5 Steps to Felling a Small Tree

If you have a small tree on your property that needs to be removed, be sure you fully consider all of the risks before taking on the project yourself. Continue below to learn what you will need to do to remove a small tree on your own.

Noblesville Tree Removal
Noblesville Tree Removal 317-537-9770

What You Will Need

Tree felling for small to moderate trees will not likely require the extensive tools and materials used for a larger-scale job. All you need are some safety goggles, work gloves, and a medium-weighted axe. For hardwoods, like oak, go with a rounded axe; for softer woods, like birch or pine, use a wedge axe. Additionally, it would be wise to equip yourself with steel-toed boots and long pants.

How to Fell a Small Tree in 5 Steps

Before getting started, check your town’s rules and regulations governing tree felling. Some cities do not allow do-it-yourself tree removal under certain scopes and conditions. Also, be sure to have a plan to reuse the wood in some way; trees are one of the most valuable and important elements on the planet!

Step 1

Examine the tree to decide which way it will fall. If the wind is strong from one side, or the tree is leaning, go with that direction. If the tree is along a slope, it should fall downhill. If there are no factors to help your decision, choose a direction that is clear of all other obstacles and allows you to have a safe distance.

Step 2

Make your first cut. Ensuring that the radius of the tree is not in the way of your gear, use your axe to cut a “V-shaped” notch in the tree, about waist-high, on the side that it will fall. Make your notch about 1/3rd of the way into the trunk.

Step 3

Go to the opposite side of the tree and make another notch, about 1 foot above the other one. Just like your other notch, make it about 1/3rd of the way into the trunk. Now you are ready to close the gap between the two notches!

Step 4

The tree is ready to fall. Being very careful, and having an escape routine in mind, take a few moderate swings to the first notch. As the tree begins to fall, get out of the way quickly, watching out for breaking branches and limbs; and don’t forget to yell, “TIMBER!”

Step 5

Use your axe, or a saw if you have it, to cut off the major limbs of the tree. Toss the foliage and twig scrap into a designated yard work receptacle. Then cut the trunk of the tree into 1 to 2 foot segments, and put store them all away for fire pit and fireplace usage!

Need Professional Tree Removal?

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770
Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 when you need professional tree removal in Noblesville, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in town. Whether you need routine tree service or major tree work, we are the professionals to trust for outstanding results in a convenient time frame.

Looking for Trees to Block Wind Gusts?

Trees serve numerous, valuable purposes. The most obvious are the stunning aesthetics trees have to offer through the changing seasons here in Indiana; but what many homeowners do not realize is that trees can also be applied toward energy efficiency and cost-savings. Not only do trees make excellent snow fences since they block heavy snowfall from accumulating on a property or surrounding roads, they also make effective wind barriers. And if trees are blocking heavy winds, they are assisting your home or building in conserving energy, maintaining indoor air comfort, and even reducing routine lawn care and yard work. They also provide privacy, noise reduction, and property value.

There is so much more trees have to offer, which is why they are one of the most vital living organisms on our planet! Be sure to take great care of your landscaping trees so they may continue delivering all the wonderful advantages you have grown to appreciate. If you are looking to add some new trees to your property for the purpose of snow fencing and wind blocking, consider the species we have listed below!

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770
Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

These tree species are perfect for Indiana Hardiness Zones 5 through 6, specifically 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b:

🌲 American Arborvitae

(Thuja occidentalis)

We have mentioned this species of conifer in several blogs due to its fast-growth rates, low maintenance needs, and quality turnouts. The American Arborvitae is an excellent choice for a fast-growing snow, wind, and privacy fence, averaging between 40 and 60 feet tall.

🌲 Colorado Blue Spruce

(Picea pungens)

Although we do not live in Colorado, this species of evergreen tree is the perfect choice for Indiana properties that wish to reduce all exasperating external stimuli, including snow, rain, wind, wildlife, and noise. The Colorado Blue Spruce is known for its colorful, rich foliage, and can grow up to 75 feet high.

🌲 Douglas Fir

(Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca)

A Douglas Fir is a traditional and classy conifer to consider for your property. Highly versatile and growing to average heights of 40 to 70 feet tall, you can rest assure that this tree will provide the shade, fencing, and barrier you desire. They are also low maintenance and easy to care for.

🌲 White Spruce

(Picea glauca)

Similar to the Blue Spruce, the White Spruce delivers an exceptional degree of privacy, shade, and fencing. Not only will a copse of White Spruce trees reduce wind currents and snow drifts, they will also add to your overall curb appeal since they are one of the best-looking, uniform evergreen trees in Indiana.

Where to Get Quality Tree Care

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770
Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 when you need professional tree service in Noblesville, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in town. Whether you need routine tree service or major tree work, we are the professionals to trust for outstanding results in a convenient time frame.