Chainsaw Safety & Tree Felling: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Chainsaws are some of the most effective tools for property management, but they are also among the most dangerous when used incorrectly. 

In South Africa, chainsaw-related accidents are far more common than most homeowners realise, ranging from deep lacerations and fractures to severe property damage. Add to this the risks of felling trees near homes or powerlines, and it’s clear why arborists treat chainsaw work with such caution.

For Western Cape homeowners, this guide provides a practical, no-nonsense overview of chainsaw safety, maintenance, and responsible tree care. Whether you use a chainsaw occasionally or are considering tackling tree trimming yourself, the information here will help you understand the risks, the best practices and when to step back and call in professionals.

Chainsaw Maintenance: A Maintained Saw is a Safe Saw

A chainsaw is not a “grab and go” tool. Like a car, it requires regular checks to remain safe and effective. A dull, neglected saw is not only harder to use but far more dangerous.

Key maintenance areas every homeowner should know:

Maintenance Task	What to Do	Why It Matters
Sharpen the chain	File evenly with guide	Prevents kickback, smoother cuts
Check chain tension	Snug but pulls by hand	Too tight = engine strain; too loose = derailment
Oil & lubrication	Keep bar/chain oiled	Reduces friction and wear
Clean air filter	Brush/replace if clogged	Prevents overheating and power loss
Inspect spark plug	Clean or replace	Reliable starting and fuel efficiency
Fuel care	Fresh, correct mix	Prevents carburettor issues
Bar care	Clean groove, rotate	Promotes even wear, consistent oiling
Test safety systems	Chain brake & throttle lock	Essential last-line protection

👉 See the full breakdown here: [The Real Reason Your Chainsaw Is Underperforming].

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Your Last Line of Defence

Chainsaws can cut through dense timber in seconds. That same power is unforgiving when it meets a human body. PPE won’t make you invincible, but it dramatically reduces the severity of accidents.

Essential PPE for chainsaw users:

• Helmet with visor and earmuffs: Protects against falling branches, splinters, and hearing loss (chainsaws often exceed 100 dB).

• Chainsaw chaps or pants: Made of fibres that jam the chain before it reaches your skin. They can turn a catastrophic cut into a close call.

• Gloves: Not just for grip. Chainsaw gloves reduce vibration damage and protect against cuts.

• Safety boots: Look for steel toe caps, cut-resistant uppers, and anti-slip soles. A proper chainsaw boot, like Jim Green’s forestry range, protects the whole lower leg.

• Eye protection: Even with a visor, goggles or glasses, prevent fine chips and dust from reaching your eyes.

Remember: PPE is a system. Skip one part, and you weaken the whole chain of protection.

👉 For a detailed breakdown of chainsaw PPE and why it matters, read: What PPE Do You Actually Need for Chainsaw Safety?

Safe Chainsaw Operation Techniques: Respect the Tool

Even with a well-maintained saw and the right gear, poor technique causes accidents. Chainsaws demand respect, patience, and correct handling.

Before you start cutting:

• Conduct a pre-use inspection (fuel, chain, safety systems).

• Clear your workspace of trip hazards, pets, and bystanders.

• Plan your cut and identify at least two escape routes.

Golden Rules of Safe Operation

Do	Don’t
Use both hands, both feet on the ground	Cut above shoulder height
Plan cuts and escape route before starting	Stand directly behind the saw
Keep others at least 2× tree height away	Work when fatigued or distracted
Engage chain brake when moving	Carry a running saw without brake engaged
Stand slightly to the side of the bar	Ignore kickback risk zones

👉 Step-by-step safety guide here: The Essential Guide to Chainsaw Safety

Is My Tree Safe to Fell?

Not all trees can or should be felled by a homeowner. What looks manageable from the ground often hides serious risks.

Signs your tree may be dangerous:

• Dead or cracked branches overhanging roofs, driveways, or pathways.

• Hollow trunks or fungal growth at the base.

• Trees leaning at unusual angles, especially after storms.

• Root damage or soil erosion around the base.

• Proximity to powerlines, fences, or foundations.

  
  

Risks of DIY removal:

• Unpredictable movement: A tree doesn’t always fall where you expect.

• Property damage: One wrong cut can crush a roof, wall, or vehicle.

• Personal injury: Falling limbs, chainsaw kickback, and climbing accidents are common in DIY attempts.

• Electrical hazards: Cutting near live wires is extremely dangerous without the right training and clearance protocols.

  
  

Rule of thumb: If a tree is taller than twice your height, leaning, near a structure, or diseased, it’s time to call in a professional.

👉 For a full guide to assessing tree risk and what arborists look for, read: Is My Tree Safe? Here’s How to Know When It’s Time for Professional Removal

Professional vs DIY Tree Trimming and Felling

Some work is safe for homeowners: pruning small branches from the ground, shaping hedges, or removing lightweight limbs with hand tools. But for anything beyond that, the risks outweigh the rewards.

DIY vs Professional: Which Jobs Are Safe?

Task	DIY Safe?	Better Left to Pros?
Light pruning (small, ground-level branches)	✔ Yes	–
Seasonal pruning of fruit trees	✔ Yes (with care)	–
Hedge shaping	✔ Yes	–
Large tree felling	–	✔ No – requires rigging & planning
Trees near powerlines, fences, homes	–	✔ No – safety risk
Storm-damaged/diseased trees	–	✔ No – unpredictable
Trimming above shoulder height	–	✔ No – high injury risk

Chainsaws are powerful, but power without knowledge is dangerous. While homeowners can manage minor pruning, anything involving heavy cuts, tall trees, or chainsaw felling is best left to professionals. At Overberg Arborists, we prioritise safety, sustainability, and peace of mind.

When in doubt, call for an assessment. A short consultation is far cheaper (and safer) than hospital bills or property repairs.

If you’re unsure whether your tree is safe to tackle, book a consultation with Overberg Arborists. We’ll give you an honest assessment and a clear plan. No surprises, no pressure.

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