Ever found yourself wanting to limb a tree or timber with a chainsaw, but you feared for your safety? as dangerous as it seems, you can execute limbing a tree with a chainsaw safely. There are always some safety precautions to take during the limbing process.
Whether the tree is standing or lying down, it is advisable never to hold your chainsaw above your shoulders as this will cause you to lose control over the machine. So what do you do before embarking on a limbing activity?
Table of Contents
Factors to consider for your safety while limbing a tree with a chainsaw
- Your working position
- Maintain a comfortable height
- Keep the saw balanced, either on your leg or on a trunk
- Move your saw smoothly
- Gauge the weight of the tree’s branches
- Lookout for possible dangers
- Do away with all branches acting as obstacles
Always make sure to stand on the left side of the tree when working on it and begin your limbing process from the tree’s root to the top. Always keep your feet apart and maintain an angle of 45 degrees from the tree trunk.
Ensure that you have a stable balance in two directions and always keep your saw close to you. Stand at a point and position where your working area is within your reach, as moving your feet could be very risky.
The only part of your body that should bend in the knee and not the back. The easiest height for your limbing process is from the knees up to your waist. You can consider felling your target tree on other felled trees, logs, or even on a stone. You should altogether avoid stooping down as you do this work.
Doing this eases your efforts during your limbing activity. Always keep changing positions and carry the saw as far as you can. Avoid lifting your saw to unnecessary height to avoid straining your muscles. Keep the chainsaw’s body resting on your leg or on a trunk for easier limbing that is more accurate.
Only make movements when the chain is motionless. For short distances of limbing, always hold your saw by both handles. Activate the brakes of your saw and hold on to the fore handle when making long distances.
Cut the branch from its inner side to the outer side if it is not tensioned. You are most likely to experience a pinch for a heavyweight branch, so you should cut it from the outer part inwards. Be careful, though.
Always hold the handle tightly with your fingers and thumbs wrapped on them well. The length of your guide bar should be of the same dimension as the tree you are handling.
When removing the branches, keep the saw on the trunk and use your right hand to lift away the stems. Also, note that you should activate your saws brakes during this process.
By now, all the fears of handling a chainsaw have been evaded. Following these tips will offer you the best limbing process for the area you have in mind. Follow the above factors and precautions if you care about your safety. Well, of course, we all care about our safety in everything we do.
There is more to learn about limbing depending on your target, though. So, read below for more information.
How to cut down a high tree branch
So you have a backyard with overgrown trees and have long branches that are too high for you to reach? You don’t want to call an expert to get the job done, or you are just starting out venturing in this field? Well, it’s possible to carry out the process without the intervention of a professional.
The best time to cut the long branches should be during their dormant stage within the winter season. However, you can remove those branches without considering the season if they are exposing people or the surroundings to risks of any kind.
What you need for the process of cutting the branches
Below is a list of necessities you need for the safe and effective cutting of tree branches.
- A saw for pruning
- Ladder
- A PPE meaning personal protective equipment
- Pole pruner or a rope saw
After having the necessary equipment for the pruning process, get ready for work and follow the steps below;
Steps to cut a high branch
- Set the ladder at the right height. Adjust the ladder to a position that will give you close access to the branches you want to cut. The ladder should stand strong on the ground as you rest it onto the trunk of the tree. It’s risky to rest the ladder on another branch as this can cause a dangerous fall.
- Begin cutting the branch from its bark. Take the pruning saw and cut through the bark of your target branch, beginning your process from the underside of the branch. Ensure you leave a six-inch collar from the trunk for enough coverage.
- Slash the tip of the branch: Use the pole pruner, or the rope saw to cut the tip off the target branch that is within your reach. Be careful not to strain to reach it.
- Cut the branches in sections: Continue cutting the branches in smaller sections until you reach the 6-inch mark.
- Make your last cut on the mark point: To avoid damage to the tree, use the most convenient tool like the pruning saw to make the last cut. This cut should not be less than 2 inches from the trunk for fast recovery of the tree.
Follow the pruning steps above to avoid causing any damage to your tree. Be a caring and sweet holder of that tree for its best productivity level.
Points to note
- Don’t cut the branch of the tree to a far much short length to allow it to heal fast.
- Don’t leave a very long collar as it will hinder the process of healing
- Be safe. Any move that seems risky should be avoided.
Final thought
Limbing and cutting tree branches is a critical activity that requires utmost attention and adherence to safety precautions. Make sure to use the necessary tools for safe activity.
Keep the above information into consideration when you embark on a tree limbing process or when cutting high branches.
