Dead branches are an eyesore in your home garden. So pruning them is beneficial not just for your tree but for your garden area as well. You can easily cut them using a chainsaw, but it requires skills and great caution.
For this reason, our professional loggers will explain how to cut branches with a chainsaw properly and safely.
How To Cut Tree Branches Using a Chainsaw: 6 Steps
Cutting or limbing a tree’s branch takes time, effort, and patience. Make sure to be prepared mentally and physically before embarking on this process. So here are six steps to guide you when cutting branches with a chainsaw and the required essentials:
Necessary Tools
To successfully do this, you need to make sure to gather the necessary tools and safety equipment.
- Gardening gloves: A pair of gloves can effectively protect your hands when handling a chainsaw. Opt for the best chainsaw gloves to ensure your hand's safety.
- Goggles: Protective goggles prevent shrapnel and small wood chips from entering your eyes.
- Extendable ladders: Durable ladders can help support your weight when reaching for branches at a higher distance.
- Chainsaw: Choose a high-quality chainsaw to help you with this task.
- Assistance: Make sure to have another person with you for assistance during this whole process.
Step #1: Plan Your Way of Cutting
Make sure to prepare and make a cutting plan before executing it. Locate the branches, low hanging first, then go your way up that you wish to cut. Include in this plan where these branches will fall to cause minimal to no damage to you and others.
Step #2: Start Cutting From the Bottom to the Top
Make sure to start cutting the branches from the bottom to the top. This strategy assures you that branches will not get caught or sheer others once it falls to the ground. This will also clear the area for ladder extensions.
Step #3: Make the Cuts From Below
Once you are in a secure and sturdy position, you can use your chainsaw safely. Make the cuts from underneath. The cut must be a few inches heavenward from the trunk.
Step #4: Make the Cuts From the Above
Once you have accomplished the previous step, cut the same depth from the branch’s top. Once completed, the branch will fall naturally down. Make sure not to position yourself directly under the branch so it won’t fall on you.
Step #5: Clean Up
When you arrive at this step, you are left with a split and jagged end due to the branch being cut. Now you have to clean up. Just cut from the top using your chainsaw, and make sure to cut close to the trunk.
Step #6: Repeat the Process (If You Have More Branches to Cut)
Repeat the entire process if you have more branches to cut. And make sure to take the necessary safety precautions when handling your chainsaw.
Extra Tips For Cutting
Aside from the necessary steps we mentioned above, here are extra tips you would like to consider when cutting branches using your chainsaw.
Run the Chainsaw at Full Throttle
Make sure to run the chainsaw at full throttle. The majority of chainsaws have a two-stroke engine [1] and make the best performance when at full throttle.
Check if The Oiler is Functioning Properly
Make sure to check whether the oiler is functioning properly or not. If an oiler is non-functional, it can lead to overheating and shortens the lifespan of the chain and bar.
Sharpen the Chain
Make sure to sharpen the chain regularly. Not only will this ensure the accurate cutting performance of the chainsaw, but it can also prolong its life.
Why Cut Branches With Your Chainsaw?
Using this powerful tool for trimming assures an efficient and effective process. Hence, knowing how to cut branches with a chainsaw is a very useful skill. A chainsaw can make clean and straight cuts to remove dead or unwanted branches from trees. So we recommend using the best limbing chainsaw for this type of job.
Conclusion
Trimming, cutting, or limbing branches from a tree using a chainsaw may seem daunting, but it is easy and systematic. Mastering this skill will be useful in clearing dead branches and promoting healthy tree growth– while maintaining the neatness of your home garden. Also, you might want to know the proper ways to cut hedges with a chainsaw, so read this guide next!
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