Best Chainsaw for Large Trees

The best chainsaw for large trees is the Husqvarna 455 Rancher with a 20-inch bar (~$500). It handles felling and bucking trees up to 18 inches in a single pass with its 55.5cc engine. For trees 14-20 inches in diameter, you need a 20-inch bar minimum. For trees over 20 inches, you need a 24-inch bar and should seriously consider hiring an arborist.

Not sure which chainsaw? Try our Cut Calculator — 4 questions, one recommendation.

Bar Length Guidance

For trees 14-20 inches in diameter, you need a 20-inch bar minimum. For trees over 20 inches, you need a 24-inch bar and should seriously consider hiring an arborist.

Felling and bucking large trees is the most demanding chainsaw work a homeowner faces. You need bar length to match the tree diameter, engine power to maintain chain speed through dense hardwood, and build quality to handle the stresses of heavy cutting.

Safety warning: felling trees over 12 inches in diameter requires training and technique. A falling tree is unpredictable and lethal. If you haven't felled large trees before, watch instructional videos, practice on smaller trees, and consider hiring an arborist for anything over 20 inches. The saw is the easy part. Knowing where the tree will fall is the hard part.

For the battery-curious: the EGO CS2005 with its 20-inch bar and 55cc gas-equivalent motor has beaten most gas saws in timed cutting tests. It's a legitimate felling tool. The tradeoff is runtime. Battery saws give you 30-60 heavy cuts before needing a recharge. For a single large tree, that's plenty. For an afternoon of land clearing, gas has the edge.

Top 3 Picks

1Best Gas for Large Trees

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20"

Husqvarna · Gas · 20" bar · 12.8 lbs (powerhead)

8.8/10

~$500

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20"

The farm-and-ranch standard. 55.5cc engine, 20-inch bar, Smart Start, X-Torq, and LowVib technology. Handles felling and bucking trees up to 18 inches in a single pass. Husqvarna dealer network means parts and service are available in most rural areas.

Pros
  • +55.5cc engine with excellent power-to-weight ratio
  • +20-inch bar for felling and large firewood
  • +Smart Start reduces pull-cord effort
  • +X-Torq engine for lower fuel consumption
  • +Widely available parts and dealer service
Cons
  • -Requires gas/oil mixing and regular maintenance
  • -Pull-cord starting can be difficult when cold
  • -Heavier than battery alternatives
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2Best Battery for Large Trees

EGO Power+ CS2005 56V 20"

EGO · Battery · 20" bar · 15.2 lbs with battery

9/10

~$550

EGO Power+ CS2005 56V 20"

The most powerful battery chainsaw you can buy. 55cc gas-equivalent motor, 20-inch bar, three speed settings, and faster cutting speed than most gas saws in timed tests. Built for serious firewood processing and medium tree felling.

Pros
  • +55cc gas-equivalent power
  • +20-inch bar for large logs and felling
  • +Three speed settings to extend battery life
  • +Beat most gas saws in timed cutting tests
  • +Dual bar nuts for stability
Cons
  • -Premium price at ~$550
  • -Heavy at 15+ lbs with battery
  • -Requires 5.0Ah+ battery for full performance
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3Best for Trees Over 20"

Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24"

Husqvarna · Gas · 24" bar · 13.2 lbs (powerhead)

8.5/10

~$600

Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24"

When 20 inches of bar length falls short. 60.3cc engine, available with 20-inch or 24-inch bar, built for land clearing and large hardwood felling. The standard choice for serious tree work on rural properties.

Pros
  • +60.3cc engine handles the biggest jobs
  • +24-inch bar for trees over 20 inches
  • +X-Torq engine reduces fuel consumption
  • +LowVib system for reduced fatigue
  • +Strong Husqvarna dealer network for service
Cons
  • -Heavy at 13.2 lbs (powerhead only)
  • -Requires gas/oil mixing and maintenance
  • -Overkill for casual homeowner use
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Frequently Asked Questions

What size chainsaw do I need to cut down a tree?
For trees up to 18 inches in diameter, a 20-inch bar handles the job in a single pass. For trees 18-22 inches, a 24-inch bar is needed. For trees over 24 inches, you'll need to cut from both sides (bore cut) or hire a professional. The general rule: bar length should exceed tree diameter by at least 2 inches.
Can a battery chainsaw cut down a large tree?
Yes. The EGO CS2005 56V with a 20-inch bar delivers 55cc gas-equivalent power and has beaten most gas saws in timed cutting tests. It handles trees up to 18 inches in a single pass. The limitation is runtime: expect 30-60 heavy cuts per charge. For a single large tree, that's more than enough.
What's the best chainsaw for felling trees?
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch (~$500) is the standard for felling. Its 55.5cc engine, Smart Start, and LowVib technology make it reliable and manageable for extended cutting. For trees over 20 inches, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher with a 24-inch bar (~$600) is the step up.
How big a tree can a 20-inch chainsaw cut?
A 20-inch bar cuts through trees up to 18 inches in diameter in a single pass. For trees 18-20 inches, you can cut from both sides. For trees over 20 inches, you need a longer bar or bore-cutting technique, which requires experience.

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Best Chainsaw for FirewoodBest Chainsaw for RanchBest Gas ChainsawBar Length Guide