I just moved and now I have several cedar trees in my yard, some leaning quite dangerously. The biggest trees are about 12 inches across, while most are around 8 inches. I want to cut them down before they fall on something important. I think a 20-inch chainsaw would be overkill, so I'm looking for advice on the smallest saw that would still get the job done effectively. Since I've never used a chainsaw before, I have some questions: should I go for a top-handle or a regular design? If I choose a top-handle, would a 12-inch or a 14-inch be better? And what about a regular chainsaw, is a 14-inch or 15-inch a better option? Once I cut these trees down, I'll need to chop them up for firewood, so I want to know which type would work best for that, too.
2 Answers
For your needs, I recommend sticking with a good 16-inch rear handle saw. A top-handle chainsaw is more commonly used by professionals working in trees, so it might not be the best fit for a homeowner like you. Plus, the 16-inch is a versatile choice for most yard work.
You can't go wrong with a Stihl saw, trust me. They're known for durability and performance.
I considered gas-powered models, but I think electric will suit my needs better. Plus, I already have Milwaukee batteries, so I’d prefer to stick with that brand for compatibility.
I was considering the top-handle saw because it was on sale and got good reviews, but after your advice, I dug deeper and it seems the regular one is a safer bet. Thanks for clarifying that! I’ll wait and see if anyone else has more recommendations.