How to Chain Saw a Fallen Tree

Ensure that you have a clear path to back up if the tree begins to shift in your direction. Never let yourself be put into a position where there is no room to move to avoid an accident.

Keep the trunk between you and any limbs you cut if possible.

Remove the limbs within easy reach first. Starting at the base is best but it cannot always be reached easily. The initial cut of the limb does not have to be alongside the trunk. A limb can be removed in pieces. Do not remove the limbs on the bottom of the tree until all the limbs on the top and sides are removed.

Check each limb before attempting to remove it to see whether it is under pressure from another limb or the ground. If so, make your first cut nearest to where the pressure point is. When released from pressure the limb may whip violently.

Stop the saw every few limbs and remove the cut debris. Allowing it to pile up is dangerous as you could slip and fall on a loose branch or one can become entangled with the saw.

Pull the tree away from another tree or building after the available branches have been removed or after all the top and side branches have been removed. It is dangerous for anyone but a professional tree trimmer to attempt to saw a tree while it is leaning on an obstacle. You may be able to remove a small tree on your own, but a larger tree may need to be roped to a winch on a truck and pulled away. When the tree is shifted to a better location, continue to trim away all branches.

Section the tree with the chain saw after it is denuded of branches. If you plan on keeping the wood as firewood, the sections should be between 14 and 18 inches. Otherwise they can be several feet in length as long as someone can remove them. When sectioning the tree, try to avoid the tip of the saw coming into contact with the ground as this will rapidly dull the blade.