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theboyfold
Original Poster
8,365 posts
95 months
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...how hard can it be?
I've got my eye on getting a chainsaw and chopping down a couple of trees this weekend. I've never done anything like it before. What tops tips do the masses have for me?
Oh, the trees are next to the house. They aren't that big though...
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Ynox
413 posts
48 months
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How big? How near the house?
Chainsaws really are not to be arsed about with. Definitely don't use one up a ladder!
If the tree is a decent size I'd probably leave it to the pros.
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jas xjr
7,430 posts
108 months
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Ynox said: How big? How near the house?
Chainsaws really are not to be arsed about with. Definitely don't use one up a ladder!
If the tree is a decent size I'd probably leave it to the pros. last year , me 14 feet up a ladder with a chainsaw , air ambulance required . do not mess with a chainsaw
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CDP
4,582 posts
123 months
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Chainsaws are far too dangerous. I'd recommend a good beaver.
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mattdaniels
5,117 posts
151 months
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theboyfold said: chainsaw theboyfold said: never done anything like it before theboyfold said: ...how hard can it be? Uh oh! theboyfold said: What tops tips do the masses have for me? "Pay for a professional".
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456GT
117 posts
47 months
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I've cut down several trees in my garden. Take them down in small sections, one branch at a time. The biggest issue will be a branch falling on you so all the more important to avoid trying to take to big a branch in one go.
You'll find the branches don't fall to the ground as they will be entwined with other branches so make one cut, put the chainsaw down and then pull the branch away.
This will take a bit of time but being patient will avoid injury to you and damage to nearby buildings.
Good luck!
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BlackCup
673 posts
52 months
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Haha i'm probably the only one who hasn't had an injury then! I bought an electric chainsaw and so far have done 7 trees, just be very careful where they fall, if it has a lean to it, it will go that way! I used some ladders to help the gradual fall of some of them.
I would recommend to spend a good amount i.e over £200 if electric chainsaw or even more for petrol but if its just a couple of trees i'd say its not worth buying one if you can borrow one.
If you can get up the tree and bow saw a few branches/ the top off first it really helps.
You may also need an axe...
So much fun though just be sensible, i.e don't go up the ladder with a chainsaw, ever.
Great satisfaction on my part, not so for the greenhouse that nearly took a pounding. I hate that thing anyway!
Good luck!
Matt
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theboyfold
Original Poster
8,365 posts
95 months
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Cheers all. Concerns duely noted! I'll try and grab a photo of the trees tomorrow morning.
The 2 70ft silver birch that need to come down are being left for the professionals. The others are something I'm still tempted to have a go at myself.
Of course I'm not just going to run in waving a chainsaw about, but I'd like to understand more about how it could and should be done.
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hedgefinder
1,430 posts
39 months
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i dont think anyone has mentioned that depedning on where you live and which tree it is you may not be allowed by the local council to cut down the tree..
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skintemma
322 posts
11 months
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Please, please don't come back with a photo of an eight footer, I'll be really disappointed.
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Paddy_N_Murphy
15,163 posts
53 months
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456 is right.
MTFU, and have some fun.
Blackcup, Hand your balls in on the way out pls. Electric? Electric Chainsaw ? FFS.
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Inny
214 posts
66 months
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I 'trimmed' a silver birch recently (took it down to about 15ft from about 45 or 50ft) with a handsaw-thing from B&Q. It was hard work and the last branch nearly fell on me.
Fun though. And satisfying.
FIL lent us a shredder which was simply ace. I would certainly recommend one of those.
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eldar
6,996 posts
65 months
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Paddy_N_Murphy
15,163 posts
53 months
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eldar said: sure - but what 'usually' goes right?     that was just 3 of us f  king about, BBQ, a few beers, Great day had by all 
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Simpo Two
54,274 posts
134 months
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Chopping the top off is easy compared to getting the stump out...
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CDP
4,582 posts
123 months
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Simpo Two said: Chopping the top off is easy compared to getting the stump out... I gather dynamite is one of the traditional ways of removing stubben stumps.
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S1_RS
643 posts
68 months
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Simpo Two said: Chopping the top off is easy compared to getting the stump out... Nothing that can't be sorted with an axe, a Volvo, a towbar and some rope!
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Paddy_N_Murphy
15,163 posts
53 months
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S1_RS said: Nothing that can't be sorted with an axe, a Volvo, a towbar and some rope!  Interesting. That is my preferred method for fence removal. - substitute volvo for Trooper for double scutter purposes
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longshot
922 posts
67 months
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It can't be said enough.
If you get a chainsaw...petrol or electric, please get some PPE. Lid with visor, gloves and correct class of trousers for the chain speed.
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Paddy_N_Murphy
15,163 posts
53 months
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