How to Push a Tree Down With a Bobcat

Apply for a tree removal or felling permit with your local county or city government. Some require permitting to fell large trees and certain trees are protected in some jurisdictions.

Move everything away from the tree, including outdoor furniture and vehicles.

Approach the tree on the same side as it will fall. If the tree is already leaning in a certain direction, plan to fell it in the same direction.

Put on safety glasses and gloves. Cut a horizontal "V" or "face notch" in the tree trunk approximately 2 to 3 feet from the ground with an ax or chainsaw. Make the "face notch" about 75 to 80 percent deep into the trunk.

Walk around to the opposite side of the trunk and cut another, but smaller-sized notch into the other side with the ax or chainsaw. Make the second cut about 10 to 15 percent deep into the trunk.

Board the Bobcat loader. Drive up to the tree on the opposite side of the "face notch" and raise the bucket to just above the cut lines. Drive forward very slowly, the tree trunk will begin to buckle and the tree canopy or top will noticeably begin to fell in the opposite direction. Back the Bobcat up out of the way as soon as the tree starts to fall to avoid the trunk bouncing back at the machine.

Excavate around the base of the trunk with the Bobcat to expose the root ball. Once fully exposed, connect tow straps to the trunk of the tree and the tow bar on the Bobcat. Pull the root ball out of the ground using the Bobcat.