Sometimes it is necessary to cut down a tree that is damaged or diseased beyond repair, poses a safety hazard or stands in the way of a landscape or construction project. Although many people use powered chain saws that cut through the trunk, these are heavy and difficult to use for those without prior experience or proper skill. You can use a hand saw to cut through the trunks of smaller trees. Follow all safety procedures to prevent any injury while felling trees.
Step One
Inspect the tree for clues that suggest which way it will fall, such as any lean of the trunk to one side, uneven crown or growth of most branches on one side.
Step Two
Inspect the tree's landing area: the area where it will fall when cut. Clear the area so it is free of any garden furniture or equipment.
Step Three
Cut off heavy or large branches on the tree that may prove hazardous during cutting. Position the hand saw over the branch as close to the trunk as possible, and begin slicing back and forth, one-third of the way through. Use the entire length of the blade for each cut or stroke through the wood, and work slowly to prevent the blade from sticking or jumping.
Step Four
Position the hand saw on the other side of the cut and begin slicing wood until cuts meet and the branch snaps off. Use a pole saw that consists of a long stick or handle and a saw at its tip if you're cutting branches high above your head. Cut those branches in the same way with the saw attachment.
Step Five
Make the undercut on the trunk -- a wedge on the side of the tree in the direction in which it will fall. Make a sharp, diagonal 45-degree cut through the wood one-third of the way through the trunk.
Step Six
Position the blade of the hand saw against the lower edge of the trunk parallel to the ground and begin cutting through it steadily until it meets the lowest point of the diagonal cut. Remove this wedge.
Step Seven
Move to the opposite side of the tree and locate the spot 5 cm above the tip of the wedge to make the back cut. Make this cut parallel to the ground, applying uniform pressure on the hand saw as it slices through the trunk. Leave a bit of wood between this cut and the wedge to serve as the hinge of the trunk that guides the direction of the fall.
Step Eight
Move to a safe spot on the opposite side of the fall line after forming the back cut. The tree will pivot from the narrow side of the hinge (next to the back cut) to the wider side of the hinge (next to the undercut) and eventually to the ground.