{"id":10191,"date":"2021-12-26T12:38:15","date_gmt":"2021-12-26T12:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/?p=10191"},"modified":"2021-12-27T15:50:17","modified_gmt":"2021-12-27T15:50:17","slug":"how-to-cut-down-a-pine-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/how-to-cut-down-a-pine-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Cut Down A Pine Tree?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The choice to cut down a mature pine tree is not easy to make. However, there are several situations when this might be the best course of action. In this article, we\u2019ll talk about whether you should remove your pine tree and the best way to do it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Cut a Pine Tree Down?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-2.jpg\" alt=\"Why Cut a Pine Tree Down\" class=\"wp-image-10153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-2.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many issues with pine trees that can be solved by careful <a href=\"https:\/\/static.colostate.edu\/client-files\/csfs\/pdfs\/618.pdf\">pruning<\/a>. However, in some cases, you may decide that the best solution is to remove the tree. Here are some of the common reasons to remove a pine tree:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Storm damage:<\/strong> Wind, snow, or lightning can sometimes cause irreparable damage to a pine tree, compromising its structural integrity. If it\u2019s not obvious, a professional can tell you whether the damage has deemed your tree to be unsafe.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Disease: <\/strong>Although not all <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/pine-diseases\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diseased pine trees<\/a> will die, some illnesses require prompt removal. You will need to have a tree professional diagnose the problem to determine whether the tree needs to be cut down.<\/li><li><strong>Safety hazards:<\/strong> If your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/how-to-grow-a-pine-tree-from-a-pine-cone\/\">pine tree is growing<\/a> too close to a power line or a building, it might be necessary to remove it.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Cut Down a Large Pine Tree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-2.jpg\" alt=\"how do you cut down a large pine tree\" class=\"wp-image-10157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-2.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, cutting a mature tree down is risky and should only be done by professionals. But if you have the necessary tools and skills to do the job, it can be done. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Formulate a Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is to figure out the best direction for your pine tree to fall. Obviously, you\u2019ll need to ensure that it falls in the area where it will do the least amount of damage. Make sure you consider the length of all of its branches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Suit Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A hard hat, gloves, and goggles are pretty much non-negotiable when taking down a large pine tree.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Wet Your Blade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cutting a pine down can be a messy, sticky process. Run your chain saw blade under running water before and during the job to minimize the amount of sap that sticks to the blade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Wear a Harness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A climbing harness is an invaluable tool to keep you safe while cutting down tall pine trees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Cut the Hazardous Branches First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Assess which branches could cause the most damage when they fall, and remove those first. Make sure you\u2019re positioned above the branch when you cut it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the branches get shorter and less threatening towards the top, you should only need to remove the bottom few branches of the tree.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Notch the Tree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use your chain saw to cut straight into the tree, halfway through, at about waist height. This should be on the side where you want the tree to fall.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Cut Downward into the Notch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Saw at a 45-degree angle towards your cut until the blade hits the notch.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8:&nbsp; Open the Notch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a hammer to pound and open the notch you created with your two cuts. Double-check that the open area faces where you want the tree to fall.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 9: Make the Final Cut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re ready for the pine tree to fall, make a straight cut on the opposite side of the notch above the middle of the open area. The tree should start falling slowly, right before the cut meets the notch. Quickly move as far away from the tree as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 10: Break Down the Tree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut the tree\u2019s stump so that it\u2019s level with the ground. Then, use your chain saw to cut the pine tree into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a good visual demonstration of how to properly notch and cut down a tree, watch this video: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"container-lazyload preview-lazyload container-youtube js-lazyload--not-loaded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XxfHpSfIKRs\" class=\"lazy-load-youtube preview-lazyload preview-youtube\" data-video-title=\"No Nonsense Guide to Tree Felling.  How to cut down a tree safely.  FarmCraft101\" title=\"Play video &quot;No Nonsense Guide to Tree Felling.  How to cut down a tree safely.  FarmCraft101&quot;\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XxfHpSfIKRs<\/a><noscript>Video can&#8217;t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XxfHpSfIKRs\" title=\"No Nonsense Guide to Tree Felling.  How to cut down a tree safely.  FarmCraft101\">No Nonsense Guide to Tree Felling.  How to cut down a tree safely.  FarmCraft101 (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XxfHpSfIKRs)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Cut Down a Pine Tree in Segments?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, it\u2019s easier and safer to cut a tall pine tree down in smaller segments. The process is relatively simple.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, climb to the bottom of the first section you want to cut. Once you decide which direction you want the segment to fall in, make a downward cut at a 70-degree angle about \u2153 of the way into the trunk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, make a second cut, this time upwards at a 20-degree angle until it meets the end of your initial cut. Lower the section carefully to the ground, move down to the bottom of the next segment, and repeat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s normal to feel sentimental about removing a massive fixture on your property like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/pine-tree\/\">pine tree<\/a>. Large conifers can be highly beneficial to your landscape and should be protected if possible. But remember &#8211; if you have to remove one, you can always plant another.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The choice to cut down a mature pine tree is not easy to make. However, there are several situations when this might be the best course of action. In this article, we\u2019ll talk about whether you should remove your pine tree and the best way to do it.&nbsp; Why Cut a Pine Tree Down?&nbsp; There &#8230; <a title=\"How To Cut Down A Pine Tree?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/how-to-cut-down-a-pine-tree\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How To Cut Down A Pine Tree?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10155,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[117],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10191"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10191"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10205,"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10191\/revisions\/10205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}