If you’re going to do one thing in our 30 Days of Upgrades Initiative, I encourage you to try and make it this. Perhaps for no other reason than it being man versus nature (literally), in its simplest form. This year, you’ll be faced with numerous challenges, but donning a pair of woodcutter’s gloves, picking up a Gränsfors Bruks or Husqvarna and taking on a tree might be your single greatest. I might be so bold as to suggest that it be compulsory for all men to chop down a tree every once in a while, as a checkpoint of sorts. If only for relishing in the visceral satisfaction of watching your own might take down one of nature’s own skyscrapers.
And this is how you do it.
Chop Down The Right Tree
For godssake, don’t chop down just any tree, and especially not a sapling. Make sure it’s an appropriate tree that needs to be felled. Don’t chop down a neighbor’s tree (unless your neighbor, or woman, needs help) and don’t ever chop down a tree on public or protected land. More than 10,000 trees are cut down every day and they’re a natural resource. If you haven’t noticed global warming lately, we need them (and their photosynthesis) on our side. Make sure there is a purpose to your chopped tree. Dying tree? OK. Tree for firewood? OK. Tree on a road? OK.
Warm Up And Gear Up
Ever wanted to know what the fastest way to ruin your back is? Well, taking on an Oak without any sort of warm up is one of them. You’re not a lumberjack (no matter how grizzly your beard).
- Safety Goggles – Because you’d rather look stupid than be blind.
- Axe Gloves – Blisters suck.
- Axe & Chainsaw of Appropriate Size – You wouldn’t walk into a firefight with a peashooter. Here’s a guide to choosing the right axe size.
- Friend – In the woods, no one can hear you scream.
