How to Fell a Tree
The poet George Pope Morris once wrote, “Woodman, spare that tree / Touch not a single bough.” Many people appreciate the value of trees, but some trees need to be cut and felled for landscaping or other construction projects. Here are some ways to fell a tree safely and without harming the environment too much.
Why Fell a Tree?
Trees play a very important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. Many animals make trees their home, and some trees are hosts to many lichen, fungi, and other plants. Trees help stabilize the ground and guard against erosion, and also contribute to ecological processes like nitrogen cycles and preserving groundwater.
Many architects, builders, and designers prefer to build around trees to minimize the ecological impact of cutting down one. For many construction projects, though, a tree needs to be cut down for two reasons:
Design. Some trees need to be cut down because they interfere with the design of a structure. The tree is uprooted and transplanted for most large construction projects, but often the tree is cut down to a stump if it blocks natural lighting and ventilation.
Lumber. Sturdy trees are an excellent source of lumber for flooring, home furnishings, or scaffolding for other projects. A tree may be cut down as a source of construction material.
Bear in mind that cutting down a tree may require special permits, and you may come across some strong opposition from environmental groups in your community. You should also assure your safety, and the safety of other people and property, before cutting down a tree.
Tools
You can fell a tree either with hand tools or machines. A tree always falls on a lean, so you first have to clear brush, plants and other property where the tree is expected to fall.
Hand Axe
Axes are used to fell small trees, although they are also used to cut a tree already prepared with a chainsaw. Some people still prefer to cut trees using just a hand axe. When using an axe, be very careful and hold it properly, so that you won’t wound or injure anyone with any part of the tool. Make sure that the bit is sharp, and that the weight of the axe is just enough to distribute the force of the blow without weighing you down too much.
Chainsaw
A chainsaw is still the best way to fell a tree, especially if the trunk is wide or if the wood is too strong to be cut with a conventional hand axe. Chainsaws are very effective at cutting tree trunks and logs, but they are very dangerous tools when used improperly.
Bear in mind that cutting down a tree can cause serious injuries. Always wear the proper safety gear when cutting down a tree on your own. If you are not absolutely sure how to use woodcutting tools, you should always have a tree felled by a woodcutter or forestry agents in your community.