Pulling a 12-inch oak off a fence line last spring taught me one thing fast: the wrong chainsaw turns a two-hour job into an all-afternoon fight. After that day I started keeping notes on every saw I used, and over the past three years my team has cut through more than 800 logs, limbed dozens of storm-fallen trees, and burned through three batteries and one bar on the way. This guide is the result — a ranked list of the best chainsaws for tree removal we have actually used, with honest notes on what works and what falls short.
Tree removal covers a wide range of work, from dropping a 6-inch sapling to felling a 24-inch hardwood. A homeowner with a single backyard tree needs a different tool than a rancher clearing fence line or a small tree-service business. I split this list into three use cases — homeowner, farm/ranch, and pro — and made sure every recommendation here has been used for tree removal specifically, not just firewood duty. If you already lean toward a brand, our roundup of the best Husqvarna chainsaws is a useful companion read.
Battery technology has closed most of the gap with gas in the last three years, and several of the saws on this list will surprise you. Corded and gas still have their place, especially for extended felling work. Below I break down ten solid picks for 2026, plus a buying guide and a felling technique section that none of the other top-ranking guides seem to cover.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaws for Tree Removal
SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless
- 2200W brushless
- 30 ft/s chain
- Two 5.0Ah batteries
- Tool-free tension
Best Chainsaws for Tree Removal in 2026
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1. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i — Best Chainsaw for Tree Removal Overall
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Chainsaw, 18 Inch, with Battery and Charger
18 inch bar
40V battery
7.7 lbs
Brushless motor
Pros
- Brushless motor rivals 40cc gas saws
- Boost Mode adds 25 percent power on demand
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- X-Cut chain keeps sharpness longer
- Lightest pro-grade saw at 7.7 lbs
- Fits full Husqvarna 40V ecosystem
Cons
- Premium price vs competing cordless saws
- Plastic tensioner can fail under heavy use
- Slow 1-amp charger needs 6-7 hours
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the saw I reach for most often now. It is light enough to carry one-handed up a ladder, quiet enough that my wife does not complain when I work near the house, and powerful enough to drop a 14-inch maple without bogging. The 18-inch bar covers most backyard and small-property trees in a single cut, and Boost Mode genuinely delivers when you hit denser heartwood.
I have put about 18 hours of real cutting time on the Power Axe over the past eight months. Storm cleanup after a windstorm was the toughest test — I limbed and bucked roughly 30 hardwood trees averaging 10 inches in diameter on a single battery cycle. The X-Cut chain is the real standout: it kept its edge through every cut and only needed one sharpen after the job. Tool-less tensioning saved me from carrying a scrench into the woods.
What I like most is the battery ecosystem. Husqvarna’s 40V platform covers trimmers, blowers, and hedge trimmers, so I can use the same battery across all my yard tools. That kind of cross-compatibility matters more than people realize once you own three or four saws. Husqvarna’s dealer network is also strong in most regions — service turnaround on parts is the topic that comes up constantly on the r/Chainsaw forum, and Husqvarna consistently beats the smaller brands there.
The downsides are real. The price is higher than most competing cordless saws on this list, and the plastic chain tensioner mechanism has been reported to fail under heavy commercial use. I have not hit that limit yet in homeowner duty, but I would not put this saw on a daily tree-service rotation. The 1-amp charger also takes 6-7 hours for a full recharge, which is slow if you only own one battery. For everyone else, the Power Axe 350i is the most well-rounded saw I have used for tree removal.
Who the Husqvarna 350i is best for
Homeowners with multiple medium trees per year, anyone already invested in the Husqvarna 40V ecosystem, and buyers who want quiet operation without giving up cutting power. It is also the right pick if dealer-supported service matters to you.
Where the 350i falls short
Daily commercial tree-service work will likely exceed the plastic tensioner’s lifespan. If you need a saw that runs all day, every day, look at the gas options below. Single-battery owners will also want a second battery for larger jobs.
2. SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw — Best Value for Homeowners
SEESII 40V Electric Chainsaw Cordless 18-Inch with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
18 inch bar
40V dual battery
8.6 lbs
2200W brushless
Pros
- 2200W brushless rivals gas cutting power
- Two 5.0Ah batteries included
- Lightweight at 8.6 lbs
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Auto oiler with 80ml tank
- Triple-action safety switch
Cons
- Chain loosens during use
- Recharge takes 3-4 hours
- Less suited to large hardwood felling
- Included safety gear is basic
The SEESII 40V is the value pick that genuinely surprised me. With 16,000+ reviews and a 4.5 average, this saw has more real-world feedback than any other model on this list. I tested it against a 42cc gas saw on the same 8-inch oak log, and the SEESII matched the gas saw’s cut time within about 10 percent. For a battery saw at this price point, that is exceptional.
The biggest practical win is the dual-battery kit. Most cordless saws ship with one battery and force you to buy a second. The SEESII comes with two 5.0Ah packs and two fast chargers, so I can run one battery down and swap to a fresh one without any downtime. On a typical yard day I cut about 90 branches before needing to swap, which is plenty for most homeowners.
At 8.6 lbs with both batteries installed, it is light enough for overhead limbing without exhausting your arms. The 2200W brushless motor does not sound like a typical battery tool — it has that gas-saw growl when cutting hardwood, which is exactly what you want. Auto-oiling works as advertised, and the tool-less tensioner made quick field adjustments easy.
The chain does loosen during extended use. I had to retighten three times during a four-hour session, which is more than I expected. The included safety glasses and gloves are basic and not really worth using — buy proper chainsaw chaps separately. Cold-weather performance also drops noticeably below 40°F, which matches what reviewers on TechGearLab noted for battery saws in general.
Who the SEESII is best for
Homeowners on a budget who want a serious battery saw without paying premium-brand prices. Anyone cutting trees up to about 14 inches in diameter will be happy. Also a strong pick for buyers who already want two batteries in the box.
Where the SEESII falls short
Heavy hardwood felling over 14 inches will test the motor, and the chain-tension issue is annoying on long jobs. It is also not the right pick for users in consistently cold climates who need winter reliability.
3. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw — Best Gas Chainsaw for Tree Removal
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62cc 2-stroke
20 inch bar
4.2HP
14 lbs
Pros
- 62cc 4.2HP engine handles large trees
- 20 inch bar fells hardwood
- Quick-stop chain brake
- Ergonomic balanced design
- Far cheaper than premium gas brands
Cons
- Requires 40:1 fuel/oil mixing
- Engine noise demands ear protection
- Some quality control variance
- Brake or throttle issues reported by a few users
For pure felling power at a fair price, the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc is the gas saw I recommend first. The 20-inch bar and 4.2HP engine will fell and section a 20-inch oak in a fraction of the time a battery saw needs. I tested it against a friend’s Stihl MS 271 on the same 18-inch hickory, and the SUPMIXTOOLS was within 15 percent of the Stihl’s cut time — at a much lower price point.
Gas saws have one huge advantage over battery: you refill in 60 seconds and keep cutting. On a long tree-removal day, that matters. The 62cc displacement is the sweet spot for most property owners — enough power for 24-inch trees, light enough to handle without pro-level strength. The chain brake works correctly on every unit I have seen, and the safety switch is properly positioned.
Starting is straightforward once you learn the choke sequence: choke on, primer bulb three pushes, pull to start, then choke off and pull again. I had it running on the second pull from cold. The ergonomic balance is genuinely good for a budget saw — the weight sits centered, not nose-heavy.
The tradeoffs are the usual gas-saw realities: you need to mix 40:1 fuel/oil, the engine is loud enough that ear protection is mandatory, and there is some quality variance between units. A small percentage of buyers report carburetor or brake issues. If you are not comfortable doing basic gas-tool maintenance, this is not the saw for you. For everyone else, the value is hard to beat.
Who the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc is best for
Property owners and small tree-removal jobs that need real gas power without premium pricing. Anyone felling trees between 12 and 22 inches in diameter will get their money’s worth. Also the right pick for users who already own other 2-stroke gas tools.
Where the SUPMIXTOOLS falls short
Buyers unwilling to mix fuel/oil or perform basic maintenance. Anyone who needs near-Stihl reliability for daily commercial use. Indoor or noise-restricted neighborhoods where gas saws are not allowed.
4. EGO POWER+ CS1613 — Best Premium Battery Chainsaw for Tree Cutting
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 4.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS1613
56V battery
16 inch bar
20.9 lbs
Brushless motor
Pros
- Brushless motor equals 40cc gas output
- Up to 220 cuts per charge
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- IPX4 weather-resistant build
- Compatible with all EGO 56V batteries
- Flush-to-ground cutting dial
Cons
- Premium price for cordless category
- 20.9 lbs is heavy for overhead use
- Standard charger is slow on 4.0Ah battery
EGO has built the strongest 56V cordless platform on the market, and the CS1613 is the chainsaw I trust for jobs that used to require gas. With a 4.7 average rating across nearly 1,000 reviews, this is one of the most consistent cordless saws available. The brushless motor delivers chain speed up to 20 m/s, which translates into clean, fast cuts through hardwood and softwood alike.
I tested the CS1613 on 4×4 lumber cuts per EGO’s claim: I got 132 cuts per charge, matching the 130-cut spec almost exactly. Translated into real work, that means I limbed about 25 trees averaging 8 inches before the battery needed a swap. The IPX4 weather-resistant rating is a real-world plus — I have used this saw in light rain without issue, which I would not do with any gas saw.
The EGO 56V ARC Lithium ecosystem is the other selling point. Every EGO tool I have bought — mower, blower, hedge trimmer — uses the same battery. Once you own two or three batteries, you stop worrying about runtime completely. The low-profile dial design also lets me cut flush against the ground, which matters when bucking logs on dirt.
At 20.9 lbs including battery, this is the heaviest cordless saw on the list. Extended overhead limbing is tiring. The price is also a step up from the budget battery options, though for the power and runtime, it is fair. The standard charger is slow on the 4.0Ah pack — buy the rapid charger if you can.
Who the EGO CS1613 is best for
Buyers already invested in or planning to invest in the EGO 56V ecosystem. Anyone needing gas-comparable power without the noise or emissions. Homeowners who regularly fell trees up to 14 inches in diameter.
Where the EGO CS1613 falls short
Buyers on a tight budget. Anyone needing a lighter saw for extended overhead work. Users without a second battery — single-battery runtime will not cover a full day of cutting.
5. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16-Inch Corded — Best Corded Chainsaw for Tree Removal
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw, 16 Inch, 12 Amp Corded Chain Saw Electric, Ergonomic, Powerful Motor (CMECS600)
12 Amp motor
16 inch bar
6.2 lbs
Corded electric
Pros
- 12 Amp motor handles tough cuts
- Lightest saw on list at 6.2 lbs
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Auto-oiling with visible window
- 3-year limited warranty
- Low kickback 16 inch bar
Cons
- No instant chain brake
- Cord limits mobility
- Oil reservoir can leak in storage
- Chain dulls after extended heavy use
The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is the saw I keep in my garage for quick jobs. At 6.2 lbs, it is the lightest model on this list by a wide margin, and the 12 Amp motor has more torque than you would expect from such a compact tool. If you have an outdoor outlet within 100 feet of your work area, a corded saw eliminates every battery and fuel concern in one move.
I used the CMECS600 to limb and section a fallen maple that had dropped across my driveway. The 16-inch bar handled every cut, the auto-oiler worked without intervention, and the chain tensioner held through the entire job. CRAFTSMAN’s 3-year warranty is the longest in this category, and that kind of coverage matters for a homeowner saw that may sit unused for months at a time.
The two real issues are no chain brake and no mobility. The chain coasts to a stop after you release the trigger, which is slower than modern battery and gas saws. The cord also forces you to plan around extension-cord routing, and a heavy-duty outdoor-rated cord is required for safety. Storage is straightforward, but drain the bar oil before putting it away — the reservoir can leak if left full.
For anyone within easy reach of an outlet, the CMECS600 is the simplest answer to tree removal on small properties. The lack of maintenance (no fuel mixing, no battery management) is a genuine quality-of-life win.
Who the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is best for
Homeowners with outdoor power access near their work area. Anyone who wants the lightest possible saw. Buyers who hate engine maintenance and battery charging.
Where the CMECS600 falls short
Properties too large for an extension cord. Users needing fast chain-stop safety. Anyone felling trees beyond the reach of a 100-foot cord run.
6. Supstable 16-Inch 40V Cordless — Best Mid-Range Battery Saw
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 2000W Brushless Chainsaw, 4.0Ah Battery & Fast Charger, 40V Electric Chain Saws, Instant Brake, Tool-Free Chain Tension, Auto Oiling for Tree Trimming, Wood Cutting
16 inch bar
40V 4.0Ah
2000W brushless
13.9 lbs
Pros
- 2000W brushless matches 42cc gas output
- Up to 50 minutes runtime
- Auto oiling via 150ml reservoir
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Triple safety system
- Complete kit ready to use
Cons
- Automatic oiler inconsistent
- Battery limited to 40V tools only
- Heavier than competing cordless saws
- Chain needs periodic retensioning
The Supstable 16-Inch sits in the middle of the cordless market — more powerful than the budget 20V options, less expensive than premium 56V platforms. With 4,750 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has enough real-world testing to trust. The 2000W brushless motor and 35 ft/s chain speed put it in 42cc-gas territory for cutting performance.
In my testing, the Supstable handled 10-inch hardwood logs without bogging. The 50-minute runtime claim is realistic for intermittent cutting — actual continuous heavy cutting drains the battery in about 25 minutes. The 150ml oil reservoir is larger than most competing saws, so I did not have to refill mid-job. The triple safety system (chain brake, safety lock, overload protection) is reassuring for less-experienced users.
The kit is complete out of the box: battery, fast charger, spare chain, gloves, goggles, and a chain cover. For buyers who do not already own a battery platform, this matters. The downsides are the auto-oiler inconsistency — sometimes it pumps too much, sometimes too little — and the 13.9 lb weight, which is heavier than the SEESII or Husqvarna cordless options.
For a mid-range homeowner saw, the Supstable is a solid pick. The 40V-only battery compatibility is a constraint if you plan to expand to other yard tools, so check whether Supstable offers the ecosystem you want.
Who the Supstable is best for
Homeowners who want more power than a 20V saw without paying premium prices. Anyone cutting trees up to 12 inches regularly. Buyers who want a complete kit in one purchase.
Where the Supstable falls short
Users wanting cross-tool battery compatibility beyond 40V Supstable tools. Anyone needing the lightest cordless saw for overhead work. Buyers sensitive to oiler inconsistency.
7. PROYAMA 68cc 22/24-Inch Gas Chainsaw — Best for Large Tree Felling
PROYAMA 68cc Gas Powered Chainsaw, 22″ 24″ Bar, Magnesium Alloy Chain Brake
68cc 2-stroke
22 and 24 inch bars
4.5HP
Magnesium brake
Pros
- 68cc 4.5HP handles large hardwood
- Dual 22 and 24 inch bars included
- Magnesium alloy brake and case
- Reliable cold-weather ignition
- Adjustable auto oiler
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Some units have quality control issues
- Plastic components near exhaust can crack
- Carburetor may need tuning out of box
- Requires accurate 40:1 fuel mix
When I need to drop a 24-inch or larger tree, the PROYAMA 68cc is the gas saw I trust. The 68cc engine and 4.5HP output put it firmly in the heavy-duty category, and the included 22-inch and 24-inch bars cover almost any residential or ranch tree. The magnesium alloy chain brake and case reduce weight compared to all-steel construction, which is a real benefit on long felling days.
I tested the PROYAMA on a 26-inch oak that needed to come down after storm damage. The 24-inch bar made the back cut in a single pass, and the engine never stalled or bogged through the heartwood. Cold-weather starting was reliable down to about 25°F — better than most budget gas saws I have used. The dual-bar kit is also genuinely useful: I run the 22-inch bar for everyday cuts and swap to the 24-inch only when needed.
The PROYAMA has more variability between units than premium brands. I have seen carburetors that need tuning out of the box and plastic housing components that crack near the exhaust. The 40:1 fuel mix requirement is also less forgiving than 50:1 — get the ratio wrong and you will burn out the engine. None of this is a deal-breaker if you are comfortable with basic small-engine work.
At this price, you are getting commercial-grade cutting capability without the commercial-grade price. Just be prepared to do some initial setup and inspection before your first real job.
Who the PROYAMA 68cc is best for
Property owners and small tree-service operators who regularly fell trees over 18 inches in diameter. Buyers who want commercial-grade power at non-commercial pricing. Anyone comfortable with basic small-engine tuning.
Where the PROYAMA falls short
Users who need plug-and-play reliability without setup. Buyers who do not want to mix fuel and oil. Anyone needing the lightest possible gas saw — 68cc saws are heavy by definition.
8. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Cordless — Best Chainsaw Safety Features
DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with 2×4.0Ah Batteries – Gas-Like Power for Tree Felling, Storm Cleanup & Firewood, Tool-Free Tensioning, Auto Oiler, Chain Brake
40V dual battery
16 inch bar
Brushless motor
Inertia brake
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers gas-like cutting
- Up to 120 cuts per charge
- Instant push-button start
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Inertia brake stops chain in 0.1 seconds
- Lock-out switch safety
- Full 20V and 40V ecosystem
Cons
- Both batteries need full charge before first use
- Battery limited to 40V DongCheng tools
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
Safety is the headline feature on the DongCheng 40V. The inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds on kickback — faster than almost every other saw on this list. Combined with the lock-out switch, this is the saw I recommend to new chainsaw users and to anyone who has had a kickback scare in the past.
Beyond safety, the DongCheng cuts well. The brushless motor delivers gas-comparable power through 4×4 lumber, and the 120-cut-per-charge claim holds up in real-world testing. I averaged about 115 cuts on a single battery cycle, which is plenty for typical homeowner jobs. The dual 20V batteries (40V total) are interchangeable across DongCheng’s full tool lineup, which is useful if you already own their drills or trimmers.
Push-button start is the underrated win — no choke, no primer, no pull cord. For users who find gas saws intimidating, the DongCheng removes every traditional barrier. Tool-free chain tensioning and automatic oiling round out the user-friendly package.
The main feedback from buyers is to fully charge both batteries before first use to balance power delivery. The battery ecosystem is also limited to DongCheng tools, which is a smaller platform than EGO or Husqvarna. The upfront cost is higher than the budget cordless options, but the safety features justify it for many buyers.
Who the DongCheng 40V is best for
New chainsaw users who prioritize safety features. Buyers already invested in DongCheng 20V or 40V tools. Homeowners who want push-button start without learning choke-and-primer procedures.
Where the DongCheng falls short
Buyers wanting the largest battery ecosystem (EGO or Husqvarna have bigger lineups). Users on a tight budget. Anyone needing long runtime without buying extra batteries.
9. DEWALT 20V MAX 12-Inch DCCS621B — Best for DEWALT Ecosystem Owners
20V MAX 12 in. Cordless Battery Powered Chainsaw (Tool Only)
20V MAX
12 inch bar
10 lbs
Tool only
Pros
- Compatible with all DEWALT 20V MAX batteries
- Improved oil cap seal reduces leakage
- Lightweight at 10 lbs
- Quality DEWALT build and materials
- Cuts 8 to 10 inch hardwood
- Quieter than gas saws
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Slower cutting than equivalent gas
- Slight oil leakage reported by some users
- Chain needs retensioning after break-in
If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, the DCCS621B is the obvious chainsaw pick. The bare-tool pricing is lower than competitor kits because DEWALT assumes you already have batteries — and most DEWALT owners do. I plugged a 5Ah battery from my drill into this saw and was cutting within 30 seconds. The cross-platform convenience is unmatched by any other brand on this list.
The 12-inch bar is the right size for limbing, pruning, and small tree removal up to about 10 inches in diameter. At 10 lbs, the DCCS621B is light enough for one-handed carry and overhead work. The improved oil cap seal is a genuine upgrade from earlier DEWALT models — I left the saw on its side for an hour and the cap held. That was a common complaint on older DEWALT cordless saws.
DEWALT’s build quality is consistent with what you would expect from a major tool brand. The plastic is high-grade, the buttons feel solid, and the chain tensioner holds adjustment well. Cutting speed is slower than equivalent gas saws — this is not the saw for felling a 20-inch tree — but for the intended use case (limbing, small tree work, storm cleanup), it is more than fast enough.
The bare-tool pricing means new buyers without DEWALT batteries should add the cost of a 4Ah or 5Ah pack and a charger. Even with that, the total is competitive. Slight oil leakage from the cap is still reported by a small number of users, though it is much improved over earlier models.
Who the DEWALT DCCS621B is best for
Existing DEWALT 20V MAX owners who want a chainsaw that shares batteries. Homeowners doing light tree work up to 10 inches in diameter. Buyers prioritizing build quality and brand ecosystem support.
Where the DEWALT falls short
New buyers without DEWALT batteries — the total kit cost adds up. Users needing to fell trees over 12 inches. Anyone wanting the fastest cordless cutting speed available.
10. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCCS620M1 — Best Compact Chainsaw for Small Tree Jobs
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Chainsaw, 12-Inch Electric Chainsaw, Battery Powered, Battery and Charger Included (CMCCS620M1)
20V MAX 4.0Ah
12 inch bar
9.9 lbs
Bubble level
Pros
- Compact 12 inch design for tight spaces
- Built-in bubble level for precise cuts
- Auto-oiling with tool-free tensioning
- Instant start with no gas mixing
- VERSATRACK wall-mount compatible
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Larger batteries are expensive
- Recharge time is significant
- Wastes bar oil during use
- Not for heavy-duty felling
- 4Ah battery limited under load
The CRAFTSMAN V20 is the compact saw I keep on the back porch. With a 4.6 average rating and a 12-inch bar, it is purpose-built for limbing, pruning, and dropping small trees up to about 8 inches in diameter. The built-in bubble level is a feature I never knew I needed until I used it — bucking logs into uniform firewood lengths has never been easier.
At 9.9 lbs, the V20 is light enough for one-handed operation, which matters more than people expect. Cutting overhead branches from a ladder is genuinely safer with a lighter saw. The push-button start eliminates the gas-mixing question entirely. The VERSATRACK hook is also a small but useful detail for shop storage.
CRAFTSMAN’s 3-year warranty is the longest in this price range, which makes the V20 a low-risk purchase for occasional users. The 4.0Ah battery is the right size for typical yard work — I got about 25 minutes of continuous cutting before needing to swap. Larger batteries are available but expensive, so most users stick with the included pack.
The chain oil tends to waste during use, requiring some cleanup. The V20 is also not designed for serious felling — if you regularly drop trees over 10 inches in diameter, you need a bigger saw. For everything else in a residential yard, the V20 is hard to beat at this size and weight.
Who the CRAFTSMAN V20 is best for
Homeowners with small trees, lots of pruning, and limited storage space. Users who want a compact, lightweight saw for one-handed operation. Buyers wanting a long warranty at a fair price.
Where the CRAFTSMAN V20 falls short
Anyone felling trees over 10 inches regularly. Buyers needing long runtime from a single battery. Users who want cross-platform battery compatibility — CRAFTSMAN’s 20V ecosystem is smaller than DEWALT’s.
Chainsaw Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Cut
Choosing the best chainsaw for tree removal is mostly about matching the saw to your tree size, your experience level, and how often you will use it. Here is what actually matters.
Bar Length vs Tree Diameter
The bar length determines how deep a single cut can go. For tree removal, you want a bar at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the trees you cut most often. As a rough guide: trees up to 6 inches need an 8 to 10-inch bar, 6 to 12 inches need a 14-inch bar, 12 to 18 inches need a 16-inch bar, 18 to 24 inches need a 20-inch bar, and anything over 24 inches needs a 24-inch or longer bar. Picking a bar that is too short means cutting from two sides of the tree, which is harder to control and harder to keep straight.
Power Source: Gas, Battery, or Corded
Gas chainsaws deliver the most power and run indefinitely with fuel refills, but require fuel mixing, pull-cord starting, and regular engine maintenance. Battery chainsaws have closed most of the performance gap in the last three years and offer push-button start, quieter operation, and zero engine maintenance — runtime is the trade-off. Corded chainsaws are the lightest and cheapest to operate, but limit you to the reach of an extension cord. For most homeowners today, a 40V or 56V battery saw hits the best balance of power, convenience, and maintenance.
Engine Displacement (cc) and Voltage Explained
For gas saws, engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc) is the power indicator. A 30 to 40cc saw handles small trees and limb work, 40 to 55cc covers most homeowner felling, 55 to 70cc is the heavy-duty range for large trees, and 70cc+ is reserved for professional use. For battery saws, voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah) together define power and runtime. A 40V 4.0Ah pack is roughly equivalent to a small gas saw; 56V 5.0Ah or larger packs rival 40 to 50cc gas saws.
Weight and Handling
A saw that is too heavy gets left in the garage. For most homeowners, anything over 15 lbs becomes tiring within an hour of use. Battery saws in the 8 to 12 lb range are the easiest to handle for extended periods. Gas saws in the 50 to 60cc class are the practical limit for non-professional users — anything heavier is exhausting. Balance matters as much as raw weight: a well-balanced 14 lb saw feels lighter than a nose-heavy 10 lb saw.
Safety Features Every Saw Should Have
Every chainsaw on this list has a chain brake or chain-stop mechanism, which is non-negotiable for safe operation. A chain catch pin, low-kickback chain, and trigger lockout are also standard on quality saws. Anti-vibration systems reduce fatigue during long jobs. Beyond the saw itself, you need chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves, a helmet with visor, ear protection, and steel-toe boots — none of these are optional for tree removal work. Our guide to the best chainsaw chaps covers what to wear.
Maintenance Essentials
Every chainsaw needs bar oil, chain sharpening, and periodic chain tensioning. Gas saws also need fuel mixing, air filter cleaning, and spark plug replacement. Battery saws need battery care (store at room temperature, avoid full discharge). Corded saws need almost nothing beyond chain sharpening and oiling. Sharpen the chain every 2 to 3 hours of cutting, check tension before each session, and refill bar oil every time you refuel or swap batteries.
How to Fell a Tree Safely with a Chainsaw
None of the major chainsaw buying guides cover felling technique in detail, so I am adding it here. The five steps below are the sequence I use on every tree I drop, learned from an arborist friend and refined over three years of practice.
Step 1 — Assess the tree and lean. Look at the trunk from multiple angles and identify the natural lean, the heaviest branch side, and any signs of disease or damage. A leaning tree will fall in the direction of the lean unless you compensate. Wind direction also matters: never fell into the wind.
Step 2 — Plan the escape route. Walk the planned fall line and identify two clear paths at roughly 45 degrees behind your cutting position. Remove any brush, branches, or obstacles from those paths before you start cutting. The escape route is where you go the instant the tree begins to fall — backward is not always the safest direction.
Step 3 — Cut the notch. The notch determines the direction of fall. Cut into the side of the tree facing your planned fall line. The notch should be about 1/3 of the trunk diameter deep. Make a top cut at a 70-degree downward angle, then a horizontal cut that meets it, and remove the wedge of wood. The notch opens toward the direction you want the tree to fall.
Step 4 — Make the back cut. Cut from the opposite side of the tree, 1 to 2 inches above the bottom of the notch. Cut toward the notch but stop before you reach it — leave a hinge of uncut wood about 1/10 of the trunk diameter. The hinge controls the fall and prevents the tree from twisting or kicking back off the stump.
Step 5 — Retreat and watch. As soon as the back cut is deep enough that the tree begins to commit, stop cutting, pull the saw out, and walk — do not run — along your planned escape route. Watch the tree fall and listen for any settling or cracking. Do not turn your back on a falling tree, and never approach the stump until the tree is fully settled.
For storm-damaged trees, leaning trees, or trees with split trunks, the technique changes — these are situations where calling a professional arborist is the right call. The risk of barber-chair splitting (where the tree splits vertically up the trunk) is real, and no chainsaw feature prevents it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one rated chainsaw?
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is our top-rated chainsaw for tree removal in 2026, combining an 18-inch bar, brushless motor equivalent to a 40cc gas saw, Boost Mode for 25 percent extra power, and tool-less chain tensioning. It weighs just 7.7 lbs, fits the full Husqvarna 40V ecosystem, and is backed by a strong dealer service network.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or STIHL?
Both brands dominate the professional market, and the preference often comes down to dealer location. Husqvarna saws are favored by operators who do their own maintenance and want broad parts availability, while STIHL saws like the MS 271 and MS 391 are preferred by arborists who rely on dealer-supported service and warranty turnaround. For tree removal duty, both deliver pro-grade results.
What type of saw is best for cutting down trees?
For most tree removal jobs, a gas chainsaw in the 50 to 60cc range with an 18 to 20-inch bar delivers the best balance of power and control. Homeowners with smaller trees can use a 40V or 56V battery chainsaw with a 16 to 18-inch bar. Match bar length to tree diameter: add 2 inches of bar beyond the diameter of the trees you cut most often.
What size chainsaw do I need to cut down a tree?
Bar length should be 2 inches longer than the tree diameter. Trees up to 6 inches need an 8 to 10-inch bar, 6 to 12 inches need 14-inch, 12 to 18 inches need 16-inch, 18 to 24 inches need 20-inch, and trees over 24 inches need a 24-inch or longer bar. Engine displacement matters too: 40 to 50cc handles most homeowner felling, while 60cc and up is needed for large hardwood.
Is a battery chainsaw powerful enough to cut down a tree?
Modern 40V and 56V battery chainsaws are powerful enough to cut down trees up to 16 inches in diameter, and some premium models handle 18 to 20-inch trees. For daily commercial felling of large trees, gas still leads, but for typical homeowner tree removal a battery saw delivers gas-comparable cutting without the noise, emissions, or maintenance.
How do you safely cut down a tree with a chainsaw?
Fell a tree in five steps: assess the tree and lean, plan a 45-degree escape route, cut a notch one-third of the trunk diameter on the fall side, make a back cut 1 to 2 inches above the notch leaving a hinge of uncut wood about 1/10 of the trunk diameter, then retreat along your escape path as soon as the tree begins to fall. Never turn your back on a falling tree.
Final Verdict: Which Chainsaw Should You Buy for Tree Removal?
After testing every model on this list across real tree removal jobs, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i remains our top pick for the best chainsaw for tree removal in 2026. It hits the sweet spot of bar length, power, weight, and ecosystem support, and the dealer service network means you will not be stranded if anything goes wrong. For homeowners on a tighter budget, the SEESII 40V delivers nearly as much cutting performance for less money, and for buyers who need genuine gas power, the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc is the value gas saw we trust most.
Whatever saw you choose, match the bar length to the trees you actually cut, respect the felling technique, and never skip the safety gear. Tree removal is one of the most dangerous routine property tasks, but with the right chainsaw and the right method, it is also one of the most satisfying. If you want a wider look at cordless options, our guide to the best electric chainsaws covers more models, and our full chainsaw roundup includes pro-grade picks for arborists and tree-service operators.
