Now that the limbs have been removed and the area around the log is cleared, you can begin bucking the log to the desired lengths. If your log is still suspended by lower branches, your job may be easier if you begin bucking from the top of the tree, as long as you are not cutting above shoulder height or have to reach. Then begin working down toward the butt. With the tree suspended off the ground, usually the sections you cut will fall effortlessly to the ground. Use the saw spikes to steady the saw while cutting. It's also a good idea to position your body away the uncut portion of the log. This will create a clear zone for you to move in the even of the log were to shift or move.

You can work like this to the point where the tree is suspended by a lower limb. At this point, you will need to cut the lower limb and let the tree settle to the ground. Be very cautious when doing this and predetermine which way the log will drop or roll when the bottom limbs are removed. You'll want to position yourself on the opposite side of the logs movement and be cautious of your bar pinching in the cut as these limbs will usually be under a considerable amount of pressure.

If you were bucking a log that is laying on the ground, there are a few things you'll need to know to perform this work properly.

First, remember that if you touch the ground with a moving chainsaw even if it's for a split second, this will be enough to dull your chain. Since the wood is laying on the ground, you will need to be cautious of this. Here you see the operator making a series of cuts in the log, not quite cutting completely through in order not to hit the ground with the chain. Once he has completed the series of cuts, he'll roll the log over 180 degrees and finish the cut. This technique is a good one to use when the log is laying flat on even ground. But often times the ground the log is lying on is not flat and requires a variety of cuts to properly buck the log.

This log is suspended with the weight focused in the middle of the log where you want to make your cut. As you cut this log, the log will begin to drop in the middle and your cut will begin to close up. If you don't immediately remove your bar from the cut, it will be pinched. To avoid this, first make a relief cut on the topside of the log. Then begin an under bucking cut from the bottom in such a manner that the cuts will intersect. When done properly, you'll be able to buck the log without pinching your guide bar but this takes a lot of practice and skill and is usually best left for a professional chainsaw operator.

This log is suspended but the weight of the tree is on the ends of the log. This means if you were to buck the log, the log will tend to move upwards when cut. If this is the case, you'll do just the opposite that you did on the previous log by making your relief cut on the bottom and the finishing cut from the top.

On either method, you can always use your plastic wedges to help keep the logs from closing in the final cuts.

If you have limbs to cut that are above your shoulder height use a specially designed saw with extended reach to perform those operations.

No matter what the job, whether it's a tree limb on the ground, partially suspended above the ground or a standing tree, you must always evaluate the job and the dynamics of the situation before you begin cutting.

As you are in the process of cutting wood, the dynamics of the tree, meaning weight and balance can change. With the larger and heavier limbs, there could be a chance that the tree will shift its position as the weight of those limbs are taken away. Make sure that you evaluate this weight prior to begin the cutting and that you position yourself and plan your work accordingly.

There are some basic rules to follow when limbing a tree on the ground.

First always begin limbing, the base of the tree, moving your way upward. Whenever possible, keep the log between you and the limb you are cutting. Make sure that you have good solid footing at all times. Never stand on the log and never hold the saw with one hand when cutting. Always hold the saw with both hands with a firm grip, fingers and thumb fully engaged around the handles. If the log is located on a slope, always stand on the up hill side of the log so if it rolls, it rolls away from you. If the log is supported by limbs on the other side of the tree, leave these limbs for last as they will help support three during your work.

Be cautious when cutting a limb from the bottom or under bucking. The limb may tend to close in on the cut, resulting in a pinched chain and guide bar. If this happens, turn off the saw and remove the saw from the cut.

This is a limb under pressure refer to as a spring pole. These can be very dangerous as they can spring back toward you with great amount of force when cut. This can cause you to lose control of the chainsaw or result in severe or fatal injury. Be very cautious when cutting spring poles. Release the tension by making multiple shallow cuts on the outside of the arc with you standing at the center of the arc.