Cutting down trees regardless of their size and type is always a bit risky especially if they are big. In addition to having the right tools, you should also have a helping hand and a safety plan to ensure you can escape the danger zone at the right time or let tree removal services perform this. Therefore, we are going to discuss some basic tree cutting tips to bring down an oak tree. Let’s begin!

Wear Safety Gear

The first thing you need to do when it comes to cutting down an oak tree is to wear safety gear. No matter how much it is stressed, some people still take it for granted and end up getting seriously injured. There have been several incidents in the past where people experienced both temporary and permanent injuries leading to mobility issues.

So, you need to grab your safety gear first, which includes goggles, gloves, and a protective suit. This is especially true if you will be using a chainsaw. A chainsaw itself is a very dangerous machine and can amputate body parts within a split second if you are not careful about protection.

Estimate The Felling Zone

The next step is as important as wearing safety gear. Estimating the felling zone means calculating the distance and the direction you want the tree to fall and it should. From the ground, you might think that a tree is not tall enough but if you were to measure it, it would easily surpass your expectations.

To get a rough estimate, you can use the ax handle trick. Simply hold the ax at arm’s length. Close one eye and keeping going backyard while looking at the ax and the tree. When the top of the ax is even with the tree’s top and the bottom of the ax is even with the tree’s bottom, stop at that spot. But this is just a rough estimate. You should allow some room to be on the safe side.

Size Up The Tree

One of the most common mistakes people make is cutting down every tree they come across. The fact is that not every tree needs to be brought down. If the tree happens to be diseased, or the tree is leaning to one side, or has branches falling off, you should first trim it.

The reason is that you might have power lines, buildings, fences, and other important things surrounding the tree, and if it happens to fall in the wrong direction, you might end up in legal trouble. Plus, you will need to clear the safety zone.

You will need some time to escape the felling area and the last thing you would want is tripping over some bushes. Therefore, make sure the path is clear and you do not have anything in your way that might compromise your safety.

Plan The Notch

Now comes the tricky park. Planning a notch helps ensure the tree falls in the right direction. The first thing you are going to do is make a notch by using a chainsaw. Position yourself properly and make a notch toward the falling direction. Make sure that you only cut one-fifth of the trunk’s diameter and not too deep.

Once you have done that, it is time to make a felling cut. You can use plastic wedges as they help the ax from becoming stuck if the tree happens to lean on the same side. Keep in mind that the felling cut will lead straight to the notch. This will guide the tree to fall in the direction of the notch.

As soon as the tree begins to lean, you should pull out the chainsaw and other materials and walk away while keeping an eye on the tree so that it does not fall in the opposite direction. This could be dangerous for you and others in the surrounding area.

Furthermore, having a friend or a relative as a lookout will be of enormous help in terms of safety. A simple tap on the back when the tree is leaning will help escape at the right time.

Final Word

In the end, cutting an oak tree is mostly about safety and planning the right notch. You should always plan before cutting the tree as it reduces the chances of anything going wrong unexpectedly. If the tree is big, hire emergency tree services Bethesda to cut down the oak tree.