How To Safely Cut Down A Tree

September 3, 2010 by ksimpson

Believe it or not, tree cutting is one of the most dangerous activities that someone can engage in. Each year, hundreds of people are hurt or killed when cutting trees for firewood or clearing land. Fortunately, there are some safety tips that you can follow to help keep yourself and others safe.

Safety Tip #1 Bring a Buddy
Perhaps the best safety tip a person can follow is to never cut trees or work in the woods alone. Bring somebody else along, that way if something goes wrong someone will be there to assist you or call for help. Many people who get hurt cutting trees die or get seriously injured because nobody realizes something is wrong.

Safety Tip #2 Wear Safety Goggles
Most people who cut trees use a chainsaw which is a very handy and effective tool. Unfortunately chainsaws throw up a lot of debris when they cut through wood. Always protect your eyes with safety goggles whenever you use a chainsaw. Bark and other debris thrown out by the saw can easily hurt your eyes.

Safety Tip #3 Stand Back
Never stand close to a person that is using a chainsaw to cut trees. A person should always stand back from an individual using a chainsaw because of all the debris a chainsaw can throw up. Always stand several feet away from a person using a chainsaw because chainsaws can throw debris several feet.

Safety Tip #4 Watch for Saplings
One of the most dangerous things that happens in woodcutting is one people usually don't think about. When large trees come down they often fall on saplings and smaller trees. If these trees are alive they will be very springy. When the larger tree is moved the small trees or saplings can spring up and hurt people. Always cut the small trees off at the base so this doesn't happen.

Safety #5 Bring a Fire Extinguisher
If it's very dry out when you are cutting wood it can be very easy to start a fire. Sparks from a chainsaw can start a fire. Always watch for fire and make sure that you have a fire extinguisher with you. Only try to put out very small fires yourself, if a wildfire starts when you are in the woods get out and call the fire department. Don't try to fight a forest fire by yourself they can spread very fast.