Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
How to Trim a Tree With a Chainsaw
How to Trim a Tree With a Chainsaw. A chainsaw is one of the handiest tools a homeowner can possess. It is a high-speed wood cutting device that can make short work of big jobs like cutting firewood, clearing away dead branches and trimming trees for a tidy landscape. But a chainsaw can also be extremely dangerous if not handled properly,...
A chainsaw is one of the handiest tools a homeowner can possess. It is a high-speed wood cutting device that can make short work of big jobs like cutting firewood, clearing away dead branches and trimming trees for a tidy landscape. But a chainsaw can also be extremely dangerous if not handled properly, particularly when the operator has little inexperience. Remember, any time you are working with a chainsaw, exercise extreme caution.
Things You'll Need
Chainsaw
Heavy duty work gloves
Safety glasses or goggles
Heavy duty work boots
Earplugs
Safety helmet
How to Trim a Tree With a Chainsaw
Examine your property for tree limbs that require trimming. Tree limbs that join the trunk above your shoulder height are too high to safely trim with a chain saw. Clear any debris from the area to insure safe footing.
Dress appropriately. Put on a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, heavy duty work boots, helmet, ear plugs, goggles or safety glasses and work gloves.
Start the chain saw. Make an undercut on the first limb you need to trim. Start about six inches from the tree trunk, position your chainsaw directly beneath the limb, and cut one-third of the way through the limb.
Reposition the chainsaw blade to a corresponding location directly above the undercut on the limb and cut down the rest of the way through through the limb. This process is called "overcutting." Allow the limb to fall to the ground. Position the chainsaw blade above the remaining stub to within two inches of the trunk. Overcut the stub all the way through.
Turn the chain saw to its off position and wait for the engine to quit running. Put the chain saw down. Clear the fallen limb from the work area. Repeat steps three and four for any additional limbs that need to be trimmed.
Remove trimmings. If you have a chipper, you can chip the trimmings into mulch. Otherwise, check with your local solid waste department for disposal options.
Tips & Warnings
Maintaining safe and secure footing will make the job go much faster and easier.
Don't get in a hurry. Trying to force the chainsaw could result in kickback.
Be extremely cautious when trimming small branches. These limbs are quite supple and may suddenly spring back knock you off balance. Always stand uphill from a tree if you are trimming a tree on a hill.
Never operate a chainsaw with only one hand.
Never climb into a tree to trim it.
Never climb on a ladder to trim a tree.
