Recommend a Chainsaw (and Other Gear Needed to Cut a Big Thick Tree) ?

OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 17:17
Last edited 26/02/2018 - 16:05 by 1 other user

Edit2: I think I've over estimated the height of the hedge a bit. I think I should've used feet instead of height. Sorry for the confusion. But I thinks for eqveryone's helpful suggestions, I'm leaning towards a hedge trimmer and a hiring a professional in the future.

Edit: a bit more info:The tree is roughly 25-30m tall and over 10m wide (overgrown branches). The hedge is massive: runs basically half the length of property/fence (I'm guessing around 25m[?] long and is 20m tall: much higher than toppf roof. Hedge is giant and is pushing against deviding fence (inward towards my side of fence, if that makes sense). Every time the wind blows the fence creaks loudly. I called the council and told them it could be a fire hazard and they said they couldn't help me "because [your] neighbors aren't doing anything illegal".

Could someone please recommend a decent chainsaw (brand and model) that is easy and not too heavy (light enough) for a woman to use? I've never used one before and would appreciate any suggestions. Max budget is probably around $250. Anything reliable and is a of decent quality and has a good warranty/customer service is preferable. Also what other gear/equipment do I need besides protection glasses, ear muffs and gloves)?

My husband is no longer with us and there are a lot of odd chores and other stuff I need to attend to (namely the neighbours overgrown trees/hedges which they refuse to trim which is growing into my yard). Paying someone/some people to do it is just way too expensive for me currently and I figured doing myself is cheaper (though probably more dangerous). I've asked my next door neighbor (he owns the overgrown trees and hedges) though he wants to charge me $1200 for it. Friends either don't have a chainsaw or don't want to do it.

Are there such things as a mini chainsaw (half the regular saw/blade) side? I don't have much upper body strength and need one that is light-trees and hedges are way too high. Hedges are around 20m high, I'd guess. Much higher than the tip of a roof. Any information would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • try2bhelpful on 24/02/2018 - 17:49
    +13

    You are looking for a chainsaw and your husband is no longer with us. OK, well one additional thing you will need is an alibi.

    It might be worth looking at one of the home handyman sites, like air tasker, to get someone to cut the overgrown trees and take the "green waste" away. I wouldn't be doing this yourself; certainly not on your own. If you do decide to do this I would go to a retail store that has a good range of chainsaws and professionals who can work with you to find a suitable option; then I would get one of your aquaintances to be with your whilst you doing it. When my other half is doing something he says my most important job is the ring the ambulance if he has an accident, it is joke but he isn't entirely wrong.

    BTW - Your neighbour sounds like a dick.

    • Wystri Warrick on 24/02/2018 - 18:13
      +5

      BTW - Your neighbour sounds like a dick.

      Definitely, it's his overgrown trees and hedges, it's his responsibility to maintain them.
      I'd contact the council about it, or spraying a herbicide on the overgrown hedges :P.

      • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:07
        +1

        I contacted the council but they wouldn't do anything about it. To quote them "as long as its not anything illegal we can't help you". I told them its a fire hazard because the hedge is taller than some trees. Still nothing.

        • Qkumber on 26/02/2018 - 17:57

          You can legally cut the trees to the fence line. You cannot legally poison the plants with herbicide.

        • Wystri Warrick on 26/02/2018 - 19:37
          +1

          @Qkumber: absolutely.
          I was joking, there was an emoji.

        • HumbleCat on 26/02/2018 - 23:24
          +3

          @Wystri Warrick: I wonder what happens if you do spray a bit of herbicide….accidently near the boundary…..itll be such a shame. such a shame indeed…

        • HumbleCat on 26/02/2018 - 23:29
          +2

          @Wystri Warrick: also wondering….what would the fine be for such an accident….if it happened accidentally. Trees don't grow back that quickly as well….

        • Wystri Warrick on 27/02/2018 - 00:24
          +2

          @RandomDeviation: hmm, also wondering would the fine be less than the cost to have the trees trimmed…hmmmm..

    • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:08

      Neighbors definitely is one.. I overheard him say "I don't care if the trees are on their [us] side of the fence".

  • Euphemistic on 24/02/2018 - 18:02
    +9

    Chainsaws can be dangerous. Make sure you learn how to use it before giving it a crack.

    Hire? Unless you have a lot of jobs to do hiring as a one off might be a better option.

    It really depends on what size tree you are cutting, but you might be better off with a pole saw if it is for trimming or pruning rather than cutting a tree down.

    • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:18

      Preferably I like to pay someone to did (to cut the tree and hedges with a chainsaw/hedge trimmer and removal), it but it seems it'd be way out of my budget. The tree is, rough guess, about 25-30m tall? I can only estimate. The hedge is giant: it's like 20m tall and is is 30m in length. I don't know how to describe it, really.

      • Euphemistic on 24/02/2018 - 21:16
        +10

        I hope you just aren’t good at estimating heights! No mocie should be trying to cut down a 25-30m tree, get an arborist for that or you’ll likely crush your car or house. I don’t think a hedge would grow that high either.

        Assuming it’s very tall it’s probably more like 5-10m. 5m is roughly a 2 storey house

        If it is that tall a tree may require council approval as well depending on true species - not the hedge though.

        • taoz on 25/02/2018 - 22:23

          highly unlikely you can do it on your own if its 20m tall.
          even if you can get 3-4m above ground on a ladder, if if that tall there will be branches alot higher you will not be ale to reach.

          whatever you cut down, put over the fence as it the property of the tree owners.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2018 - 18:24
    +1

    I recommend scissors

    • Nugs on 24/02/2018 - 19:53
      +1

      and stilts

    • Wystri Warrick on 24/02/2018 - 20:08
      +5

      Ozbargainer's use their teeth!

  • Third_Gear on 24/02/2018 - 19:06
    +1

    If you need to get a chainsaw a small electric one is fine. Burnnings. They are quite easy to use and the staff there will be a able to assist. Contact your council though as stated above before doing anything.

    • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:25

      I was wondering if there are small chainsaws because I've only ever seen the regular ones (which the saw/blade looks like a lot to handle).

      • Euphemistic on 24/02/2018 - 21:17

        Plus one for electric. 10-12” blade is good for most diy sized stuff. I have a little 10” battery chainsaw and it’s pretty good, but only really for pruning not felling

      • Third_Gear on 24/02/2018 - 21:21

        Electric is about the smallest and safest you can get. They are light and extremely easy to use. Wear hearing protection and eye protection. Also make sure your laces are tied up!

        Cut closest to the engine body and let the saw do the work. YouTube review and after a few cuts you will get comfortable and be fine. Just always think ahead while you are cutting and take your time.

        • RockyRaccoon on 24/02/2018 - 22:51
          +1

          You must be joking. Felling a tree axe/chainsaw/scissors requires some knowledge, unless of course you see sheds, neighbours house, your own hosue as collateral damage. The chainsaw is only really needed to get rid of anyone complaining about the damage you caused.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDOgPIKOOJc

  • mskeggs on 24/02/2018 - 19:38
    +7

    A chainsaw is likely to be too dangerous to use for your situation.
    It isn’t good to be swinging it around over your head etc.
    If you have to cut a few branches, just use a handsaw. It will take five minutes to saw even a very thick branch, is under $10, and won’t keep cutting if you drop it on your leg.
    I use a chainsaw to cut some fire wood when camping, when I can line up a fallen log, have a helper hold it steady and perform simple cuts. Even then it is such a powerful tool it takes care, and I would never let anybody use it without showing them how to cut with it.

    If you really need to use a chainsaw, the local tafe will have a multi-evening course to teach you to do it safely.

  • Diji1 on 24/02/2018 - 19:39
    -6

    People are acting like you need a degree to use a chainsaw.

    • mr626 on 24/02/2018 - 20:08
      +10

      You certainly don't need a degree to use a chainsaw.

      You DO need a healthy amount of respect for what you are using though. Chainsaw injuries are not pretty. PPE is essential too.

      To the OP, I think your best bet given your situation and what you need, would be something like the Ozito pruner / hedger in this deal here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/335274 (deal is expired now, but even at full price it is a good buy).

      You won't cut down trees with it, but it is a lot more versatile and will be a better overall tool for the tasks that you need. 3 year replacement warranty is good also.

      Could I also suggest that you make contact with your local men's shed (assuming there is one in your area?). In my experience, the men there would be more than happy to help you out with anything that you can't tackle yourself for little / no cost.

      • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:14

        I don't think there's a local men's shed in my area unfortunately. But thank you for the suggestions and link.

    • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:28

      I'm very cautious about the saw/blade and accidentally dropping it or something. Especially since over never used one before.

      • banana365 on 26/02/2018 - 17:00

        I'm glad that you're cautious. Chainsaws are one of the most lethal tools that the general public can buy. If you've got a strong stomach, do a Google image search for "chainsaw accidents" with safe search set to off. Once you've done that, get rid of the idea of buying a chainsaw. Decent training would eat up most or all of your budget, then you've got the cost of protective gear etc.

        Go with something similar, but safer. Black and Decker do something that may do the job https://www.blackanddecker.com.au/en-au/products/garden-tool… but there are other similar "hedge shears on steroids" out there.

        Once you've overcome the danger of the saw, remember that working atop a ladder is bloody dangerous too.

        You might not like putting up with the overhanging branches, but if you can wait 6-12 months and save a bit of money during that time, then paying someone else with the experience (and insurance!) is a better idea.

    • b0b on 25/02/2018 - 23:11

      I've seen enough of these :
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOJtmDYcFMg

      to have the chainsaw drop off my bunnings wish list :)

  • Nugs on 24/02/2018 - 19:53
    +2

    how about a photo

    20m is way too high for a chainsaw

    • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:10

      I don't know how to post a photo. For a brief, foolish moment, i was thinking of standing on a ladder with the chainsaw. But that's a ally dumb idea. What else would you suggest if not a chainsaw?

      • Nugs on 24/02/2018 - 20:27
        +1

        nothing that can reach 20m. that really is the realm of professionals.

        I have a 6m pole saw, but by the sounds of it; you are not strong enough, nor is it long enough.

  • TheBilly on 24/02/2018 - 20:00
    +2

    Chainsaws are dangerous, buy your ear plugs, glasses and gloves too. But if you insist, a good brand is "Stihl" you cannot go wrong with anything from them. However keep in mind, do you really need a chainsaw? they are used to cut trees and branches, not hedges. Can you get away with an electric hedge trimmer? or just hand shears? cheaper and safer.

    • OzBoganYeah on 24/02/2018 - 20:12

      I thought about a hedge trimmer, but I need to cut their overgrown and overhanging branches. I need something that can cut tree branches and a giant overgrown hedge, but thanks for the brand suggestion, I will look in to Stihl.

    • Wystri Warrick on 24/02/2018 - 21:45
      +1

      Husqvarna is the best!

      • TheBilly on 25/02/2018 - 13:02

        Either or, husqvarna and stihl, get a good price and your winning.

  • sraymond on 24/02/2018 - 20:21
    +1

    Sounds like you need something like this.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-25-4cc-easy-start-pole…

  • SBOB on 24/02/2018 - 20:45
    +2

    how do you intend on cutting something 20m off the ground?

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:18

      For a dumb foolish split second I thought of using a ladder holding the chainsaw (it's a dire situation). Obviously that's a very stupid idea which would never work.

  • SharedSugar on 24/02/2018 - 20:58

    I have a cheap Ryobi chainsaw from Bunnings and an eBay multi tool with polesaw and hedge trimmer. They both work okay for a little bit of work. With lots of help I trimmed pine trees up to about a maximum of 7 metres from the back of a ute with the cheap polesaw.

    Also is it possible you have over estimated the size of the hedge?

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:16

      I'll keep that in mind and will look on ebay. I may have overestimated the hedge a little, but it literally it taller than the top of the roof. It's so big it casts a shadow on basically 1/3 of my lawn on a sunny day (when it's high noon). It's pretty big.

  • RockyRaccoon on 24/02/2018 - 22:44
    +2

    Really, chainsaws are not the way to get rid of kids wanting candy

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/339092

  • Itburns on 25/02/2018 - 08:21
    +5

    A very bad idea for someone who has never used a chainsaw to tackle a 30m high tree. This is an accident waiting to happen! Have a look online at chainsaw injuries - they cut through flesh like they cut through wood & the injury is very hard to repair as the cut (usually to your leg or arm, but sometimes to your face when the saw kicks back) is broad & deep, & full of foreign matter. It's definitely not worth it. Use Airtasker for the tree to get it removed & then buy a hedge trimmer for the hedge - they are far less lethal. http://www.bchw.org/Tech%20tips/SawCertification/Chain%20Saw…
    I have used chainsaws over the last 30 years & also worked in Emergency. Your health is WAY more important.

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:13
      +1

      Thanks, I'll look into airtasker.

      • MessyG on 26/02/2018 - 14:13
        +1

        Consider Grey Army too, they might be able to help.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 25/02/2018 - 08:32
    +4

    For the tree this big, it is very dangerous to DIY.

    I would ask for a quota to get it trim, wait until you have the money then do it.

    Better be safe than sorry.

    Everyone here advising you the same, please re consider to DIY.

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:02

      That is a good suggestion, though my main concern is the tree and hedge are going to get bigger. They already have compared to a few weeks ago. The tree is not really a typical tree-I don't know but it looks more like a weed with a lot of thin, long branches.

      • Itburns on 25/02/2018 - 16:19
        +6

        Use a drill to drill a shallow hole vertically in multiple sites on any branches on your side & fill with herbicide. Just spray it on the hedge. "Dunno what happened there, must have been that beetle that kills trees & hedges……."

        • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:23

          I really like that idea but no doubt the neighbours will complain and accuse me of doing something.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 09:25
    +2

    Don't forget to buy some files to keep the teeth sharp.
    And get someone to film it.
    Also health insurance , if you can't afford that then you can't afford a chainsaw.
    But more seriously , if you can't afford to maintain you're property and house maybe it's time to start looking at downsizing ,
    before you loose your life doing something stupid.

    This is coming from an arborist.
    P.S. Quotes are free and they'll tell you what needs to be done
    (Polesaw if you must diy, that's a handsaw and/or shears on an aluminium extension pole, cheap ones $200+ Bunnings)

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:04

      The tree and hedges aren't mine. They're the neighbours and they refuse to trim it. I've tried trimming the hedge with some old shears but its quite tedious and doesn't really work.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 16:38
        +1

        Well go do a chainsaw course then.
        All of us (in the industry) have done this.
        Maybe they will bring the class around to practice on your fenceline.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 25/02/2018 - 09:57
    +1

    You don't mention what state you are in, but this info for Victorians may help: https://www.disputes.vic.gov.au/information-and-advice/trees…

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:12

      Thanks for the link, I'll see if there's anything similar for the other states.

  • jhmtaylor on 25/02/2018 - 10:13
    +2

    Hire one. You will get the right tool for the job and not some toy from Bunnings.
    Though, I think the job is way too big and dangerous for DIY. It's looking like penny wise and pound foolishness to me.

  • Ozpit on 25/02/2018 - 10:33

    Whenever anyone I know is considering buying a chainsaw, I always tell them to first go watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre so they can see just how wayward these saws can become if you have a really bad day, such as a neighbour gives you the finger when you politely ask him/her to cut back their lovely botanical conservatory because it's a f***ing disaster waiting to happen.

  • whooah1979 on 25/02/2018 - 10:42
    +4

    Op, you can use industrial grade herbicide and sodium chloride to control overgrown vegetation.

    It's much safer then machinery and requires less physical strength to use.

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:06

      Are they available from bunnings? That seems ideal actually, tough i bet the neighbours would complain about it.

      • banana365 on 26/02/2018 - 17:03
        +1

        Nobody's suggesting you tell them about it.

      • HumbleCat on 26/02/2018 - 23:36

        If you were to accidentally spill some near the trees and in case the neighbour did complain, it would be good to know what can you expect. A fine at most?. It would mean you would have to use your chainsaw budget to pay off that fine instead of buying a dangerous tool and harming yourself. Trees grow back slowly and neighbour might not grow it back at same spot.

        Just wondering. Nothing more

    • Euphemistic on 27/02/2018 - 22:47

      But if it is poisoned you’d just end up with a big dead tree and hedge you need to get rid of. It’ll require cutting down before it falls down.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 12:36

    Careful , dead trees can be more difficult to remove.

    • whooah1979 on 25/02/2018 - 13:06
      +2

      the trees aren't on op's property. op doesn't need to remove them.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 16:27
        +1

        Ok. Well you know best.

  • jm48 on 25/02/2018 - 13:09
    +1

    The law is clear - anything growing on your side, is legally your responsibility.
    Your neighbour would have to trespass on your property to safely trim the vegetation, which is not always OK.
    Do you have any vegetation from your plants growing over your neighbours property ?
    If so, it is their responsibility - it works both ways naturally.

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:09

      I did trim the hedges with old shears but it was too tedious and didn't really work. I did have a lemon tree which grew near the fence, someof its branches (most of the branches) grew into their yard. They used a chainsaw to cut those branches and some from my side which effectively killed the tree.

      • jm48 on 25/02/2018 - 16:23
        +2

        That's not very nice to butcher a lemon tree with a chainsaw and kill it.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 16:29
      +1

      What law is that?
      Or are you referring to council by-laws , which differ in every area.

      • McFly on 26/02/2018 - 09:16

        Victorian law.

  • the Unforgiven on 25/02/2018 - 13:43
    +2

    I would use cordtex & make sure you wrap it around that bastard of a neighbour too

    or you could ring-bark the tree

    or you could dig just below the surface & hammer in some copper coins or nails (pure copper) into the trunk & watch the tree slowly die, and that useless neighbour would be none the wiser

    if I lived closer to you, I would do the job myself, as I used to love dropping trees

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:11

      Ha, worthy suggestions. Do you have any suggestions for a giant (over 20m high and 25-30m wide) overgrowing hedge?

      • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 16:41
        +2

        Napalm

      • the Unforgiven on 25/02/2018 - 19:31

        fire or poison. find out what sort of tree/bush it is & use your google foo to check out how to kill it with poison, copper nails or coins in the truck are grouse, but slow.

        could you take a picture of the thing for us, next to something so we can judge the size of the thing

  • singlemalt72 on 25/02/2018 - 14:56
    +7

    Jesus, you've never used a chainsaw before and you want to attack this?

    Forget it, you are looking for a fast trip to the Emergency Room or the morgue. Chainsaws are one of the most dangerous pieces of machinery you can use, and tree-felling is a complex job that requires training, especially if you are looking at working from an elevated position as well.

    Look for an arborist to do the job for you.

    If you want to trim I would recommend a reciprocating saw, much safer and lighter, but will not cut through very thick stuff.

    • OzBoganYeah on 25/02/2018 - 16:25

      My concern with hiring an arborist us that it'll be way out of my budget. My budget is currently $250 which isn't much.

      • singlemalt72 on 25/02/2018 - 21:35

        Your other option is something like Airtasker or a local Facebook page where you can post to have someone do the job for cash.

        Simple fact is that the job is too dangerous to be done without the right training and experience.

  • jm48 on 25/02/2018 - 16:21

    You should also check whether council tree preservation orders apply to the tree/s.
    This limits what you can prune.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 16:41
    +3

    I am a guy and likes to DIY most things, but even this I would not DIY. Chainsaws are not for the inexperienced.

    Instead I would buy a decent Telescopic Lopper to prune all the smaller branches off, and then get the big branch removed by a professional when you have the cash.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 16:42

      ^Common sense^.
      Take notice.

  • tryagain on 25/02/2018 - 18:07
    +3

    Are you sure you mean 20m high? that's like as tall as a 7 story building. What type/how many stories is you house and how does it compare to that? I am guessing you are maybe meaning 20 feet.

    • whooah1979 on 25/02/2018 - 18:15
      -2

      are you saying that op being a woman can't tell the difference 20m and 6m?

      • tryagain on 25/02/2018 - 18:22
        +3

        Nothing to do with being a woman (ok maybe a little), more to do with this comment

        but it literally is taller than the top of the roof

        So either she is in a massive house or there is something wrong.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 20:14

        And there we go, first sexist comment won by whooah1979.

        grow up.

        • whooah1979 on 25/02/2018 - 20:16
          -2

          lol.

          i think you misunderstood my post.

        • gimli on 26/02/2018 - 07:23
          +3

          @whooah1979:
          I think you misunderstood your post.

      • banana365 on 26/02/2018 - 17:05
        +2

        Well given what you keep telling women is 6 inches, can you blame anyone for totally overestimating sizes?

    • OzBoganYeah on 26/02/2018 - 16:00

      Yeah that seems right, my mistake. I've never actually measured the tree and hedge, but it's not as tall as a 7 story building.

  • Euphemistic on 25/02/2018 - 19:16
    +1

    Out of left field a little, a reciprocating saw with a long blade is a handy pruning tool and a lot safer than a chainsaw. Not ideal for felling a tree, but good for looping branches.

  • chumlee on 25/02/2018 - 20:21

    25 metres tall is to big to tackle on your own. Even professionals would have 2,3 or even 4 people to tackle this.

    You will need to cut it down in sections and at 25 metres you will need a travel tower.

    • whooah1979 on 25/02/2018 - 20:28

      25 metres you will need a travel tower.

      not necessary. many australian backyards have no driveway access to the rear. removing a tree of that size in a backyard can be done without a cherry picker. ropes and a few fit blokes can take care of it.
      https://www.google.com.au/search?q=pruning+with+ropes&source…

      • chumlee on 25/02/2018 - 20:42

        OP wants to do it herself though

  • Plug on 25/02/2018 - 21:41
    +2

    Ffs just hire someone to do the job instead of putting yourself at risk. This is not a job for someone with no experience.

    • whooah1979 on 25/02/2018 - 22:11
      -2

      This is not a job for someone with no experience.

      op wants to learn to do these tasks by herself. the best way to gain experience from diy tasks is diy.

  • MagicOZ on 26/02/2018 - 00:32
    +1

    That tree seem massive, can you post a picture?

  • humphrey623 on 26/02/2018 - 09:31
    +3

    I'd also love clarification on the height. Despite 20m being oft-repeated by the OP, a few comments put that into doubt ("i was thinking of standing on a ladder with the chainsaw", "I may have overestimated the hedge a little, but it literally it taller than the top of the roof"). Given the goalposts at the MCG are just 15 metres tall, and the tallest hedge in the world is a 300 year-old 30 metre monster, it's baffling to think a suburban property in Australia could have anything like it. Even if OP's house is a double story, and even if the hedge was twice as tall as said double-story house, it'd still be far less than 20m.

    Not meaning to be a curmudgeon, OP, and I sincerely hope you're able to resolve it, but more accurately estimating the height of the tree will greatly affect the advice you receive and could be the difference between a few handy friends helping out or getting in a large team of professionals and spending many thousands of dollars.

    • rickxs on 26/02/2018 - 11:31
      -3

      +your on the ball Humphrey,
      no pic's "dont know how too" "stand on ladder"—-to do what?
      sounds fishy to me
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/350175
      [a high priced machine that will do whites with colors.lol ! ]
      did your husband die in the last 8 weeks ? since the tradie post
      your posts=controversialist

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