The time it takes to fell a tree using only an axe depends on a complex set of variables. The duration is determined by the tree’s biology, the quality of the tool, and the operator’s skill level. Understanding these factors is necessary to set realistic expectations for a task that requires significant physical labor and specialized technique. The time required can range from several minutes for a small sapling to many hours for a mature specimen.
Tree Characteristics That Affect Felling Time
The most significant factor influencing cutting time is the tree’s wood density, which is directly related to its species. Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory) possess a much tighter cellular structure than softwoods (pine, fir, spruce). This greater density requires substantially more force and time to sever the wood fibers. Cutting a dense hardwood can take two to three times longer than felling a softwood of the same diameter.
The overall size of the trunk, measured by its diameter at breast height (DBH), is another major determinant. The relationship between diameter and cutting time is exponential, not linear, because doubling the diameter more than doubles the cross-sectional area that must be cut. Larger trees necessitate deeper and more complex notches for a safe, controlled fall.
The internal condition of the tree also plays a role in the time required. Trees with a twisted grain pattern or an excessive number of knots resist the axe more than those with straight, clear grain. Knots are significantly denser than the surrounding wood and slow the progress of the blade. A live, healthy tree cuts differently than a dead or diseased one, where rot or decay may weaken the wood.
The Importance of Axe Type and Cutting Technique
The right equipment significantly impacts felling efficiency, beginning with the choice of axe. A felling axe is designed for cross-grain cutting and features a thin, wedge-shaped head, or “bit,” engineered to slice and separate wood fibers. This is distinct from a splitting maul, which has a blunt, thick head intended to split wood along the grain.
The sharpness of the blade is the single most important factor in reducing cutting time and improving safety. A razor-sharp edge requires less physical force to penetrate the wood, leading to cleaner cuts and less fatigue for the operator. A dull blade tends to bounce or glance off the wood, wasting energy and increasing the risk of an accident.
Proper technique centers on creating the notch, or kerf, which guides the tree’s fall. This involves two main cuts: the face cut (or scarf) and the back cut. The face cut is made on the side facing the intended direction of fall, removing a wedge that reaches about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
The back cut is made horizontally on the opposite side of the trunk, positioned slightly higher than the bottom of the face cut. This leaves a section of intact wood called the “hinge,” which controls the direction and rate of the tree’s descent. An experienced operator’s skill in placing these cuts minimizes wasted effort and ensures the tree falls where intended.
Estimated Timeframes Based on Tree Size
The time required to fell a tree varies dramatically based on the operator’s experience and the tree’s size and species. For a small softwood sapling, roughly 6 to 8 inches in diameter, a novice using a sharp axe can expect the task to take between 30 and 60 minutes. An experienced individual, with practiced technique and sustained rhythm, can often complete the same task in a much shorter span, sometimes as quickly as 10 to 20 minutes.
Moving to a medium-sized tree, such as one with a 10 to 14-inch diameter often used for firewood, the time investment grows substantially. A beginner tackling a medium softwood may require two to four hours of continuous effort. If the tree is a dense hardwood of the same size, the cutting time can easily extend beyond four hours due to the resistance of the wood.
Felling a large tree with a diameter exceeding 20 inches is an extremely time-intensive endeavor with an axe alone. For a hardwood of this size, the process can demand 8 to 24 or more hours of work, often requiring several days to complete. While an expert in a lumberjack competition might fell a 10-inch tree in minutes, these times represent peak performance and are not reflective of general reality.
Safety Considerations
Felling a tree with an axe is a high-risk activity that necessitates careful planning to ensure safety. Before any cut is made, the drop zone (the area where the tree will fall) must be completely cleared of people and obstacles. Preparation also includes establishing a clear escape route, which is a path of retreat angled approximately 45 degrees away from the planned direction of the fall.
Understanding the tree’s natural lean and planning the fall in that direction is a fundamental safety precaution. Cutting against a heavy lean is extremely difficult and increases the risk of “barber chair,” where the trunk splits vertically and pivots violently back toward the operator.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for this task. This equipment should include a hard hat to guard against falling debris, safety glasses for eye protection, and stout steel-toed boots. When making the back cut, the operator should stand to the side of the tree, never directly behind it, to avoid injury should the trunk kick back or slip off the stump.