Felling is the process of cutting down a standing tree. Before beginning, determine the expected direction of fall, clear the surrounding area, and prepare a retreat path.
This procedure applies to a cordless chain saw when the operator's manual for your model provides tree-felling guidance.
Cordless pole saws use their own operating procedures.
If you are using a cordless pole saw, follow the cutting and safety instructions in the operator's manual for that exact model rather than applying this chain-saw felling procedure automatically.
Safety Before Felling
- Hold the cordless chain saw firmly with both hands while cutting.
- Keep your left hand on the front handle and your right hand on the rear handle.
- Position your body to the left of the chain line.
- Keep both feet on solid ground while cutting.
- Do not cut above chest height.
- Allow the chain to do the cutting. Use only light downward pressure rather than forcing the saw through the wood.
When bucking and felling are being performed by two or more people at the same time, separate the felling and bucking areas by at least twice the height of the tree being felled.
Before You Make the First Cut
Fall Direction
Evaluate the Tree
Consider the tree's natural lean, the location of larger branches, and the wind direction to help determine which way the tree is likely to fall.
Terrain
Stay Uphill
When felling on sloped terrain, stay on the uphill side because the tree may roll or slide downhill after it falls.
Retreat Path
Plan Before Cutting
Plan and clear a retreat path before making any cuts.
Plan Your Retreat Path
The retreat path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall.
Clear the retreat path before beginning the felling cuts so you can move away when the tree starts to fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree before making the felling cuts.
How to Fell the Tree
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Make the Notching Undercut
Make a notch approximately one-third of the tree's diameter, perpendicular to the intended direction of fall.
Make the lower horizontal notching cut first. This helps reduce the chance of pinching the saw chain or guide bar when the second notch cut is made.
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Make the Felling Back Cut
Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches (50 mm) higher than the horizontal notching cut.
Keep the back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut.
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Leave Hinge Wood
Position the back cut so that enough wood remains between the notch and back cut to act as a hinge.
The hinge helps keep the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
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Watch the Direction of the Tree
As the back cut approaches the hinge, the tree should begin to fall.
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Stop if the Tree Does Not Move as Expected
If the tree may not fall in the intended direction or begins to rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before the back cut is complete.
The approved procedure allows wedges made of wood, plastic, or aluminum to be used to open the cut and help move the tree along the intended line of fall.
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Retreat When the Tree Begins to Fall
Remove the chain saw from the cut and stop the motor.
Put the chain saw down and use the retreat path you prepared. Stay alert for falling overhead limbs and watch your footing.
Cordless Chain Saw Reminders
Before Cutting
Check Your Saw
Check the chain, guide bar, chain tension, and bar + chain oil before each work session.
During Cutting
Keep a Steady Speed
Keep the chain saw running at a steady speed while cutting and let the chain do the work.
Before Adjustments
Remove the Battery
Remove the battery before performing adjustments, maintenance, or repairs on the cordless chain saw.
If the chain stops while you are cutting, stop the motor immediately.
Do not continue forcing the saw through the wood.
Keep the Felling Area Clear
- Do not fell a tree in a way that could endanger another person.
- Do not fell a tree in a way that could strike a utility line or cause property damage.
- If the tree contacts a utility line, notify the utility company immediately.
- Stay aware of overhead limbs while retreating from a falling tree.
- Watch your footing while moving along the retreat path.
Check Your Saw's Cutting Capacity
Cutting capacity varies by cordless chain-saw model. Check the product information and operator's manual for your exact model before beginning.
For example, the Sun Joe 24V-10CS Cordless Chain Saw uses a 10-inch bar and has a maximum cutting thickness of 9.5 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should I make the notch?
Make the notch approximately one-third of the tree's diameter.
Which notch cut should I make first?
Make the lower horizontal notching cut first.
Where should I make the felling back cut?
Make the back cut at least 2 inches (50 mm) higher than the horizontal notching cut and keep the two cuts parallel.
Should I cut through the hinge?
No. Leave enough wood between the notch and back cut to act as a hinge. Do not cut through the hinge.
Where should I stand when felling on a slope?
Stay on the uphill side because the tree may roll or slide downhill after it falls.
What should I do if the tree starts binding the chain saw?
Stop cutting before the back cut is complete. The approved procedure allows wood, plastic, or aluminum wedges to be used to open the cut and help direct the tree along the intended line of fall.
Do I need to remove the battery before adjusting my chain saw?
Yes. Remove the battery before adjustments, maintenance, or repairs.
Can I use these instructions with my cordless pole saw?
These felling instructions are based on cordless chain-saw operation. For a cordless pole saw, follow the cutting and operating instructions in the manual for your exact pole-saw model.
Find Your Cordless Chain Saw or Pole Saw
Visit the Shop Joe Chainsaws + Pole Saws collection to locate your model and review its product information.
Always review the operator's manual for your exact cordless model before beginning to confirm its intended use, cutting capacity, and operating instructions.
If you need help identifying your model or locating the correct guidance, Shop Joe Customer Care can help.