{"id":8141,"date":"2022-02-20T21:07:27","date_gmt":"2022-02-20T21:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=8141"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:54:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:54:09","slug":"how-to-cut-down-tree-safely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Cut Down a Tree Safely"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Never attempt a tree near a house<\/strong>, power line, or fence.<br>\u2022 <strong>Plan your escape route<\/strong> before you start the chainsaw, not after.<br>\u2022 <strong>The notch and the hinge<\/strong> it creates determine where the tree falls.<br>\u2022 <strong>Keep bystanders at a distance<\/strong> of at least twice the tree&#8217;s height.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can cut down a tree yourself if it&#8217;s healthy, not near structures or power lines, and you&#8217;re confident with a chainsaw. The technique involves cutting a directional notch on the fall side and then a felling cut from the opposite side, leaving a narrow hinge of wood to guide the fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That said, not every tree is a safe DIY job. Diseased or dead trees, trees near structures, and very large trees should be handled by a certified arborist. Chainsaw-related injuries sent 282,000 people to U.S. emergency rooms between 2010 and 2019, and tree felling is one of the most dangerous tasks a homeowner can attempt.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;ve assessed the risks and you&#8217;re ready to go, here&#8217;s exactly how to cut down a tree safely. Need it done without the risk? Lawn Love&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/yard-clean-up\">yard cleanup pros<\/a> can handle it for you.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-75dfa341-4ef2-41ae-adc2-9119a0d2f307\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#0-when-to-hire-a-pro-instead\" style=\"\">When to hire a pro instead<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#1-what-youll-need\" style=\"\">What you&#8217;ll need<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#2-step-1-estimate-the-fall\" style=\"\">Step 1: Estimate the fall<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#4-step-2-plan-your-escape-route-and-set-a-signal\" style=\"\">Step 2: Plan your escape route and set a signal<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#5-step-3-prepare-the-area\" style=\"\">Step 3: Prepare the area<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#6-step-4-cut-the-notch\" style=\"\">Step 4: Cut the notch<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#7-step-5-make-the-felling-cut\" style=\"\">Step 5: Make the felling cut<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/#8-step-6-remove-tree-limbs-and-buck-into-firewood\" style=\"\">Step 6: Remove tree limbs and buck into firewood<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-when-to-hire-a-pro-instead\"><span id=\"when-to-hire-a-pro-instead\">When to hire a pro instead<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_453594622.jpg\" alt=\"Two male professional workers on a high chair lift platform using a chainsaw to cut down large tree branches.\" class=\"wp-image-46287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_453594622.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_453594622-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_453594622-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_453594622-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two workers on a lift platform cut down large tree branches with a chainsaw. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/two-male-service-workers-cutting-down-big-tree-branches-with-chainsaw-from-high-chair-lift-platform\/453594622\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bilanol<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tree felling carries a fatality rate of <a href=\"https:\/\/tcimag.tcia.org\/safety\/tree-work-safety-by-the-numbers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">110 per 100,000 workers<\/a> for professional arborists, which is roughly 30 times the all-industry average. Research on <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33989206\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tree-felling fatalities<\/a> found that nonprofessional cutters account for the majority of deaths, and are far more likely to be working alone, with no one nearby if something goes wrong.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steve Rice, owner at <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnkingsinc.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawn Kings<\/a>, in Valencia, CA, says size is a major factor.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOnce you\u2019re dealing with anything over about 12 to 16 inches in diameter or tall enough to hit structures, that\u2019s where you should always bring in pros with rigging or lifts,\u201d Rice says. \u201cIt\u2019s not about confidence, it\u2019s about control.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not attempt DIY tree removal if any of these apply:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Situation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>DIY Safe?<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tree near house, fence, or power lines<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Unpredictable fall path; too close to structures<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-pests-that-damage-trees\/\">Dead or diseased tree<\/a><\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Weak wood fails without warning<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tree with multiple broken branches<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Dead branches (&#8220;widow-makers&#8221;) fall as you cut<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tree on a steep slope<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Unstable ground makes chainsaw control dangerous<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Need the tree to fall against its lean<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Requires professional rigging equipment<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Other trees closely surrounding it<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>One tree falling can bring others down<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>You&#8217;re unfamiliar with chainsaw operation<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Operating confidence is required for safety<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tree is very large<\/td><td>Hire recommended<\/td><td>Beyond most homeowner skill level<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If any of the above circumstances are true, you cannot safely remove the tree. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/reasons-to-hire-a-certified-arborist\/\">Hire a certified arborist<\/a> to remove the tree for you. Professional <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tree-removal-cost\/\">tree removal costs<\/a> between $385 and $1,070 on average, depending on size and location.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rice explicitly warns DIYers against cutting dead wood.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDead wood reacts unpredictably because it\u2019s lost <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-take-care-of-trees-during-drought\">internal moisture<\/a> and fiber strength,\u201d Rice explains. \u201cInstead of bending and guiding the fall like live wood, it snaps and fractures irregularly. I\u2019ve seen hinge wood crumble mid-cut and send a trunk sideways when we were clearing a yard for a putting green install.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also check local ordinances before you start as some cities require a permit to remove a tree on your property, and fines for unpermitted removal can be steep.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-youll-need\"><span id=\"what-youll-need\">What you&#8217;ll need<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Safety gear (required before you start):<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hard hat<\/li>    <li>Face screen<\/li>    <li>Safety glasses<\/li>    <li>Hearing protection<\/li>    <li>Protective chainsaw chaps<\/li>    <li>Work gloves and steel-toe boots<\/li>    <li>Long pants and long-sleeved shirt<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chainsaw chaps are strictly mandatory.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey\u2019re designed with fibers that instantly clog the sprocket and stop the chain cold,\u201d Rice says. \u201cI\u2019ve personally seen a crew member walk away from what would\u2019ve been a catastrophic leg injury because of them.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tools:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Chainsaw with a bar at least 2 inches longer than the tree&#8217;s thickness<\/li>    <li>Felling wedges<\/li>    <li>Measuring tape<\/li>    <li>A straight stick the length of your arm (for estimating tree height \u2014 see Step 1)<\/li>    <li>A long pole or stick (for your spotter&#8217;s signal \u2014 see Step 2)<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask a friend or family member to be your second pair of eyes. They can warn you when a tree branch has snapped or when the tree is about to fall. While you are focused entirely on the cut, your spotter has a specific job.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cA good spotter should constantly watch the canopy for shifting weight, cracking sounds, falling dead limbs, or the top starting to lean opposite your intended direction,\u201d Rice recommends. \u201cThose early signs give you seconds to react before things go wrong.\u201d<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-step-1-estimate-the-fall\"><span id=\"step-1-estimate-the-fall\">Step 1: Estimate the fall<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you even turn on your chainsaw, inspect the tree. Rice tells homeowners to look for subtle clues of danger.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLook for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/signs-to-remove-tree\/\">fungal growth<\/a> at the base, soft or hollow-sounding wood when tapped, and dead branches hung up high that don\u2019t move with the wind,\u201d he warns. \u201cThose are the ones that drop without warning, and I\u2019ve seen them come down seconds after the first cut.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tree generally falls toward its heaviest side. If you need the tree to fall on its lighter side or against its lean, do not attempt to redirect the fall. Redirecting the fall is a job for professionals.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, visual lean is not everything. Rice says that trees often fall opposite to expectations due to hidden factors.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s often hidden weight distribution like heavy limbs on one side, saturated soil loosening roots, or even wind gusts funneling through a yard can override a slight trunk lean,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If houses, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-buried-cable-lines\/\">power lines<\/a>, or other structures are within the radius of the tree\u2019s height, do not cut down the tree. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tips-for-hiring-a-landscaper\/\">Hire a professional<\/a> instead. Even if the tree leans away from these structures, you should still call in a pro.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-how-to-estimate-the-fall\"><span id=\"how-to-estimate-the-fall\">How to estimate the fall<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To estimate how far the tree will fall, you\u2019ll need to know the height of the tree. But who has a ruler that big? We\u2019ll show you how to measure the tree\u2019s height without one.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind that the following measuring method only works on level ground. If your tree is on a slope, you\u2019ll need a <a href=\"https:\/\/bigtrees.forestry.ubc.ca\/measuring-trees\/height-measurements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">different tree measuring method<\/a>.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Grab a straight stick that\u2019s the same length as your arm or longer.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Point the stick straight up at 90 degrees to your outstretched, straight arm. If the stick is longer than your arm, grasp it where the length of the stick above your hand equals your arm\u2019s length.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Walk backward until the top of the tree is in line with the top of the stick.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>The distance between your feet and the tree is the tree\u2019s approximate height. This distance is likely how far the tree will land. For increased safety, keep people and pets at a distance at least twice the tree\u2019s height.<\/li> <\/ol>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-step-2-plan-your-escape-route-and-set-a-signal\"><span id=\"step-2-plan-your-escape-route-and-set-a-signal\">Step 2: Plan your escape route and set a signal<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once a tree begins to fall, it falls fast. You won\u2019t have time to scan the area and pick a safe place to run. And you don\u2019t want to run right into the tree\u2019s path.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you turn on your chainsaw, identify your escape route. The escape route should be in the opposite direction of the tree\u2019s fall and at a 45-degree angle.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRunning straight back is dangerous because the trunk can kick back or bounce in that exact line,\u201d explains Rice. \u201cA 45-degree escape route gets you out of both the fall path and the recoil zone.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip<\/strong>: For good measure, plan an alternative escape route. It also should be in the opposite direction of the tree\u2019s fall and at a 45-degree angle.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since your ears will be covered and the chainsaw will drown out noise, set a physical signal with your partner: they can poke you with a long stick or pole when there\u2019s danger. Ensure the poking device doesn\u2019t block you or your partner from the escape route.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-step-3-prepare-the-area\"><span id=\"step-3-prepare-the-area\">Step 3: Prepare the area<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear your escape routes and the immediate <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-your-yard\/\">work area of debris<\/a>, sticks, and anything you could trip over. You don\u2019t want to accidentally trip on a branch as you handle the chainsaw or when you escape. Remember to clear the alternative path, too.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/yard-work-safety-tips\/\">Yard Work Safety Tips: How to Prevent Injuries While Landscaping<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-step-4-cut-the-notch\"><span id=\"step-4-cut-the-notch\">Step 4: Cut the notch<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_391660153.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a tree trunk with a Dutchman notch cut into it for felling, showing fresh cut marks in a suburban yard.\" class=\"wp-image-46288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_391660153.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_391660153-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_391660153-768x444.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_391660153-610x353.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tree trunk with a Dutchman notch cut for felling during a suburban tree removal. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/tree-with-dutchman-notch-for-felling-tree-removal-suburban-landscaping\/391660153\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">colorburst100<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s finally your chainsaw\u2019s shining moment. The notch determines the direction of fall, so it must be made on the side of the tree facing the direction you want it to go. It\u2019s a good idea to sketch the notch on paper to have a good idea of how to execute the cut.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how to create the notch:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Make the top cut first: angle the chainsaw downward at roughly 60 to 70 degrees into the face of the tree on the fall side, cutting to about one-quarter to one-third of the tree\u2019s diameter.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>For the second cut, turn the chainsaw horizontal and cut straight in to meet the bottom of the first cut.<\/li>    <li>The two cuts should meet cleanly and the wedge of wood pops free.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-step-5-make-the-felling-cut\"><span id=\"step-5-make-the-felling-cut\">Step 5: Make the felling cut<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve completed the notch, you\u2019re ready for the following:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Move to the tree\u2019s opposite side to begin the felling cut, which is a horizontal cut made slightly above the notch\u2019s horizontal cut.<\/li>    <li>Make the felling cut until there\u2019s enough room to insert a wedge. The wedge will help prevent your chainsaw from pinching.<\/li>    <li>Do not cut all the way through with your horizontal cut. Leave about 10% of the tree\u2019s width between the felling cut and notch to create a hinge.<\/li>    <li>As you cut toward the hinge, the tree will begin to fall. Quickly move away and down your escape path.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timing your wedges is critical here.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI set them as soon as the back cut is deep enough to hold them,\u201d Rice says. \u201cUsually when I\u2019ve got an inch or two of depth before reaching the hinge. Waiting longer risks the bar getting pinched when the tree starts to settle.\u201d<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-step-6-remove-tree-limbs-and-buck-into-firewood\"><span id=\"step-6-remove-tree-limbs-and-buck-into-firewood\">Step 6: Remove tree limbs and buck into firewood<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations, you\u2019ve cut down the tree! Now you can start limbing (removing branches) and bucking (cutting the trunk into sections).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limbing<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Start by removing the branches at the base of the tree.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>If possible, remove the limbs on the tree\u2019s underside. Limbs too close to the ground can be cut later when you turn the log.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Large branches may be under tension. Cutting them incorrectly can cause violent kickback. \u201cFor limbs under tension, I never go straight through,\u201d Rice warns. \u201cI make a small relief cut on the compression side first, then finish from the tension side so the energy releases gradually instead of kicking the saw back.\u201d<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bucking<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Find spots where the log is not touching the ground. From the top of the trunk, cut one-third of the way down. To avoid binding, offset your chainsaw by 1 inch and cut from the bottom up, all the way through.<\/li>    <li>Next, cut areas of the log that are touching the ground. Starting from the top, cut most of the way through. Then flip the log over and finish the cut.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>When one side of the log is supported off the ground, make a shallow relief cut on the bottom (compression side) first, then finish the cut from the top (tension side) so the wood opens without pinching the bar.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the tree removed, you&#8217;ll still have a stump to deal with.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-tree-stump\/\">How to Remove a Tree Stump<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-keep-it-simple-and-hire-a-pro\"><span id=\"keep-it-simple-and-hire-a-pro\">Keep it simple and hire a pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safest way to cut down a tree is to have a trained professional do the job for you.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beware of self-proclaimed tree professionals who come knocking on your door offering their services. You\u2019ll want to hire an insured, qualified arborist who has the latest training and knowledge on tree care. Hiring an uninsured, poorly trained individual creates a higher risk for damages, injury, and death.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you see how easy it is to have a pro do the job for you, why not hire a pro to do other outdoor services? Hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">local lawn care professional<\/a> to cut your grass and an arborist to cut your trees. to cut your trees.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: A worker uses a chainsaw to fell a tree. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/forest-duration-forest-work-tree-4272923\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To cut down a tree safely, you must plan an escape route, cut a directional notch, and make a felling cut that leaves a strong hinge.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":8147,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[295],"tags":[342],"class_list":["post-8141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tree-care","tag-tree-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1forest-gb1b3a58a9_1280.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Adrian Nita","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/adrian-nita\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8141"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48257,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8141\/revisions\/48257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}