How do you cut down a palm tree with a chainsaw?

Question

Any special considerations that need to be adhered to when cutting down a palm? Will the sap ruin your chain?

Answer 1

Not much different than cutting pine or oak, the principals relating to laws of physics are the same. OIL the chain, and Clean it after, or during the process. SAP isn't strictly the case, in a palm. It's more fiberous that other trees, and "SAP" is more fluid.

I live in Central FL, and have taken down dozens of all varieties of trees on properties I've owned.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

There are a quite a few good ones and some that are just "neh". But this is a job you should use a 2 stroke gas engine with at least an 18" cutting bar. A bigger bar requires a bigger motor so it is all heavier. so it really depends on the average size of the trunk diameter of the tree. Those trees are going to have a lot of moisture in them which will make the chainsaw kick-back. [Definitely something you do not want] You also need to "Learn how to operate a chainsaw safely" as it will cut an arm off faster than a tree. Bone no problem. If the trees are that huge; then most times it is worth the money to let them do it. Get it down on paper as to what they are suppose to do(cut and run) or cut and haul away. They also MUST have "their own insurance coverage" otherwise find someone who does. You pay for fuel and oil costs that the saw uses.They cover the cost of sharpening their chain(which can be done many times while cutting). They may use the same chain they came with. You do not buy them chains or safety equipment. They should have that That would be comparable to you buying the carpenter a hammer, measuring tape and saw. They are going to use it on the next job and the next. They should have that stuff. Ask around at all different chainsaw shops. They generally know of who is a professional saw person and least likely to kill themselves on the job and who cleans up while doing the work. Some are just not known by the saw shops because they are the "Saturday nite special cutters" meaning they do it occasionally. You don't need a rookie. Ask at a few shops. This is like shopping for shoes and getting the best deal. If you spend time doing that kind of shopping, then why not shop for a qualified sawyer? Talk to a few and let them see the job and they can estimate a price. There is no hard line figure on the price Shops may even know of certain "trade schools" that need the practice(which means cheaper) Dropping trees is tricky as the greatest number of deaths occur in forestry...and this is basically forestry when you start dropping trees.

Answer 3

If you are asking this question, and I am not trying to be nasty, I wonder if you are quite up to doing this by yourself. You should try to see if an experienced friend or neighbor might help you out.

And, to answer, there are no "special" issues with a palm. I lived in Palm Springs for 12 years and cut several down. But you do need to know the basics of how to drop a tree safely, as well as have the necessary safety equipment. Hardhat, eye, ear and leg protection. Heavy boots and gloves.

Answer 4

Not sure about the sap, never heard that palm sap is any worse than any other tree. Look for the natural lean of the tree ans make sure there is nothing in the way. cut a notch in the trunk on the fall side of the tree to allow it to tip better. Starting on the back side of the trunk slightly above the notch, cut in and down towards the back of the nothc to create a hinge for the tree to follow down on and when the tree starts to fall on its own kill the saw and move away in a safe direction. Side note...if you have to for your own safety, leave the saw there on the ground if you have to.

Answer 5

The third video from the 'play list' at the site below is interesting...
entitled "Bad Day for Palms"... it shows an example of palm removal.

Answer 6

Just take the usual precautions. Be sure you know where the tree is going to fall, etc. It's no different than cutting down a pine!

Answer 7

Thanks to each and every one of you for the replies!