How to Cut Down a Tree

Follow the steps below to safely cut down a tree yourself. But perhaps most important of all: consider calling in the pros for larger trees, which can be dangerous to cut down.

1. Examine the tree from every angle to determine where it will fall.
   
2. Remove the lower branches of the tree to gain easy access to the trunk, where you'll saw it.
   
3. Cut a notch into the side of the tree that you want it to fall toward.
   
4. Make the final cut opposite the notch side, slightly below the notch. Before you get halfway through the cut, you should notice the tree start to give. Get out of the way, and yell "Timber!"