How to Chop Down a Tree Leaning Against a House

Preparation

• 1

  Assess the area around the house for electric wires, outbuildings, outdoor furniture and other hazards that a falling tree might strike. Estimate the height of the tree, and pace the distance along the planned fall direction. Adjust the plan for felling the tree to carry it away from fixed structures; move furniture and the like out of the way.

• 2

  Test an ax for sharpness, and sharpen as necessary. If a chain saw is being used, ensure that is properly fueled, the chain is sharpened and the engine is running correctly.

• 3

  Clear an escape route away from the tree. Remove tools, equipment and ropes along this path.

• 4

  Tie a pull rope around the trunk at the highest point that can be reached safely by climbing the tree, accessing the tree from the roof or throwing a thin line and then pulling a rope into place. Have an assistant prepared to apply tension to pull the tree away from the house as soon as the finishing back cut is completed. Avoid pulling with a motorized vehicle, as this raises a chance of breaking the rope and an out-of-control felling.

Cutting

• 5

  Mark three cut lines at waist height with chalk. Mark the first and second cuts, which create a "V" notch on the tree on the side away from the house. Mark the third cut, a back cut, on the opposite side, 2 inches higher than the "V" of the notch on the other side.

• 6

  Make the first two cuts with an ax or chainsaw to a depth of one-third of the tree diameter. Remove the notch from the tree trunk.

• 7

  Chop or cut the back cut without cutting through to the notch. Leave material between the notch and the back cut to act as a hinge to guide the tree down and away from the house.

• 8

  Pull the saw or ax free as the tree starts to fall. Have the assistant prepared to pull with the rope. Turn off the saw and retreat quickly along the escape path.

• 9

  Trim the waist-high stump close to the ground, repeating the three cuts.