Whether you’re clearing land or removing a hazard, it’s important to understand the tree felling basics before making any cuts. At Snohomish Tree Company, we provide expert tree removal and felling services throughout Snohomish County, and safety is always our number one priority. If done incorrectly, felling a tree can cause major property damage, personal injury, or worse.
Planning the Fall
Before making a single cut, it’s essential to assess the tree’s lean, weight distribution, and surroundings. Trees that lean toward homes, roads, or power lines in areas like Lynnwood, Everett, or Monroe should not be felled without professional help. Always look up and around to check for obstacles and hazards.
Here are a few things to consider during planning:
- Determine the direction the tree naturally wants to fall
- Clear two escape routes at a 45 degree angle from the base
- Inspect for dead branches, weak limbs, or visible rot
- Measure the tree’s height and check for adequate space
Choosing the Right Equipment
Tree felling requires more than just a chainsaw. You’ll need safety gear, wedges, a felling lever, and possibly ropes or rigging depending on the size of the tree. Chainsaws should always be sharpened, properly fueled, and maintained to prevent kickback or failure during the cut.
Our crews across Snohomish County from Arlington to Gold Bar and Mill Creek use commercial grade saws, harnesses, helmets, and chaps with built in protection for every job. Having the right tools makes a massive difference in both efficiency and safety.
Making the Notch Cut
The notch cut is the first step in guiding the direction of the fall. It consists of two cuts that meet at about a 70 degree angle, facing the intended direction. This notch allows the tree to hinge properly as it begins to fall. The depth of the notch should be about one third of the trunk’s diameter.
Executing the Back Cut
The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the bottom of the notch cut. This cut releases the tension and causes the tree to begin its fall. The space between the notch and the back cut creates a hinge that controls the descent. Leaving too little hinge wood or cutting too far can lead to a dangerous fall path.
What to Do After the Fall
Once the tree is down, cleanup begins. Depending on your goals, you may want to limb and buck the trunk for firewood or remove the debris entirely. Our team provides full land clearing services as well as stump grinding to leave your site clean and usable.
Should You Fell a Tree Yourself
Unless you have professional level experience and the right gear, we don’t recommend it. Trees in tight quarters or near structures, especially in cities like Mukilteo, Lake Stevens, or Bothell, should be left to licensed experts. Even smaller trees can cause serious injury or damage when handled without the proper know how.
Call the Pros at Snohomish Tree Company
When you hire Snohomish Tree Company, you’re getting a team that understands every step of the process. We’ve safely felled trees in Darrington, Granite Falls, North Lakewood, Silvana, and every corner of Snohomish County. With a strong safety record and years of local experience, you can trust us to do the job right.
More Tree Services You Can Rely On
- View Clearing to improve your property’s outlook
- Tree and Forest Thinning for fire prevention
- Tree Pruning to maintain healthy canopies
- Correcting Leaning Trees before failure occurs
- Hazardous Tree Removal in high risk situations
Get Your Free Estimate Today
If you’re looking for help with a tree on your property, or want more guidance on the tree felling basics, contact us or request a free estimate. We’re proud to be Snohomish County’s trusted team for safe, skilled, and professional tree work.
