When it comes to cutting down a tree, there are several techniques to consider. However, the task is still dangerous. Felling a tree seems easy from the outside but considering the risks, it takes the right skills and sufficient experience and it’s better to leave it to tree removal companies. If you are planning to cut down a tree on your own, we have some important tips to share. Let’s discuss!
Maul vs. Axe
The two most important tools used for cutting a tree are a maul and an axe. While a maul is used to split wood, the axe is used to cut and chop wood. Plus, a maul has a flat and blunt head while an axe features a sharp and thin head. In other words, a maul cuts through the wood grains while an axe cuts chops through the wood fibers.
Before you proceed with cutting a tree, you should prepare your axe. Check it for any cracks, especially in the handle area as any damage, even a minor one can impact the balance. The last thing you would want is losing grip on the axe or the axe breaking into pieces while you bring it down hard.
Furthermore, if the axe has not been used in a long time, you should sharpen it. A dull axe will not be able to bring down a tree and can also be dangerous as it can miss the spot easily.
At the same time, you should wear proper safety equipment and cover your eyes to prevent flying wood pieces from contacting your eyes.
Tree Surroundings
If you thought that cutting a tree is all about wearing safety equipment and using an axe or maul, then you were wrong. Part of safely cutting down a tree is to ensure that the tree’s surroundings are secure and protected. There is no point in bringing down a tree while damaging the nearby properties.
Next, you need to observe the direction of the tree in which it is leaning. You should check for power lines and any other trees in the surroundings. It might be that the tree while coming down smashes into other trees, only to end up hung or damaging others.
Another important factor you need to keep in mind is the wind. Wind plays an important role in determining the direction in which the tree will fall down. You will need to come up with a plan that allows you to walk away safely before the tree begins to fall.
And while it is falling, do not turn your entire back on it so that you are aware of where it is falling.
Using the Axe
Once it comes down to using the axe, there are two things to keep in mind, the right weight of the axe and technique. You need to make sure that you are able to handle the length and weight. Additionally, there are several different types of cutting techniques. You should go with the one that is the most comfortable for you.
Your stroke will only be as effective as your comfort level. Then, develop the cutting stance with your legs slightly more width apart than your shoulders. The reason is that if your axe was to miss the spot, it would land straight on the ground instead of your toes or feet.
Moving on, inspect the most vulnerable area of the tree. Aiming for precision, you should begin striking the area that will help cut down the tree quickly. Keep your strikes as accurate as possible to penetrate the tree in a relatively short amount of time.
Felling The Tree
While striking the tree, set a 45-degree angle to begin the notch. Then, move up a bit and chop at a 45-degree angle downward, repeating the process on both sides. However, on the other side, aim for a notch that is slightly higher than the first notch you made.
This technique allows the wood between the notches to act as a hinge. Once you observe that the tree is about to fall, you should execute safely. Make sure that you cut through the back notch and into the felling notch.
And once the tree is down, cut the wood into chunks using the axe and then split using the maul.
Final Word
Felling a tree is all about practising safety and using the right tools and techniques. The information shared above will surely help those who are looking to cut down trees in the most effective and secure way possible while caring for their surroundings as well. Look for tree cutting services Kensington to save time and remove a tree safely.
