How to Cut Down & Spray Paint Real Trees

Aside from the trees on the side of the road with a spray-painted heart and two initials in the middle, using a spray paint on a tree can be helpful for art or construction projects requiring fresh wood and a new coat of paint. Cutting down a tree and spray painting it is a straightforward process, regardless of the use for the wood. Safety while cutting the tree down is of utmost importance, depending on the tree's size, because it could fall in the wrong direction if not cut properly.

Ax or chainsaw
Table
Spray paint

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cut the tree down with an ax.
  
  Undercut the tree at a spot between one and two feet above its base with an ax at a 45-degree angle. Chop several cuts at this angle, then cut into the 45-degree angle cuts with straight angle, 180-degree cuts to chip away the wood. This will create a triangular wedge. Continue this procedure until the tree falls. If using a chainsaw, hold the saw firmly and cut with this same 45-degree angle and make straight cuts to chip away wedges of the tree and allow it to fall.
- 2
  
  Cut wood into manageable pieces to bring back.
  
  Cut the fallen tree into pieces you can carry back to a wood shed or other location to spray paint.
- 3
  Lay the pieces of the tree on a table. Take off the bark from the tree (if there is any) and smooth the tree with sandpaper. Take the paper in your hand and rub it in a quick, back-and-forth motion all over the tree so it is smooth and prepared for the application of spray paint.
- 4
  Spray paint the tree. Follow the directions on the spray paint can for proper use.

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