• Axes are reliable and durable tools used to cut down trees.Axe in the wood image by yokulla from Fotolia.com
  
  Cutting down trees can be done a variety of ways. Most tree cutting tools can sever all tree types, but a tree's thickness and size are the main factors when deciding what tree cutting tool to use. Using tree cutting devices can be hazardous, so it is essential that you take safe-cutting precautions before operating a tree cutting tool.
  
  

Chainsaw

• Chainsaws are capable of severing thick material such as wood, concrete, brick and natural stone. They are primarily used to cut down heavy duty trees without requiring too much manpower. According to the University of Missouri, chainsaws are also used to clear land, trim trees and cut firewood. Contractors often use them to cut large timbers and cross ties.
  
  

Axe

• An axe is a simple machine designed to shape, split and sever wood, and cut down small or large trees. The axe is a type of wedge, or dual-inclined plane-head, composed of iron, copper, bronze or steel. As with other tree cutting tools, always use axes with caution. Plan larger tree cuts carefully. Axes should cut from a 45-degree notch on the side that the tree will fall towards. Make the cut from the bottom of the notch, about 1/3 down through the tree's diameter. Once the tree begins to fall, leave the area until the tree has completely fallen.
  
  

Pruning Saw

• Pruning saws have strong blades that are used to prune wood and sever small trees and branches. Their blades, which are generally curved and 12 to 16 inches, are able to cut branches up to 6 inches in diameter. Pruning saws are efficient tools for landscaping projects, as they require less force to sever tree branches.