How can I cut Leylandis?

[MisterBoy]

Not seen one of those before but if they're that chunky a petrol pole saw struggles I think you really need to be at the height you're cutting for control.
I've seen people user a recip saw for this but really the right tool is a chainsaw especially if there are several to do

 

[Munroast]

Thanks for all.your replies, I used a petrol pole pruner last time which is like a small chainsaw, it was hard work and I had to keep dismantling it to get the bits out that clogged it up.
They are pretty high.
What about a long handle reciprocating saw?

how were you going to get up there with a circular saw ?

What is the diameter of the trunk where you want to cut it ? I'm guess if there is only 8 foot above that point then it will be about 4" ? or has it previously been cut

 

[Gary111]

Hi I would use ladders , it's been cut around 7 years ago.
I don't know the diameter but I know it's deep so a lot of them to cut

 

[Gary111]

Thanks for all your replies, looks like I need to get a chainsaw for this.
Will any old cheap one do , or do I need a petrol one?
I don't want it to be too heavy ideally!

 

[HERTS P&D]

Gary, still waiting for you to tell us if your are the landlord or renting?

Andy

 

[Munroast]

Thanks for all your replies, looks like I need to get a chainsaw for this.
Will any old cheap one do , or do I need a petrol one?
I don't want it to be too heavy ideally!

unless you have years of experience with a chainsaw do not go up a set of ladders with one, this would be a stupidly dangerous think to do. In fact I have years of experience with a chainsaw and I wouldn't do what you are suggesting.

 

[Notch7]

Thanks for all your replies, looks like I need to get a chainsaw for this.
Will any old cheap one do , or do I need a petrol one?
I don't want it to be too heavy ideally!

get yourself one of these

I bought one a few years back, I used it in a joinery company to cut 3" hardwood boards to length -it worked pretty well for quite a few years

last year I used it to cut down a 20'0 apple tree in to bits

Titan TTL758CHN 2000W 230V Electric 40cm Chainsaw

Order online at Screwfix.com. Electric chainsaw with powerful motor and automatic chain lubrication. Chain brake activates in less than 0.1 seconds for added operator safety. Suitable for cutting firewood. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 5 minutes.

www.screwfix.com

 

[Notch7]

I would add you are best to trim off as much as you can with a hedge trimmer and loppers first to expose the trunk

 

[MisterBoy]

Gary, still waiting for you to tell us if your are the landlord or renting?

Andy

It's not really our business but I'm not sure why you assume it's not his house in the first place. Seems you're only asking so you can criticise?

 

[mattylad]

I too have several small trees that need cutting down.

Yet I would not even consider buying a chainsaw to do it, not unless I was to get training to use one - those mofo's are damn dangerous.

 

[MisterBoy]

I too have several small trees that need cutting down.

Yet I would not even consider buying a chainsaw to do it, not unless I was to get training to use one - those mofo's are damn dangerous.

It's surprising what you can do with a hand saw, those Japanese pruning saws are great.
That said, basic chainsaw safety is not hard, even speaking as someone who is quite cautious... Removing limbs or feeling small trees is quite reasonable. But I'm really strict about PPE even for minor work and I wouldn't use it one handed, up a ladder/tree, etc. I've spent time seeing the right way to cut. I find the circular saw equally terrifying

 

[HERTS P&D]

It's not really our business but I'm not sure why you assume it's not his house in the first place. Seems you're only asking so you can criticise?

If he is renting then he could go back to the agent/landlord, they have a duty of care. Just trying to work out who takes responsibility.

Andy

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I know they are slower, but a recip saw is a lot safer than a chain saw, at least for the untrained. Faster than a bow saw, too

 

[Why Not Indeed]

I've used a cheap recip with a 300mm [ish?] wood blade to prune mine and it worked a treat.

 

[Mottie]

I've got some leylandis that need cutting, what's the easiest way of doing it myself please?
I'm wondering about using a circulat saw as my pruner with a chain clogs up on this kind of thing.

I saw these on the way to work the other day. Reminded me of this thread.