8 Things You Should NOT Do When Cutting Down a Tree

Cutting down a tree

If you’re thinking about cutting down a tree on your property, there are some things you should keep in mind. Cutting down a tree is a big job, and if you’re not careful, it can be quite dangerous. 

There are many things you should NOT do when cutting down a tree because you could injure yourself or damage your property.

Here are eight things you should avoid when cutting down a tree.

1. Don’t try to cut the tree down by yourself. 

Trees are typically tall and sturdy, so it will take more than one person to cut it down. Working together will make the job much easier and safer. Each person can handle a different part of the tree, such as cutting through the trunk or trimming branches. It is also safer to work on cutting down trees with one person looking after the other.

2. Drop the chainsaw unless you have prior experience.

Chainsaws are powerful tools that can be dangerous in the hands of someone who is not experienced. If you’re not experienced with using a chainsaw, it’s best to avoid using one.

3. Don’t cut the tree trunk too close to the ground.

The closer to the tree’s trunk roots are cut, the more significant and harmful the damage will be. The 25% Rule – Never cut roots beyond 25 percent of a tree’s total volume. The tree may die or fall as a result of this. 

It can be dangerous to cut a tree too close to the ground. The entire weight of the tree might be too heavy and may damage properties around the tree area.

4. Don’t top the tree – this can damage it and make it more likely to fall over.

Topping the tree can destroy its natural shape and stability, making it more susceptible to high winds and storms. If you want your tree to stay healthy and safe, leave the pruning to professionals who are more trained and informed in cutting and pruning trees correctly.

5. Don’t cut branches that are bigger than your arm.

Don’t cut branches that are bigger than your arm. It’s not safe, and you could end up seriously injured. It can fall on you or the surrounding property that can cause accidents and injuries.

6. Don’t stand underneath the tree while someone else is cutting it down.

If you don’t want to get hit by a falling branch, make sure you’re not standing underneath the tree while someone else is cutting it down. It’s much safer to stand to the side or back away from the tree entirely. When cutting a tree with a helper, it is best to be aware of each other’s location to avoid unnecessary accidents.

7. Don’t try to catch a falling tree with your hands or body.

While cutting a tree or a branch, it may move towards a direction that you did not expect it to move, causing damage to nearby properties. It would be best to let them fall instead of attempting to prevent it from doing so.

If you see a tree falling, immediately move out of the way. If you can’t move out of the way in time, try to use something else to block the tree, like a piece of furniture or a large rock. Never try to catch a falling tree with your hands or body, as this can result in serious injuries.

8. Don’t leave the stump in the ground – remove it completely to avoid rot and decay. 

To avoid rot and decay, be sure to remove tree stumps completely. This will help keep your property looking neat and tidy.

If you’re planning on cutting down a tree, make sure you do it safely and avoid these eight common mistakes. With a little bit of planning and caution, you can successfully remove a tree from your property without any problems.

At Sexy Tree Service, we have the experience of removing hundreds of trees just like yours. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 to schedule a consultation.