How to Cut Down a Cactus
- 1). Obtain permission from the state agricultural department before removing a cactus.
- 2). Measure the height of the cactus and ensure that there is enough room for it to fall safely in all directions.
- 3). Create a V-shaped notch with the chainsaw 2 feet above the ground and about 1/3 of the distance into the cactus on the side that you want the cactus to fall. This is the hinge.
- 4). Saw directly through a small cactus of only a few feet high.
- 5). Cut on a slant of about 45 degrees on the opposite side of the cactus from the hinge, starting on the outside of the cactus and above the V-point of the hinge, and going downward to the point. The plant should fold at the hinge and fall in the direction you want, but there is never a guarantee when bringing a large plant down.
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