Felling the Tree

• 1). Cut a flat cut one-third of the way through the tree at its base. Make this cut on the leaning side of the tree.
  
  
• 2). Cut down toward the flat cut at a 70 to 90 degree angle until you create a notch in the tree.
  
  
• 3). Walk to the back of the tree and make a slight downward cut three inches above the apex of the notch until you hear and see the tree begin to fall.
  
  
• 4). Step back a few feet and allow the tree to fall to the ground.
  
  
• 5). Walk around the fallen tree and cut off all of the limbs sticking out. Cut the limbs off as close to the tree trunk as possible.
  
  
• 6). Remove the cut limbs from the work area.
  
  
• 7). Cut the main leader or trunk of the tree into fence post lengths. This length is usually 6 to 8 feet. Cut down through the tree to make these cuts. Roll the tree, if needed, to finish the cut.
  
  
• 8). Peel the bark off of each fence post using the sharp end of the hammer. The bark will strip off the wood once you get it going with the ax.
  
  
• 9). Lay two railroad ties, on level ground, parallel to one another. Spread them about 5 feet apart.
  
  
• 10
  
  Lay the fence posts horizontally across the railroad ties and allow them to season for a few months before using them.