How to Remove Maple Trees Yourself
- 1). Walk around the maple tree and look for clues that indicate the direction it will fall --- if it leans to one side, or if there are more branches on a particular side. Determine the landing area, the area where it will fall after it is cut. Clear out the landing area to remove obstructions when it falls.
- 2). Trim heavy, overgrown and large branches of the maple to reduce its weight with pruning shears. Use a pole saw to access taller branches.
- 3). Stand next to the maple tree in the direction it will fall and make the undercut -- the wedge that is comprised of two cuts. Position the blade of the chain saw at an angle against the wood and turn it on so it penetrates the trunk at a 45-degree angle and cuts to one-third of the thickness.
- 4). Hold the blade parallel to the ground and cut through the trunk so you meet the lower tip of the previous cut, forming a wedge. Tap the wedge with a hammer to release it from the trunk.
- 5). Make the back cut 2 inches above the hinge of the undercut on the other side of the maple tree. Hold the blade of the chain saw parallel to the ground and begin cutting through the wood until you are a few inches away from the undercut. The tiny section of wood between the two cuts serves as the hinge the maple tree pivots on before it falls.
- 6). Go to a safe spot opposite the direction the maple tree will fall immediately after forming the back cut. The tree will fall to the ground, leaving a stump. Saw excess stump so it rests 10 inches above the ground.
- 7). Dig a trench around the stump to expose its roots. Sever the roots with a pruning saw to loosen their hold on the maple stump. Insert the shovel under the root ball to loosen the stump from the soil.
- 8). Wind metal chain around the stump and insert its ends in the hitch of a tractor or truck parked near the stump. Turn the tractor's engine on and bring it into gear. Press and release the accelerator at a steady pace so the chain tugs the stump and pulls it out. The stump initially resists the force but gives in as its roots cut due to the tugging.
Source...