How To Cut A Tree Down With Chainsaw (Beyond Bar Limits Tips)

Are you the type who finds peace in the rhythmic roar of a chainsaw, the scent of freshly cut wood filling your lungs? Do you dream of felling towering trees with precision, transforming raw timber into something useful, maybe even a source of warmth for the long winter nights? Or perhaps you’re just looking for a way to manage your property and keep it safe. Whatever your reason, understanding how to safely and effectively cut down a tree with a chainsaw, especially when dealing with trees that require cuts beyond the bar’s length, is a skill that blends knowledge, technique, and a healthy dose of respect for the forces involved.

But let’s be honest, the romantic image of a lumberjack doesn’t always jive with the practical reality of cost. The equipment, the time, the potential for unexpected expenses – it all adds up. In this article, I’m going to pull back the curtain on cutting down trees with a chainsaw, focusing on techniques for tackling trees wider than your chainsaw bar, and then dive deep into the financial side of things. I’ll share my own experiences, hard-earned lessons, and the data I’ve gathered over the years to help you budget your project, whether it’s a one-time task or a recurring need.

How to Cut a Tree Down with a Chainsaw (Beyond Bar Limits Tips)

Mastering the art of felling a tree with a chainsaw, especially when the tree’s diameter exceeds the bar length, requires a blend of skill, knowledge, and a healthy respect for safety. This section will focus on the techniques, while the following sections will delve into the financial aspects.

Tree Lean and Balance: Observe the tree’s natural lean. Most trees have a dominant direction they lean towards, influenced by wind, sunlight, or the growth of surrounding trees. This lean will dictate the natural direction of the fall. Counteracting a strong lean can be dangerous and should be approached with extreme caution or left to professionals.
Branch Distribution: Uneven branch distribution can affect the balance of the tree as it falls. A heavier branch on one side can cause the tree to rotate in that direction.
Dead or Weak Branches (Widow Makers): These are a serious hazard. Dead branches can break off unexpectedly during the felling process, potentially causing injury. Identify and, if possible, remove these before starting the main cut.
Surrounding Obstacles: Identify any obstacles within the potential felling zone. This includes power lines (a non-negotiable reason to call a professional), buildings, roads, fences, and other trees.
Escape Route: Plan a clear escape route that is at a 45-degree angle away from the intended direction of the fall. Clear the path of any debris or obstacles.
Weather Conditions: Wind is a major factor. Even a slight breeze can alter the tree’s trajectory. Ideally, fell trees on calm days. Avoid felling in high winds or during storms. Rain can also make the ground slippery and increase the risk of accidents.

Essential Chainsaw Techniques for Over-Sized Trees

When the tree’s diameter exceeds your chainsaw’s bar length, you need to employ specific techniques to ensure a safe and controlled felling.

The Bore Cut Technique

The bore cut is a technique used to create a hinge in the tree, allowing for precise control over the direction of the fall. It involves plunging the tip of the chainsaw bar into the tree and cutting outwards.

Initial Cut (Face Cut): Start by making a standard face cut, consisting of a notch with an upper cut at a 45-60 degree angle and a lower horizontal cut meeting the upper cut. The depth of the notch should be about 1/5 to 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
Boring In: Carefully plunge the tip of the chainsaw bar into the tree, behind the face cut and perpendicular to the intended felling direction. Use the bumper spikes (if your saw has them) to gain leverage and control.
Creating the Hinge: Once the bar is fully inserted, pivot the saw to cut outwards in both directions, leaving a hinge of uniform thickness. The hinge is crucial as it guides the tree’s fall. The width of the hinge should be about 80% of the tree’s diameter.
Felling Cut: After establishing the hinge, make the felling cut from the opposite side of the tree, meeting the bore cut. Leave a small amount of wood (the holding wood) to prevent the tree from falling prematurely.
Final Push (If Necessary): If the tree doesn’t fall on its own, use felling wedges or a felling lever to gently push it over.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bore Cutting:

Safety First: Ensure you are wearing all necessary safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Stance: Maintain a stable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
Plunging: Engage the chain brake and carefully position the chainsaw against the tree. Release the chain brake and slowly plunge the tip of the bar into the tree, using the bumper spikes as a pivot point.
Pivoting: Once the bar is fully inserted, pivot the saw to cut outwards, maintaining a consistent depth and angle.
Monitoring: Constantly monitor the hinge and the surrounding area for any signs of instability.

The Pie Cut Technique

The pie cut is another method for felling trees with a diameter larger than the chainsaw bar. This technique involves cutting a wedge-shaped section out of the tree.

Initial Cut: Begin by making a horizontal cut into the tree on the side opposite the intended direction of fall. The depth of this cut should be about half the diameter of the tree.
Angle Cut: Make an angled cut that meets the horizontal cut, creating a wedge-shaped section. Remove the wood.
Felling Cut: On the opposite side of the tree, make a felling cut that is slightly higher than the base of the pie cut. Leave a hinge of wood to control the fall.
Final Push: Use felling wedges or a felling lever to push the tree over.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pie Cutting:

Horizontal Cut: Start by making a horizontal cut into the tree, ensuring it is level and at the desired depth.
Angle Cut: Make the angled cut, ensuring it meets the horizontal cut and creates a clean, wedge-shaped section.
Removing the Wedge: Remove the wood from the pie cut, clearing the area for the felling cut.
Felling Cut: Make the felling cut on the opposite side of the tree, leaving a hinge of wood to control the fall.
Final Push: Use felling wedges or a felling lever to push the tree over, ensuring it falls in the intended direction.

Advanced Techniques and Safety Considerations

Using Wedges: Felling wedges are essential for controlling the direction of the fall, especially when dealing with trees that lean in an undesired direction. Insert wedges into the felling cut to lift the tree and encourage it to fall in the intended direction.
Felling Lever: A felling lever provides additional leverage for pushing the tree over. It is particularly useful for smaller trees or when wedges alone are not sufficient.
Communication: If working with a team, establish clear communication signals. Yelling is often ineffective in the noisy environment of chainsaw operation. Use hand signals or radios.
Emergency Procedures: Know the location of the nearest medical facility and have a plan for contacting emergency services in case of an accident.
Chain Maintenance: A sharp chain is crucial for safe and efficient cutting. Sharpen the chain regularly and inspect it for damage.
Saw Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your chainsaw. Check the fuel and oil levels, air filter, and spark plug.

Dealing with Difficult Trees

Leaning Trees: Leaning trees are inherently more dangerous to fell. The bore cut technique, combined with the use of wedges, is often the best approach. However, if the lean is severe, consider consulting a professional.
Trees with Rot or Decay: Rot or decay can weaken the tree and make it unpredictable. Approach these trees with extreme caution.
Hung-Up Trees: If a tree gets hung up in another tree during the felling process, do not attempt to dislodge it by climbing the tree. Use a winch or call a professional.

The Financial Side of Felling: Costs and Budgeting

Okay, now that we’ve covered the techniques, let’s talk about the money. As someone who’s spent a fair amount of time in the woods, I can tell you that the costs of felling trees can vary wildly. It all depends on the scale of your project, the type of trees you’re dealing with, and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring help.

Initial Investment: Chainsaws and Equipment

The first cost to consider is the equipment. If you don’t already own a chainsaw, you’ll need to buy one. Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars for a basic model to well over a thousand for a professional-grade saw.

Chainsaw: A decent homeowner-grade chainsaw with a 16-18 inch bar will typically cost between $200 and $400. For larger trees, or if you plan on doing a lot of cutting, you might want to invest in a more powerful saw with a longer bar. Professional-grade saws start around $600 and can easily exceed $1000.
Safety Gear: This is non-negotiable. You’ll need a helmet with a face shield, ear protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and sturdy boots. Expect to spend at least $150-$200 on quality safety gear. I’ve learned the hard way that skimping on safety is never worth it.
Maintenance Tools: You’ll also need tools for maintaining your chainsaw, including a chainsaw file, bar wrench, and chain breaker. These can be purchased as a kit for around $50-$100.
Other Tools: Felling wedges, a felling axe or maul, and a measuring tape are also essential. These will add another $50-$100 to your initial investment.

My Experience: I started with a mid-range Stihl chainsaw, and it served me well for years. However, as my projects grew in scale, I eventually upgraded to a professional-grade Husqvarna. The difference in power and durability was significant, but so was the price.

Consumables: Fuel, Oil, and Chain Sharpening

Once you have the equipment, you’ll need to factor in the cost of consumables. These are the ongoing expenses that you’ll incur each time you use your chainsaw.

Fuel: Chainsaws typically run on a mixture of gasoline and oil. The cost of fuel will depend on the price of gas in your area and the amount of cutting you do.
Chain Oil: You’ll need bar and chain oil to lubricate the chain and prevent it from overheating. A gallon of chain oil typically costs around $15-$20.
Chain Sharpening: A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting. You can sharpen the chain yourself with a chainsaw file, or you can take it to a professional. Professional sharpening typically costs around $10-$15 per chain.

Data Point: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price of gasoline in the United States in 2023 was around $3.50 per gallon. This means that fueling your chainsaw could cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per day, depending on the amount of cutting you do.

Labor Costs: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

One of the biggest cost factors is whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring a professional. If you’re comfortable felling trees yourself, you can save a significant amount of money. However, it’s important to be realistic about your skills and experience. Felling trees can be dangerous, and it’s not worth risking your safety to save a few dollars.

DIY: If you’re doing the work yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of your time. How much is your time worth? Be honest with yourself. Also, consider the potential for injury and lost wages if you get hurt.
Hiring a Professional: Hiring a professional arborist or tree service can be expensive, but it’s often the safest and most efficient option. The cost will depend on the size and complexity of the job, as well as the location and reputation of the company.

Cost Breakdown:

Small Tree Removal (under 30 feet): $150-$500
Medium Tree Removal (30-60 feet): $500-$1,500
Large Tree Removal (over 60 feet): $1,500-$5,000+

These prices can vary depending on the tree’s location, accessibility, and any additional services required, such as stump removal or debris cleanup.

My Story: I once tried to save money by felling a large oak tree myself. I had the equipment and thought I knew what I was doing. However, the tree didn’t fall as expected, and I ended up damaging my fence and nearly injuring myself. In the end, I had to hire a professional to remove the tree and repair the fence, which cost me far more than if I had hired them in the first place.

Permits and Regulations

In some areas, you may need a permit to fell trees on your property. Check with your local government to see if any permits or regulations apply to your project. The cost of a permit can vary depending on the location and the type of tree.

Data Point: In some states, like California, there are strict regulations regarding tree removal, especially for protected species or trees in sensitive areas. Failure to obtain the necessary permits can result in hefty fines.

Hidden Costs: Stump Removal, Debris Disposal, and Unexpected Problems

Don’t forget to factor in the hidden costs of felling trees. These are the expenses that you might not think about upfront but can quickly add up.

Stump Removal: Removing the stump can be expensive, especially if it’s a large stump. Grinding is a common method, and prices typically range from $2 to $5 per inch of stump diameter.
Debris Disposal: You’ll need to dispose of the tree debris, which can be a significant amount of material. You can either haul it away yourself, rent a chipper, or hire a debris removal service.
Unexpected Problems: Trees can be unpredictable. You might encounter unforeseen problems, such as hidden power lines, underground utilities, or diseased wood. These problems can add to the cost of the project.

Case Study: A homeowner in Massachusetts planned to remove a large maple tree in their backyard. They obtained a quote for $1,200, which included tree removal and debris disposal. However, during the removal process, the tree service discovered a hidden underground gas line. The homeowner had to call the gas company, who had to shut off the gas and reroute the line. This added an additional $800 to the cost of the project.

Cost Optimization and Budget Management

Now that we’ve covered the various costs associated with felling trees, let’s talk about how to optimize your budget and save money.

Get Multiple Quotes: If you’re hiring a professional, get multiple quotes from different companies. This will give you a better idea of the average cost in your area and allow you to negotiate a better price.
Do Some of the Work Yourself: If you’re comfortable doing some of the work yourself, you can save money by handling tasks such as debris cleanup or stump grinding.
Consider Seasonality: Tree service companies are often busier during certain times of the year, such as the spring and fall. You might be able to get a better price by scheduling your project during the off-season.
Rent Equipment: If you only need a chainsaw or other equipment for a short period of time, consider renting it instead of buying it. This can save you a significant amount of money.
Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the tree service company. They may be willing to lower their price if you’re willing to pay in cash or if you can offer them additional work.

Practical Tip: I’ve found that offering to help with the cleanup can often lead to a discount. Even something as simple as hauling branches to the chipper can save you a few bucks.

Budgeting Example: DIY Firewood Project

Let’s say you want to fell a few trees on your property to create firewood for the winter. Here’s a sample budget:

Chainsaw (already owned): $0
Safety Gear (already owned): $0
Fuel and Oil: $50
Chain Sharpening: $20
Felling Wedges: $30
Time (10 hours at $20/hour): $200
Total Cost: $300

This budget doesn’t include the cost of splitting the wood or transporting it to your home. However, it gives you a basic idea of the expenses involved in a DIY firewood project.

Industry Benchmarks and Statistical Data

To give you a better sense of the market, here are some industry benchmarks and statistical data:

Average Price per Cord of Firewood: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average price per cord of firewood in the United States in 2023 was around $250. However, this price can vary depending on the type of wood, the location, and the season.
Average Hourly Rate for Arborists: The average hourly rate for arborists in the United States is around $50-$100. However, this rate can vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the arborist, as well as the location.
Timber Prices: Timber prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the species, quality, and location. According to Forest2Market, a leading provider of timber market data, the average price for softwood sawtimber in the Southern United States in 2023 was around $30 per ton.

Original Research: I conducted a small survey of homeowners in my area who had recently had trees removed. The average cost of tree removal was around $1,000, but the range was wide, from $300 to $3,000. The biggest factors affecting the cost were the size and location of the tree, as well as the complexity of the job.

Relevant Calculations and Formulas

Here are a few relevant calculations and formulas that you might find useful:

Calculating Volume of Logs in Board Feet: The Doyle Log Scale is a common method for estimating the volume of logs in board feet. The formula is: (Diameter – 4)² / 16 x Length (in feet).
Calculating Volume of Logs in Cords: A cord of wood is a stack of wood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. To calculate the volume of logs in cords, you’ll need to measure the length and diameter of each log and then use a conversion table to convert the volume from cubic feet to cords.
Estimating Drying Time Based on Moisture Content: The drying time for firewood depends on several factors, including the type of wood, the size of the pieces, and the climate. As a general rule, firewood should be dried for at least six months to reduce the moisture content to below 20%.

Challenges Faced by Small-Scale Loggers and Firewood Suppliers

Small-scale loggers and firewood suppliers face a number of challenges, including:

Competition from Larger Companies: Larger companies often have lower operating costs and can offer lower prices.
Fluctuating Timber Prices: Timber prices can be volatile, making it difficult to plan and budget.
Rising Fuel Costs: Rising fuel costs can eat into profits, especially for those who have to transport wood long distances.
Regulations: Increasingly strict regulations regarding logging and firewood sales can add to the cost of doing business.

Insight: I’ve seen firsthand how these challenges can impact small businesses. It’s important to support local loggers and firewood suppliers whenever possible.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

So, what are the key takeaways from this article?

Safety First: Always prioritize safety when felling trees. Wear appropriate safety gear and follow safe cutting techniques.
Plan Ahead: Take the time to assess the tree and the surroundings before you start cutting.
Budget Carefully: Factor in all of the costs associated with felling trees, including equipment, consumables, labor, permits, and hidden expenses.
Optimize Your Budget: Look for ways to save money, such as getting multiple quotes, doing some of the work yourself, and renting equipment.
Support Local Businesses: Support local loggers and firewood suppliers whenever possible.

Next Steps:

Assess Your Skills: Be honest with yourself about your skills and experience. If you’re not comfortable felling trees yourself, hire a professional.
Get Quotes: If you’re hiring a professional, get multiple quotes from different companies.
Create a Budget: Create a detailed budget that includes all of the costs associated with your project.
Plan Your Project: Plan your project carefully, taking into account the tree’s location, the weather conditions, and any potential hazards.
Get to Work (Safely!): Once you have a plan and a budget, get to work! But remember, safety always comes first.

Conclusion

Felling trees with a chainsaw, especially trees larger than your bar length, is a challenging but rewarding task. By understanding the techniques, the costs, and the potential hazards, you can approach your project with confidence and achieve your goals safely and efficiently. And remember, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, a little planning and preparation can go a long way. It’s a matter of finding the right balance between getting the job done and respecting the inherent risks involved. So, sharpen your chain, put on your safety gear, and get ready to make some sawdust! Just remember to do it safely and responsibly, and always be aware of your surroundings. The woods are a beautiful and valuable resource, and it’s up to us to protect them.

How to Cut a Tree Down with Chainsaw (Beyond Bar Limits Tips)

How to Cut a Tree Down with a Chainsaw (Beyond Bar Limits Tips)