to inspect your handle for any cracks. If you want the job done right with minimal risk of injury or property damage this guide will inform you on how to cut down a tree properly and what measures need to be taken to ensure safety. A large tree may be felled against its natural lean by inserting one or more wedges in the back cut. She and her husband Arnie work their 10-acre homestead together alongside their growing family. Here’s the full video of how this cherry tree was fell: When you’re finished with the axe, wipe off any dirt or debris. If the tree you’re cutting down is small and skinny enough to be considered small, a full sized felling axe will still do the job but might not be necessary. You need to be sure you have everything ready when cutting down a tree. The final step is to clean up all the mess that we’ve left out (including the branches). A pick-axe or mattock can also be used to cut side roots or lever under them so that they lose their grip on the ground. The only thing that’s going to keep the tree in place will be a small strip of wood that’s been left out. Sarah honed her self-reliance skills through 4-H and FFA at an early age and is now teaching her children to live off the land, raise livestock, and the importance of both sustainability and frugality. To fell a tree with a chainsaw, first position your chainsaw 1-2 feet off the ground and at a 70°angle, and cut a notch ⅓ of the way through the tree trunk. Cut a wedge on the same side as the tree will fall. Ideally, the planter should be about 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Other times you are going for the natural look of felling a tree like our ancestors did. As they expertly pulled the tool back and forth in rhythm, the saw’s frighteningly sharp teeth cut through the wood like it was soft butter. Avoid knots as you will not be able to chop through them. If you miss with an upward swing you can hit your face with the axe or lose control of it and it go flying, depending on the power behind your swing. Once we notice that something’s happening we should act immediately and get away as far as possible. It’l work sure, but a smaller axe will be able to do the job just fine. Next, use the tip of your chainsaw to make a bore cut from a couple of inches past the notch to the opposite side of the tree trunk. Even the slightest cracking sound might signal that the tree is going to fall. A tree trunk is the stem of a tree, where branches grow from it. So having an escape route planned out before we start chopping down the tree can only be beneficial. An axe has a thin and sharp head, while a maul has a blunt and fat head. Accuracy is important. There is a difference in an axe and a wood maul. You could cut down an 8 inch tree in about 15 minutes. These typically weigh 1.5-3 pounds (0.7-1.4 kg) and are 20–28 inches (51–71 cm) long. As the trees and branches pile up, you can make loading and hauling easier … Login Store Community Support Change language View desktop website ... you can find a fire axe in the fire stations real easy #7. You can see both notches in the photo below: The wood between the two notches will make your hinge. Chopping With An Axe: If you’re using an axe, then start with a 45 degree angle chop (to create a notch) on the side that you plan for the tree to call. To fell a tree with a chainsaw, first position your chainsaw 1-2 feet off the ground and at a 70°angle, and cut a notch ⅓ of the way through the tree trunk. Sharpness isn’t specifically tied to the design or the model of an axe, but we deem it appropriate to mention it nevertheless. Now that we know how to plan things out, what to chop and which axe to use, we can finally address the details. Or smaller trees with less to cut. Each time the fire burns down chip away at the tree with a sharp rock or stick. Pursuing Outdoors LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The reason for that is usually the slanted ground on which it stands. There’s no real way of knowing what might happen, and when, for that matter. We also need to make sure (and double check) whether the rope is as tight as possible. Keep on digging and chopping your way under the root ball to the taproot. Additionally, we have to know how to select the right tree and axe for the deed. Then, make a horizontal cut at the base of the notch, also ⅓ of the way through. Our advice is to always inform yourselves about the origin of the tree and whether it belongs to someone or not. Use the sharpened end of the mattock to chop your way through the tree roots. People should consider the fact whether they’re right-handed or left-handed during the planning phase as well. For example, if we notice that the tree is wobbling around and looks generally unstable, we should get rid of it. There will be little bits of wood that can hit you in the eyes and face as you are chopping with the axe. A tree can be extremely dangerous once it starts falling (an obvious statement, we know). A Man came into a Wood one day with an axe in his hand, and begged all the Trees to give him a small branch which he wanted for a particular purpose. To help the tree go where you want it you can use felling wedges. The amount of back lean that can be overcome is based on the height and diameter of the tree to be felled. That includes wearing safety goggles, work gloves, ear protection, steel toed boots, etc. Reading it might help you grasp what we’re talking about here. Even a fork, but that'll take some time :p Just attack the tree and you should hear a satisfying "thunk" sound. To chop down a tree successfully, we need to pay equal attention to several important factors. This is the "hinge". The idea is to make a small wedge cut and then the main cut from the other side to meet that wedge cut. How to cut down the tree? In the old days large trees were cut down with a cross cut saw. An axe has a thin and sharp head, while a maul has a blunt and fat head. Moreover, we have to know from which angle to swing and which way it’ll fall (more on that later). As they expertly pulled the tool back and forth in rhythm, the saw’s frighteningly sharp teeth cut through the wood like it was soft butter. Thank you for reading, and remember that safety always comes first! Make another cut just above the first, coming down at an angle so the two cuts meet like a piece of pie removed from the rest. However, keep in mind that dead trees can be dangerous to deal with sometimes because their limbs are liable to snapping at any point. It is also important to never swing upward. Allow the chainsaw to work the cut; do not work it in a sawing motion. For example, falling limbs, branches, and other flyaway objects might hurl at our face. How to Cut a Tree & Make It Fall Where You Want. Start the cut on the opposite side of the notch of the tree, 1 inch above the hinge of the notch. These features help it drive between the wood fibers and split the tree apart. Also, let the tree work with you, look for cracks in the wood and aim for them. The idea of course is to burn a wedge into the tree that takes the place of the axe cut you'd make if you weren't trying to 'go native'. We can’t just run about and chop down anything, can we? This helps to get rid of excessive weight on the branch so that you can make the final cut with ease. Here is a perfect felling axe to give you an idea. However, both methods require a bit of know-how and skill. Is it easier to hand-saw a tree down or chop it down with an axe? This will prolong the life and the work you put into sharpening your axe. Cut about ½ of the way through the tree. The axe is designed to chop across wood fibers while the maul splits with the grain of the wood. If you don’t already have an axe, consider getting either a small axe or a limbing axe for this project. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The worst part of it all is that we can’t know for sure what’s going to happen. I suggest that you tie a string or rope around the tree then use spray paint to mark your cuts. Look at the tree and see which direction it is leaning. If it’s loose, then there’s really no point in tying it. You should have cleared a nice path in step one to back up your pickup or UTV to use a brush grubber. Aug 29, 2014 @ 10:04am ... you can cut em down with just about any melee weapon.... i've been using a … Store the axe head in a sheath for better storage and protection. Therefore, we should always target old and dead trees while trying to avoid chopping down saplings. There are two possible ways of chopping down a tree with an axe. There is a difference in an axe and a wood maul. These can be tree branches and tree stumps, in a perfect world. There’s much more to it than simply taking a chainsaw to a tree and hoping for the best. If the tree is mostly … The stance is very important. Alternatively, we might want to use it as firewood, since that seems to be the number one reason for chopping it down. We need to chop the tree in the direction we want it to fall at a downward angle of 45 degrees. If the tree is small enough that you can pull it out by hand, you’ll only need to dig up its topsoil and roots. Perhaps there’s a spot where there’s no bark, and it would allow us to hit it more effectively. We can then cut these fibres – almost one by one – until the tree begins to fall. Whichever method you use to cut down a tree, it can still be dangerous. Ease of access is important too as the more difficult it is to get to the tree the longer it will take and thus the cost will increase. The next cut is at a downward angle above the first cut, about 60 degrees or so, at a depth so the two cuts meet. Wha… Do not cut all the way through but leave a hinge that will keep the tree from kicking back and upward as … Chop 45 degrees downward for the top of the notch and then move up the tree just a bit, and chop 45 degrees downward again. We need to scan for any traces of movement by looking upward at the branches. The second cut is made at a 45 degree angle that will meet the depth of the first cut. Cutting down trees with a wood splitting axe can be fun, but the axe is best suited for soft trees that cut more easily. Cut a v-shaped notch (kerf) about waist high into the tree in the direction you want the tree to fall. Then make the second to join this one in as a notch. 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