How to Fell a Tree Safely: Practical Guide and Regulations
Felling a tree is not a trivial task. If done incorrectly, it can endanger people, property, and even the surrounding ecosystem. With strict municipal regulations in Quebec and tree felling techniques that require expertise, it’s best to be well-informed before grabbing a chainsaw. In this article, we explain how to fell a tree under the best conditions: essential precautions for a successful tree removal, the best methods (directional felling or dismantling), the necessary equipment, and green waste management. You will also learn when it’s best to call in professionals.
1. Regulations in Quebec: Felling Permits and Arboriculture Reports
Before cutting down any tree, check the regulations in your municipality. In Quebec, many cities (Montreal, Laval, etc.) require a felling permit for any tree with a trunk diameter generally exceeding 10 cm, measured at 1.3 m from the ground. For example, the City of Montreal mandates an authorization certificate for any tree removal, while Laval has tightened its regulations since November 2022: a permit is required even for a backyard tree.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines. To support your request, you may be required to provide an arboriculture report prepared by an expert. This official document confirms that tree removal is necessary (due to disease, imminent danger, etc.) and helps the municipality maintain a balanced tree canopy.
In most cases, you will be required to plant a new tree as a replacement to compensate for the loss. Be sure to check the exact requirements before starting the process and keep all necessary proof (photos, certificates) to justify your reasons.
Useful External Link: For more details, you can visit the official website of the City of Montreal to learn about regulations and access online forms.
2. Tree Felling Techniques: Directional Felling or Dismantling
Depending on your property layout and the tree’s condition, two main methods are commonly used:
2.1. Directional Notch Felling
This is the "traditional" technique: the tree is cut down in one piece, with its fall trajectory controlled from the ground. It is suitable when there is enough open space around the tree (large property, clear area).
Directional Notch: Make a wedge-shaped notch on the side of the trunk where you want the tree to fall (about 1/4 to 1/3 of the diameter).
Felling Cut (or Back Cut): Make this cut on the opposite side of the notch, slightly higher, leaving a hinge of about 10% of the trunk’s diameter. This intact wood hinge helps guide the tree’s fall.
Using Wedges (Felling Wedges): Insert them into the cut to prevent the saw from getting stuck and to help tilt the trunk in the desired direction.
Throughout the process, plan two escape routes and never stand directly in the fall path. Once the tree starts moving, step away quickly without turning your back on the scene.
2.2. Dismantling (Sectional Felling)
When space is limited (narrow yard, nearby power lines, close neighbors) or the tree is very large, sectional dismantling is the preferred method. An arborist (or a tree worker using a lift) first removes the upper branches before cutting the trunk into successive segments, lowering them safely to the ground with ropes.
This method takes longer and is more expensive, but it prevents the tree from falling in one large piece, making it safer in high-risk urban environments. If you are not trained for aerial work, it’s best to hire a professional to avoid any accidents.
3. Essential Safety Gear and Tools
Whether you choose directional felling or sectional dismantling, safety primarily depends on using the right equipment.
Équipement de protection individuelle (EPI)
Casque avec grille ou visière et protection auditive
Gants anti-coupure
Pantalon ou chaps anti-coupure
Bottes de sécurité anti-coupure avec bout renforcé et semelle antidérapante.
Lunettes de protection
Outils de coupe et accessoires
Tronçonneuse bien entretenue (chaîne affûtée et tendeur correct)
Coins d’abattage et âche ou masse (pour maintenir la coupe ouverte et guider la chute)
Corde solide (pour tracter l’arbre, stabiliser des branches lors du démontage)
Barre de levier ou pied-de-biche d’abattage (pour aider à basculer le tronc ou dégager la lame)
Autres éléments utiles
Hache ou machette (pour dégager la base du tronc)
Échelle stable (à manier avec extrême prudence si nécessaire)
Trousse de premiers soins à portée de main
Always wear your PPE when handling the chainsaw or approaching the cutting area. Also, make sure you have enough fuel, oil, and time to complete the felling process without rushing.
4. Dangers and Precautions at Every Stage
Even with proper technique, tree felling remains hazardous. Here are the essential precautions to follow:
4.1. Before Felling
Inspect the Environment: Identify power lines, buildings, fences, and vehicles. If the tree is tangled in cables, immediately contact a professional or the electricity provider.
Analyze the Tree: Check its natural lean, signs of decay, or cracks. An unstable trunk can break unpredictably.
Choose the Falling Direction: Ideally, align with the tree’s natural lean and ensure the area is clear. Move any valuable objects out of the impact zone.
Prepare an Escape Route: Position it at a 45° angle from the falling direction to evacuate quickly in case of danger.
Notify Your Household or Neighbors: Use caution tape if necessary to mark the area.
Check Your Equipment: Chainsaw, PPE, wedges, rope. Never start alone or without the proper gear.
4.2. During Felling
Stay Alert: Watch for the tree's initial movements as you make the back cut.
Stand to the Side: Never position yourself in line with the saw blade to reduce the risk of kickback.
Use Wedges: As soon as the saw advances into the cut, insert a wedge to prevent the chainsaw from getting stuck.
Coordination: If working with a partner, use clear signals. The person pulling the rope should stand at a safe distance during the fall.
Handling Unexpected Situations: If the tree doesn’t fall completely or gets stuck, do not go under the branches to inspect. Step back and use a pole or a winch to safely resolve the situation.
4.3. After Felling
Wait Before Approaching: A freshly felled trunk may still shift or have unstable branches.
Methodical Limb Removal: Cut the branches while staying on the opposite side of the tension to avoid sudden rebounds.
Trunk Cutting: Cut the trunk into manageable sections, always anticipating the possible movement of the wood.
Continuous Monitoring: Keep your PPE on during cleanup and stay alert to others who may approach.
5. Green Waste Management: What to Do After the Cut?
Once the tree is down, it's time to manage the debris:
Branches and Foliage: Check if your municipality offers a green waste collection service (branches, paper bags, etc.). You can also shred the branches to create mulch for your garden.
Trunk Sections: Some choose to keep the wood logs for future heating (after drying) or donate them. If the wood is healthy, it can even be repurposed by local sawmills.
Stump removal : Laisser la souche en place peut être gênant (risque de chute, repousse). Vous pouvez :
Dessoucher manuellement ou mécaniquement (excavation).
Essoucher la souche à l’aide d’une machine spécifique, évitant de gros dégâts au terrain.
Replanting: In most municipalities, replanting a tree is either mandatory or strongly recommended. It’s also a great way to maintain a balanced tree canopy.
6. When to Call in Professionals?
It is entirely possible to fell a small tree yourself if you have the right skills, equipment, and an open space. However, many situations require the expertise of an arborist:
Very tall tree or close to power lines
Rotten, hollow, or weakened trunk (risk of uncontrolled breakage)
Certified tree workers have specialized equipment (climbing gear, lifts, winches, chippers) and are familiar with the safety standards. Their intervention ensures clean, fast work, often necessary to obtain the municipal permit and a compliant arboriculture report that meets local requirements.
7. Conclusion: Secure Your Tree Felling and Protect Your Environment
In summary, felling a tree safely requires:
Complying with your city's regulations (permit, expert report).
Choosing the most suitable felling technique (directional or dismantling).
Disposing or repurposing green waste in an environmentally friendly way.
When dealing with large, diseased trees or those in complex areas, entrusting the task to a professional team is the best solution. Whether you're in Laval, Montreal, or the North Shore, our certified arborists are available to assess the situation and perform a compliant, clean, and risk-free tree removal.
Need help? Contact us today for a free assessment and quote. Take advantage of our tailored service, from the arboriculture report to the final felling, including stump removal. This way, you can be sure to comply with the law, protect your safety, and act in the best interest of your environment.
At Élagage Expert, chaque membre de notre équipe partage une passion pour l’arboriculture. Nos élagueurs certifiés veillent à offrir des services de qualité, réalisés avec soin et précision.
How to Safely Fell a Tree
How to Fell a Tree Safely: Practical Guide and Regulations
Felling a tree is not a trivial task. If done incorrectly, it can endanger people, property, and even the surrounding ecosystem. With strict municipal regulations in Quebec and tree felling techniques that require expertise, it’s best to be well-informed before grabbing a chainsaw. In this article, we explain how to fell a tree under the best conditions: essential precautions for a successful tree removal, the best methods (directional felling or dismantling), the necessary equipment, and green waste management. You will also learn when it’s best to call in professionals.
1. Regulations in Quebec: Felling Permits and Arboriculture Reports
Before cutting down any tree, check the regulations in your municipality. In Quebec, many cities (Montreal, Laval, etc.) require a felling permit for any tree with a trunk diameter generally exceeding 10 cm, measured at 1.3 m from the ground. For example, the City of Montreal mandates an authorization certificate for any tree removal, while Laval has tightened its regulations since November 2022: a permit is required even for a backyard tree.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines. To support your request, you may be required to provide an arboriculture report prepared by an expert. This official document confirms that tree removal is necessary (due to disease, imminent danger, etc.) and helps the municipality maintain a balanced tree canopy.
In most cases, you will be required to plant a new tree as a replacement to compensate for the loss. Be sure to check the exact requirements before starting the process and keep all necessary proof (photos, certificates) to justify your reasons.
2. Tree Felling Techniques: Directional Felling or Dismantling
Depending on your property layout and the tree’s condition, two main methods are commonly used:
2.1. Directional Notch Felling
This is the "traditional" technique: the tree is cut down in one piece, with its fall trajectory controlled from the ground. It is suitable when there is enough open space around the tree (large property, clear area).
Throughout the process, plan two escape routes and never stand directly in the fall path. Once the tree starts moving, step away quickly without turning your back on the scene.
2.2. Dismantling (Sectional Felling)
When space is limited (narrow yard, nearby power lines, close neighbors) or the tree is very large, sectional dismantling is the preferred method. An arborist (or a tree worker using a lift) first removes the upper branches before cutting the trunk into successive segments, lowering them safely to the ground with ropes.
This method takes longer and is more expensive, but it prevents the tree from falling in one large piece, making it safer in high-risk urban environments. If you are not trained for aerial work, it’s best to hire a professional to avoid any accidents.
3. Essential Safety Gear and Tools
Whether you choose directional felling or sectional dismantling, safety primarily depends on using the right equipment.
Always wear your PPE when handling the chainsaw or approaching the cutting area. Also, make sure you have enough fuel, oil, and time to complete the felling process without rushing.
4. Dangers and Precautions at Every Stage
Even with proper technique, tree felling remains hazardous. Here are the essential precautions to follow:
4.1. Before Felling
4.2. During Felling
4.3. After Felling
5. Green Waste Management: What to Do After the Cut?
Once the tree is down, it's time to manage the debris:
6. When to Call in Professionals?
It is entirely possible to fell a small tree yourself if you have the right skills, equipment, and an open space. However, many situations require the expertise of an arborist:
Certified tree workers have specialized equipment (climbing gear, lifts, winches, chippers) and are familiar with the safety standards. Their intervention ensures clean, fast work, often necessary to obtain the municipal permit and a compliant arboriculture report that meets local requirements.
7. Conclusion: Secure Your Tree Felling and Protect Your Environment
In summary, felling a tree safely requires:
When dealing with large, diseased trees or those in complex areas, entrusting the task to a professional team is the best solution. Whether you're in Laval, Montreal, or the North Shore, our certified arborists are available to assess the situation and perform a compliant, clean, and risk-free tree removal.
Need help? Contact us today for a free assessment and quote. Take advantage of our tailored service, from the arboriculture report to the final felling, including stump removal. This way, you can be sure to comply with the law, protect your safety, and act in the best interest of your environment.