Spoiler alert: tree limbs aren't the only ones removed by chainsaws...

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I really think that this is a great example of "know your skills and limitations".

Where I live, I would guess that 70% of the (male) people around me are comfortable around a chain saw. It's a great tool if you have the experience. It is no more dangerous than using a circular saw in the right hands. But the best way to get the experience and become comfortable with it is to work with a group of neighbors that are taking down a tree. Waking up one morning and deciding to drop by the big-box to buy a chain saw and knock down a tree alone or with another inexperienced person is dumb.

Birch trees are relatively simple to drop and cut up. I would find that well within my comfort zone. Dropping an 80' Oak is not something I'd be comfortable with. Once it is dropped I am completely comfortable with cutting it up.

Know your limits. I don't pay others to do what I can do, but don't go outside of your experience and skill level just because you don't want to pay a professional's price tag.

andy10917 wrote: It's a great tool if you have the experience.

That is my point Andy. Its one thing to get your first chain saw and learn how to use it with already fallen trees and storm cleanup with trained individuals over seeing things. It is another matter getting your first saw, climbing a tree to take one down without a lot of experience and confidence.

Chain saws are very unforgiving like electricity. One mistake and your whole life changes or ends.

lumangoy,

Does it look better without the birch tree?

I think it looks much better.

When I cut some if the branches, I saw that there was like a 'bald' spot on the maple because it was too close.

I've cut 2 of the 3 trunks. I used an electric chainsaw and cut the trunk about 1/2 or 3/4 of the way then used a rope to pull on it to guide the fall.

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