How to Safely Cut Down a Small Tree
Step-by-step guide for safely felling a small tree (under 20 feet) using a chainsaw, including proper notch and back-cut technique.
Tools Needed
Find Materials Near You
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Instructions
Assess the Tree and Area
Look at the tree's lean, branch weight distribution, and surrounding obstacles. Plan your felling direction — trees naturally fall toward their lean. Identify two clear escape routes at 45° angles behind you.
Clear the Work Zone
Remove brush, rocks, and obstacles around the base of the tree and along your escape routes. Keep all bystanders at least 2x the tree height away.
Gear Up
Put on all PPE: chainsaw chaps, hard hat with face shield, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Never skip any of these.
Make the Notch Cut
On the side the tree will fall, make a top cut angling down at 60° and a bottom cut angling up to meet it — forming a notch that is about 1/4 to 1/3 of the trunk diameter deep. Remove the notch wedge.
Make the Back Cut
From the opposite side of the notch, make a horizontal back cut slightly above the bottom of the notch. Leave a 'hinge' of uncut wood (about 10% of the trunk diameter) between the notch and the back cut. The hinge guides the fall.
Use Wedges if Needed
If the tree is not moving, insert a felling wedge into the back cut and hammer it in to help tip the tree. Do not use the chainsaw to force it — this risks pinching the bar.
Retreat Immediately
As the tree begins to fall, turn off the chainsaw, and walk away along your escape route — never directly behind the falling tree. Watch for bounce-back and falling debris.
Limb and Buck the Tree
Once the tree is down, carefully remove branches (limbing) working from the base toward the top. Then cut the trunk into manageable sections (bucking). Always stand to the side, never straddle the log while cutting.
