Chopping Down A Cherry Tree: Safety Tips & Wood Use Guide (Pro Arborist Insights)

Let’s talk about taking down a cherry tree. It’s a task that demands respect, planning, and a whole lot of safety. As a seasoned arborist and woodworker, I’ve felled my fair share of cherry trees, each one teaching me something new about this beautiful and valuable wood. This guide is packed with pro insights to help you safely remove a cherry tree and make the most of its lumber. From crucial safety measures to wood utilization tips, I’ll cover everything you need to know.

Chopping Down a Cherry Tree: Safety Tips & Wood Use Guide (Pro Arborist Insights)

Assessing the Situation: Is Felling Necessary?

Before I even think about firing up a chainsaw, I take a long, hard look at the cherry tree. Is it truly necessary to remove it? Cherry trees offer stunning spring blossoms and attract wildlife. Sometimes, pruning or cabling can address issues like disease or structural weakness, saving the tree.

Consider these factors:

Health: Is the tree diseased, infested, or structurally unsound? Look for signs of rot, fungal growth, or significant leaning.
Location: Is the tree interfering with power lines, buildings, or other infrastructure?
Species: Is it a wild cherry (Prunus serotina) or an ornamental variety? Wild cherry is more common and often grows quickly.
Value: Is it a mature, high-quality tree suitable for lumber?

If removal is the only option, proceed with caution and plan meticulously.

Safety First: Gear and Preparation

Safety is paramount. This isn’t a job to be taken lightly. I’ve seen too many accidents, and I want to make sure you avoid them.

Essential Safety Gear

Helmet: A forestry helmet with a face shield and hearing protection is non-negotiable.
Eye Protection: Even with a face shield, wear safety glasses or goggles.
Hearing Protection: Chainsaws are loud. Protect your hearing with earplugs or earmuffs.
Gloves: Sturdy work gloves protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Chainsaw Chaps: These provide crucial leg protection in case of a chainsaw kickback.
Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from falling branches and the chainsaw.
First-Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit nearby.
Communication: Have a way to communicate in case of an emergency (cell phone, two-way radio).

Pre-Felling Checklist

Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles (rocks, branches, debris) from the felling zone.
Plan Your Escape Route: Identify two escape routes at a 45-degree angle away from the anticipated direction of fall.
Assess the Tree: Look for lean, wind direction, and any hazards like dead branches.
Check for Power Lines: Never fell a tree near power lines. Contact the utility company for assistance.
Inform Others: Let someone know your plans and expected completion time.

Tools of the Trade: Chainsaws and More

Having the right tools makes the job safer and more efficient. I’ve learned this the hard way over the years.

Chainsaw Selection

Size: Choose a chainsaw appropriate for the tree’s diameter. A good rule of thumb is that the bar length should be at least 2 inches longer than the tree’s diameter.
Type: For most cherry trees, a gas-powered chainsaw with a 16-20 inch bar will suffice.
Maintenance: Ensure your chainsaw is in good working condition. Sharpen the chain, check the bar oil level, and inspect the air filter.

Other Essential Tools

Felling Axe or Wedge: Used to help direct the fall of the tree.
Sledgehammer: For driving in the felling wedge.
Measuring Tape: To measure the tree’s diameter and plan cuts.
Chainsaw File: For sharpening the chain in the field.
Log Lifter/Cant Hook: To move and position logs.
Winch or Come-Along: For pulling the tree in a specific direction (if needed).

Felling Techniques: The Notch and Back Cut

The key to a safe and controlled felling is the proper notch and back cut. I’ve refined my technique over the years, and I’m going to share my process with you.

The Open Face Notch

Purpose: To control the direction of the fall.
Angle: Cut a notch at a 70-degree angle on the side of the tree you want it to fall towards.
Depth: The notch should be about 1/5 to 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
Precision: Ensure the two cuts of the notch meet perfectly.

The Back Cut

Purpose: To sever the remaining wood and allow the tree to fall.
Position: Make the back cut on the opposite side of the notch, about 2 inches above the bottom of the notch.
Technique: Leave a hinge of wood (about 10% of the tree’s diameter) to control the fall.
Caution: Never cut completely through the tree.

Using a Felling Wedge

When to Use: If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction or if there’s a risk of it falling backward.
Placement: Insert the felling wedge into the back cut after making the initial cut.
Driving the Wedge: Use a sledgehammer to drive the wedge in, gradually forcing the tree to lean in the desired direction.

Dealing with Leaners and Other Challenges

Not every tree is perfectly straight. Leaners and other challenges require extra caution and planning.

Assessing the Lean

Visual Inspection: Carefully observe the tree’s lean. Is it slight or significant?
Wind Influence: Consider the prevailing wind direction.
Plan Accordingly: Adjust your felling technique to account for the lean.

Felling a Leaning Tree

Winching: Use a winch or come-along to pull the tree in the desired direction before making the back cut.
Felling Wedge: Use a larger felling wedge or multiple wedges to overcome the lean.
Professional Help: If the lean is severe, consider hiring a professional arborist.

Dealing with Dead Branches

Identify Hazards: Carefully inspect the tree for dead or loose branches.
Remove Hazards: Use a pole saw or climbing gear to remove any hazardous branches before felling the tree.
Caution: Be aware of falling debris.

Limbing and Bucking: Preparing the Logs

Once the tree is on the ground, it’s time to limb and buck it into manageable logs.

Limbing Techniques

Safety Stance: Position yourself on the uphill side of the tree.
Cutting Technique: Use a chainsaw to remove the branches, cutting close to the trunk.
Avoid Kickback: Be aware of the risk of chainsaw kickback when limbing.
Clear Debris: Remove the limbs as you go to keep the work area clear.

Bucking Logs

Planning: Determine the desired log lengths based on your intended use (firewood, lumber).
Measuring: Use a measuring tape to mark the log lengths.
Cutting Technique: Use a chainsaw to cut the logs to the desired length.
Support: Support the log to prevent it from pinching the chainsaw bar.

Cherry Wood: Properties and Uses

Cherry wood is prized for its beauty, workability, and stability. I’ve worked with cherry for years, and I’m always impressed by its versatility.

Characteristics of Cherry Wood

Color: Heartwood ranges from a rich reddish-brown to a lighter pinkish-brown.
Grain: Fine, straight, and closed grain.
Texture: Smooth and uniform.
Hardness: Moderately hard and strong.
Workability: Easy to machine, glue, and finish.

Common Uses

Furniture: Cherry is a popular choice for high-end furniture.
Cabinets: Its beautiful color and grain make it ideal for kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Flooring: Cherry flooring adds warmth and elegance to any room.
Turning: It’s a favorite wood for woodturning projects.
Veneer: Cherry veneer is used to cover less expensive substrates.
Firewood: While valuable for woodworking, cherry also makes excellent firewood, burning hot and clean.

Seasoning Cherry Wood: Drying for Stability

Properly seasoning cherry wood is crucial to prevent warping, cracking, and other defects. I’ve learned that patience is key in this process.

Air Drying

Stacking: Stack the lumber in a well-ventilated area, using stickers (thin strips of wood) to separate the boards.
Orientation: Orient the stack with the prevailing wind to maximize airflow.
Covering: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and sun.
Drying Time: Air drying typically takes 1 year per inch of thickness.

Kiln Drying

Professional Kiln: The most efficient way to dry lumber.
Controlled Environment: Kilns control temperature and humidity to ensure even drying.
Drying Time: Kiln drying can take as little as a few days.
Cost: Kiln drying is more expensive than air drying.

Moisture Content

Target: Aim for a moisture content of 6-8% for interior use.
Moisture Meter: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood.

Firewood Preparation: Splitting and Stacking

If you’re using the cherry wood for firewood, proper splitting and stacking are essential for efficient burning.

Splitting Techniques

Manual Splitting: Use a maul or splitting axe to split the logs.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A faster and easier way to split logs, especially larger ones.
Safety: Wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood.

Stacking Firewood

Location: Choose a sunny, well-ventilated location.
Stacking Method: Stack the wood in a way that allows for good airflow.
Covering: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
Drying Time: Firewood typically needs to dry for at least 6-12 months before burning.

Chainsaw Maintenance: Keeping Your Saw Running Smoothly

Regular chainsaw maintenance is essential for safety and performance. I treat my chainsaw like a valuable tool, because it is.

Chain Sharpening

Frequency: Sharpen the chain regularly, especially if it’s cutting slowly or producing fine dust.
Tools: Use a chainsaw file and a depth gauge tool.
Technique: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sharpening the chain.

Bar Maintenance

Cleaning: Clean the bar regularly to remove sawdust and debris.
Lubrication: Ensure the bar is properly lubricated.
Flipping: Flip the bar periodically to promote even wear.

Air Filter

Cleaning: Clean the air filter regularly to ensure proper engine performance.
Replacement: Replace the air filter when it becomes clogged or damaged.

Spark Plug

Inspection: Inspect the spark plug regularly.
Replacement: Replace the spark plug when it becomes fouled or worn.

Fuel and Oil

Mixing: Use the correct fuel-to-oil ratio.
Storage: Store fuel and oil in approved containers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my share of mistakes over the years. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when felling and processing cherry trees.

Neglecting Safety: Always prioritize safety. Wear the proper gear and follow safe felling techniques.
Poor Planning: Plan the felling carefully, considering the tree’s lean, wind direction, and potential hazards.
Dull Chain: A dull chain is dangerous and inefficient. Keep your chain sharp.
Improper Notch and Back Cut: The notch and back cut are crucial for controlling the fall of the tree.
Rushing the Job: Take your time and work carefully.
Ignoring Weather Conditions: Avoid felling trees in high winds or other adverse weather conditions.
Using the Wrong Tools: Use the right tools for the job.
Lack of Experience: If you’re not comfortable felling a tree, hire a professional arborist.

Environmental Considerations

Responsible tree felling includes minimizing environmental impact. I always strive to leave the site as clean as possible.

Erosion Control

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid disturbing the soil as much as possible.
Mulching: Mulch exposed soil to prevent erosion.
Water Diversion: Use water bars or other techniques to divert water away from exposed soil.

Wildlife Habitat

Leave Snags: Leave standing dead trees (snags) to provide habitat for wildlife.
Plant Trees: Plant new trees to replace the ones you’ve removed.

Waste Disposal

Proper Disposal: Dispose of waste materials properly.
Recycling: Recycle wood chips and other materials.

Case Study: Felling a Large Cherry Tree for Lumber

I was once hired to remove a large cherry tree from a homeowner’s property. The tree was over 80 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. It was leaning slightly towards the house, which added to the complexity of the job.

When to Hire an Arborist

Large or Hazardous Trees: If the tree is large, leaning, or located near power lines or buildings.
Lack of Experience: If you’re not comfortable felling a tree yourself.
Complex Situations: If the tree is in a difficult location or requires specialized equipment.

Benefits of Hiring an Arborist

Safety: Arborists are trained to safely fell trees.
Experience: They have the experience and knowledge to handle complex situations.
Equipment: They have the right equipment for the job.
Insurance: They are insured in case of accidents or damage.
Peace of Mind: You can rest assured that the job will be done safely and professionally.

Conclusion: Respect the Tree, Respect the Wood

Felling a cherry tree is a serious undertaking that requires careful planning, proper equipment, and a commitment to safety. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can safely remove the tree and make the most of its valuable wood. Remember to respect the tree, respect the wood, and always prioritize safety. Cherry wood is a gift, and it’s up to us to use it wisely and responsibly. Happy felling!