If you’re a homeowner surrounded by mature trees, it’s natural to want to handle some basic pruning or removals yourself. But without the right tree cutting techniques, even a “simple” job can go wrong fast. Limbs can swing unexpectedly, trunks can twist, and one bad cut can damage your home, your power lines, or you. That’s why safety comes first—long before you touch a saw. Niwaki Tree and Shrub is here to help you understand what you can reasonably do yourself, and when it’s time to call in a pro.

In this guide, we’ll walk through safe, homeowner-friendly techniques and preparation steps so you can make smart decisions about your trees and your safety.

Start with a Safety-First Mindset

Before you think about how to cut, think about whether you should cut at all.

Safe tree work starts with:

• Respecting the weight and force of even small limbs
• Understanding your own limits and experience
• Knowing when a job is too big or too risky for DIY

If you feel unsure at any point, that’s usually your sign to call a professional arborist like Niwaki Tree and Shrub instead of pushing through on your own.

Step 1: Assess the Tree and the Surroundings

Never start cutting without a careful inspection. Spend a few minutes looking at:

1. The condition of the tree

• Is the tree dead, dying, or hollow?
• Do you see large cracks, fungus at the base, or peeling bark?
• Are there big dead limbs hanging high in the canopy?

Dead or structurally compromised trees are unpredictable. They can snap or twist as you cut. These are not good candidates for DIY work.

2. What’s around the tree

• Buildings, fences, sheds
• Driveways, vehicles, kids’ play equipment
• Power lines and overhead service drops

If there’s any chance a falling limb or trunk could hit something valuable—or worse, someone—consider that a professional-only job.

3. Your space to move

Make sure you have:

• Solid, level footing
• A clear escape route away from the fall path
• No trip hazards like garden tools, hoses, or stumps

If you don’t have space to move safely, you don’t have space to cut safely.

Step 2: Use the Right Safety Gear

Safe tree cutting techniques depend on using proper personal protective equipment (PPE). At minimum, you should have:

• Hard hat or safety helmet
• Eye protection (safety glasses or a face shield)
• Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs)
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Long sleeves and durable pants
• Steel-toe or sturdy work boots with good traction

If you’re using a chainsaw, a pair of chainsaw chaps is strongly recommended. They’re designed to jam the saw and protect your legs if the chain kicks back.

For more detailed gear guidance, it’s smart to review resources like the OSHA chainsaw safety guidelines, which outline basic standards for safe cutting practices and equipment.

Step 3: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

Different cuts call for different tools:

• Hand pruners – For small branches (up to ½ inch).
• Loppers – For medium branches (½ to 1½ inches).
• Hand saw – For branches too large for loppers but still manageable from the ground.
• Pole saw or pruner – For high branches that can be reached from the ground without a ladder.
• Chainsaw – For larger branches and small-diameter trunks, but only if you are trained and confident.

A key safety rule: Avoid ladders + chainsaws. This combination is one of the most common causes of serious tree-related injuries. If you think you need a ladder and a saw, that’s a strong sign to call Niwaki Tree and Shrub instead.

Step 4: Safe Limb-Cutting Techniques

Most homeowners can safely handle small limb removal from the ground. Here’s a safer way to do it:

1. Use the three-cut method for larger limbs

When you cut a branch that’s more than about 1–1½ inches thick, don’t just slice from the top. Use three cuts to prevent the bark from tearing:

1. Undercut – Make a small cut from underneath the branch, a foot or so away from the trunk.
2. Top cut – Move a few inches farther out and cut from the top until the branch drops.
3. Final cut – Make a smooth final cut just outside the branch collar (the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).

This method helps protect the tree from damage and keeps large pieces from ripping down unexpectedly.

2. Work from the outside in

Cut smaller, outer branches first and work your way closer to the trunk. This keeps the limb lighter, easier to control, and less likely to swing unpredictably.

3. Stay out of the drop zone

Never stand directly under the limb you’re cutting. Position yourself to the side, with your escape route behind you if something shifts.

Step 5: Basic Trunk Cutting Safety (Small Trees Only)

Felling even a small tree is risky, but if you decide to take down a very small tree on your own (for example, something you can easily push over by hand), use these simplified safety steps:

1. Check for lean and weight – Trees usually fall in the direction they lean or where most of their weight is. Don’t fight the natural lean.
2. Plan an escape route – At least two clear paths away from the tree, at a 45-degree angle from the expected fall line.
3. Clear the base – Remove low branches, debris, and trip hazards around the trunk.
4. Make shallow cuts – Avoid deep or complex felling cuts if you’re inexperienced. If the tree is large enough to require professional felling notches, wedges, or ropes, it’s probably too large for DIY.

Again, if you’re unsure about how the tree will behave, don’t cut it. Your safety is worth far more than saving a few dollars.

Step 6: Know When to Call a Professional

The most important “technique” is knowing when to put the saw down and call a certified arborist. You should always bring in a professional like Niwaki Tree and Shrub if:

• The tree is near power lines
• The tree is dead, hollow, or severely decayed
• The tree is very tall or lean is unpredictable
• The trunk or large limbs hang over your home, driveway, or neighbor’s property
• You need rigging, ropes, or heavy equipment for safe removal

A professional tree service has training, insurance, and specialized tools to manage these risks safely. To learn more about how a pro can help, you can explore Niwaki Tree and Shrub’s professional tree services and see what’s included in a safe, start-to-finish job.

Step 7: Clean Up Safely

Once the cutting is done, don’t rush through cleanup:

• Stack branches in a stable pile away from walkways and driveways.
• Cut long limbs into shorter sections to make them easier to handle.
• Watch for thorns, sharp branch stubs, and barbed wire hidden in overgrown areas.
• Keep kids and pets away from the work area until all tools are put away and debris is under control.

If you end up with more brush and wood than you can handle, many tree companies offer chipping and haul-away services as add-ons. This can save you multiple trips to the dump—and your back.

Partner with Niwaki Tree and Shrub for Stress-Free Tree Care

DIY tree work can be satisfying when done safely and within your comfort zone. But the moment a job feels too big, too high, or too close to your home or power lines, the safest technique is to step back and call a professional.

Niwaki Tree and Shrub can:

• Inspect questionable trees and recommend the safest options
• Handle complex removals and pruning with proper equipment
• Dispose of limbs and logs so you don’t have to
• Help you keep your property safe, healthy, and attractive year-round

Whether you need simple advice or full-service tree work, we’re here to help you protect your home and your peace of mind.