Cutting down a small tree is a manageable task for homeowners when proper preparation and technique are applied. For safe do-it-yourself removal, a small tree is defined as having a trunk diameter of six to eight inches or less at chest height. Trees exceeding this measurement, or any tree taller than its distance from nearby structures, should always be handled by certified tree care professionals. This guide focuses on the safe, methodical procedures for removing these smaller landscape features.
Defining Safety and Pre-Cut Planning
Safety begins long before any tool touches the tree, starting with the mandatory use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). A hard hat protects against falling debris, while safety glasses or a face shield safeguard the eyes from wood chips and sawdust. Heavy-duty gloves improve grip and protect hands, and sturdy, non-slip footwear provides stability on uneven terrain.
A thorough assessment of the removal site is required to ensure a controlled outcome. Carefully observe the tree’s natural lean, as this dictates the intended direction of fall, and clear all debris from this drop zone. Confirm there are no overhead utility lines or underground services nearby that could be damaged by the falling tree or subsequent stump removal. Finally, establish and clear a primary escape route that moves diagonally away from the planned direction of fall, allowing for rapid movement once the tree begins to drop.
Selecting the Right Tools for the Job
The choice of cutting instrument depends on the trunk diameter and the operator’s comfort level. For trunks up to four inches, a sharp manual bow saw offers precise control and is sufficient for the task. Small gas or electric chainsaws designed for homeowner use are effective for trunks in the six-to-eight-inch range, providing the power needed for a clean cut. Extremely thin saplings, two inches in diameter or less, can often be managed with heavy-duty loppers or a sharp axe.
Processing the tree after it is on the ground requires different tools for efficient limbing and sectioning. Hand pruners are useful for clipping small twigs and branches, while a small hand saw makes quick work of moderately sized limbs. A pole pruner allows the user to work from a safer distance on the ground when removing branches high on the felled trunk or pruning standing trees. Focusing on the appropriate tool for each stage maximizes both safety and operational efficiency.
Step-by-Step Cutting Methods (Removal and Limbing)
The controlled removal of any tree relies on creating a hinge that directs the fall. This is accomplished using the three-cut method, which begins with a directional notch on the side of the tree facing the intended fall zone. The notch consists of a horizontal cut made approximately one-third of the way into the trunk, followed by a sloping cut that meets the horizontal cut, allowing the resulting wedge of wood to be removed.
The notch ensures the tree will start falling in the chosen direction once the final cut is made. The second step involves making the back cut, a horizontal cut made on the opposite side of the tree, positioned slightly above the bottom of the notch cut. Stop the back cut before it meets the notch, leaving a band of wood known as the hinge.
The hinge is a strip of uncut wood that controls the tree’s descent and prevents it from twisting or falling backward onto the operator. Maintaining approximately ten percent of the trunk diameter as the hinge is standard practice for controlled felling. For trees under two inches in diameter, the hinge is unnecessary, and a single, straight cut close to the ground is sufficient due to the minimal mass and predictable behavior.
Once the tree is safely on the ground, the process of limbing, or removing the branches, can begin. Always start at the base of the tree and work toward the top, standing on the uphill side if the ground slopes. When cutting limbs, use the trunk as a barrier between yourself and the saw, and be mindful of branches that are under tension. Cutting a branch that is bent or compressed can cause it to snap back violently, posing a significant hazard.
Dealing with the Stump and Debris
After the tree is felled and the trunk is sectioned, attention turns to managing the remaining stump and the resulting brush. For small stumps, allowing them to decay naturally is the simplest and least labor-intensive option, as biological decomposition gradually breaks down the wood fiber. Alternatively, chemical stump removers can accelerate this process over several months. Mechanical stump grinding offers the most immediate solution, where a specialized machine chips the stump down below ground level.
The volume of debris generated from even a small tree can be substantial, requiring a plan for disposal. Branches and brush can be reduced in size using a wood chipper, creating mulch that can be reused in the landscape. Larger branches can be bundled and tied for municipal yard waste collection, adhering to local size restrictions. Wood sections suitable for firewood can be stacked and seasoned, while other organic material may be burned where local regulations permit controlled fires.