Your Beginner’s Guide to Tree Cutting Gear
🪓 The Best & Most Important Gear for Beginners in Tree Cutting
By Top Branch Tree Service – Certified Arborists Serving Maine
If you're just getting started with tree cutting—whether for yard maintenance or learning the trade—it’s essential to have the right tools and safety equipment. At Top Branch Tree Service, we specialize in high-risk tree removals using advanced techniques and top-of-the-line gear, and we always recommend beginners start with the basics before attempting any major tree work.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important gear every beginner tree cutter should have before picking up a saw.
🧤 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety first, always. PPE is non-negotiable for anyone working with trees and cutting tools.
Helmet with Face Shield & Hearing Protection: Protects your head, eyes, ears, and face from falling branches and loud machinery.
Cut-Resistant Gloves: Keeps your hands safe from sharp tools and splinters.
Chainsaw Chaps or Pants: Made with materials that slow or stop the chain if it contacts your leg.
Steel-Toed Boots: Essential for foot protection and traction on uneven ground.
Safety Glasses: Shields your eyes from debris and wood chips.
🪚 2. Chainsaw – The Core Cutting Tool
For beginners, choose a lightweight, battery-powered chainsaw. They're easier to control and quieter—perfect for smaller jobs and residential use.
Look for models with:
Chain brake
Low kickback bar
Tool-less chain tensioning
Recommended: Stihl MSA 140 C-B or Husqvarna 120i
HERES our favorite saw:
Pro Tip: Always sharpen your chain regularly for cleaner cuts and safer operation.
🌲 3. Hand Tools for Precision Work
These tools are ideal for pruning small branches or shaping trees before making big cuts.
Hand Pruners: Great for small limbs and twigs.
Loppers: For branches up to 1.5 inches thick.
Hand Saw: Essential for controlled cuts in tight spaces.
🧗♂️ 4. Climbing Gear (For Advanced Beginners)
If you're starting to explore climbing, don’t go without proper equipment and training. Improper climbing is extremely dangerous without the right knowledge.
Climbing Saddle: A comfortable and secure seat for ascending trees.
Climbing Rope: Use arborist-grade ropes that can handle weight and wear.
Carabiners & Rope Grab Systems: For securing yourself and moving safely.
Spikes (For Removal Only): Only used when removing a tree, never on live trees you plan to keep.
🧰 5. Basic Ground Gear
Managing your workspace is just as important as cutting.
Rake and Tarp: For easy cleanup.
Wedges: Helps control the direction of your cuts when felling.
Fuel and Chain Oil: Keep everything running smoothly if using gas-powered saws. Oil is needed for every chainsaw.
⚠️ A Word of Caution: Know Your Limits
While it might be tempting to tackle big trees on your own, high-risk removals and large tree cutting projects should always be left to professionals—especially if power lines, buildings, or climbing are involved.
At Top Branch Tree Service, we use advanced climbing methods, battery-powered tools, and the safest gear in the industry to protect your property and the people on it.
📞 Need Help? Call the Pros
Whether you're a homeowner looking to trim a few limbs or facing a dangerous tree near your home, Top Branch Tree Service is here to help. We’re certified arborists with over 50 years of combined experience in tree care throughout Maine.
👉 Contact us today for a free consultation or emergency service.
