Check local regulations and get permits if required
Hire a certified arborist or licensed tree service if the tree is large, diseased, near power lines, or close to structures
Keep people and pets away from the work area
Identify hazards: power lines, overhead branches, unstable roots, dead limbs, and nearby buildings
Plan the direction of fall and clear a safe escape route
Set up barriers and signage to restrict access
Inspect the tree for lean, cracks, rot, and weak limb attachments
Use proper PPE: hard hat, eye and hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and boots with good traction
Use the correct tools: chainsaw, wedges, ropes, ladders (as needed), and a first-aid kit
If cutting, start with removing small branches (“limbing”) from the outside toward the trunk
Make a “notch” cut on the side facing the intended direction of fall (if doing a controlled felling)
Make the back cut on the opposite side, leaving the hinge wood intact
Use wedges to prevent the saw from binding and to control the fall direction
Cut in stages for large sections to reduce weight and prevent binding
Avoid cutting above shoulder height and avoid working directly under the cutting area
Use a rope and rigging to lower heavy limbs safely when needed
Remove the trunk in manageable pieces (“buckling”)
Cut the stump as permitted by regulations (or leave it for later grinding)
Dispose of debris properly: haul away, chip, or arrange pickup
Clean up the site and confirm the area is clear of hanging or unstable limbs before leaving