How To Cut Down A Tree With A Hand Saw

If you've ever had the crazy idea of cutting down a tree with a hand saw, look no further. We've outlined the six steps it takes to fell a tree.

Yes, you can cut down trees with a hand saw. But while it is possible to fell trees with a hand saw, it's important to know the size and type of tree you are cutting.

Small trees, such as shrubs and bushes, can be cut down with a hand saw. However, larger trees will require a gas-powered chainsaw.

6 Steps For Cutting Down A Tree With A Handsaw

A hand saw for trees is one of the best things you can use to cut wood. They are used in construction, to fell trees, and even to make firewood.

Step 1: Gather Your Safety Gear

Safety should be your number one priority when cutting down a tree. Make sure you have proper safety clothing, such as goggles, gloves, and boots.

You also need to ensure the handsaw you use has sharp teeth. A handsaw with a rusted blade will break if you try to cut a tree using it. You can sharpen the teeth of the handsaw with a metal file or a grinding machine. 

Here are some other safety tips: 

• Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust and flying debris.
• Use a saw with a sharp blade to reduce the risk of injury and improve the accuracy of your cuts.
• Hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep your fingers away from the blade.
• Use a saw horse or clamp to secure the piece of wood you're cutting to prevent it from moving while you're sawing.
• Use a steady, smooth motion when sawing to prevent the saw from binding or becoming stuck.
• Be aware of the location of any knots or other defects in the wood that could cause the saw to bind or make the cut more difficult.



Step 2: Clear the Area

Before you begin cutting, clear any debris or objects away from the tree. Doing this will minimize the risk of injury to yourself or other people in the area.

You should also be aware of any potential hazards, such as nearby power lines or buildings, and plan your escape route if the tree falls in an unexpected direction.

Step 3: Identify the Path of Least Resistance

Look at the tree and identify where it falls if you were to cut it. It is usually best to cut the tree in a direction where it will fall away from obstacles and other trees.



The path of least resistance in a tree refers to the path that requires the least amount of energy to move through. In most cases, this is the path with the least number of branches.

Step 4: Cut the Branches

Once you have identified the path of least resistance, start cutting down the branches. Start at the top and remove the bigger branches first.

When you're doing this, most branches will come off on their own. Get an orchard ladder and use it to remove these branches safely. Since you'll be operating the handsaw, it's best to get help from someone to hold the ladder steady.

Hand saws are one of the best tree trimming tools. Not only can you trim branches but you can also cut down a tree. Most commonly, hand saws are used in construction to cut wood.

After removing all the branches from the tree, it's time to cut the trunk. You should make the cut in the direction the tree is leaning toward. Start with a cut nearly 6 inches from the ground.

Use your handsaw to cut the trunk of the tree all the way through. Cut as close to the ground as possible without damaging any nearby trees or plants. After you complete the cut, you can now remove the tree from its roots.

Use a shovel or mattock to loosen the soil around the roots and pull the tree out. You can now dispose of the tree by cutting it up into smaller sections and hauling it away.



Work in steady and strong strokes in this step so that your tree is cut down to the required size easily and without any damage.

Step 6: Remove the Stump

By this point, you will be left with a stump. Use your handsaw to make some undercut cuts in the stump, starting at the top of it and cutting down into the sides. Then, use an ax or hatchet to split up the stump.

You can also remove the tree stump using the chemical method. In this method, you drill holes into the stump and apply chemicals to these holes. It accelerates the natural decay process, breaking the roots and tree fibers. 

Note: some states have regulations about the kind of chemicals you can buy and use for this process. But ideally, you should use a commercial fertilizer rich in nitrogen. Or, you can work with cow manure or Epsom salts. Check your local regulations before purchasing or apply any chemicals to a tree stump.

Choose the chemical and fill the drilled holes with it to the top. Then, soak the area around the stump in water and wet the sides and top of the stump too. Use a plastic tarp to cover the stump, trapping moisture in the area. 

SNE's Final Say on Cutting Down Trees With Hand Saws

The six-step approach mentioned above will help you cut down a tree with a hand saw. However, this isn't an easy or quick process, especially if you're working on a larger tree.

When using a hand saw, clear your surroundings of any clutter. You do not want to bump into something while trying to cut a tree. It's also imperative to select a suitable hand saw for the job.



Head over to your local hardware store and ask a professional for advice on the right saw for the job.

Before you go...

Now that you learned about cutting down trees with a hand saw, you probably want to know an easier way. Sawing down huge trees with hand saws is simply inefficient compared to a chainsaw. Be sure to read out in-depth guide on the best chainsaws so you don't spend hours out the yard breaking your back for a tree...

• The Top 6 Best Hand Saws For Cutting Trees

Related Articles:

• The Top 8 Best Hand Chainsaws For Cutting Trees
• How To Fell A Tree With An Axe
• How To Split Firewood