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The best time to cut down a tree is during its dormant season, typically in winter or early spring, after all the leaves have fallen. Removing a tree during this period is advantageous for several reasons. Frozen ground helps secure the tree stump, protects the surrounding landscape from damage, and reduces the risk of the tree falling in an unintended direction. With the leaves gone, there is less risk of the tree's foliage getting tangled with other trees. Additionally, since this is often a slower season for tree services, you may be able to hire a professional at a lower rate. This dormant period is also the best time for tree trimming.

You can use a chainsaw, but it won’t remove the entire stump or root ball and is not a recommended method. It takes quite a bit of physical work to achieve and will likely dull or ruin your chainsaw. Instead, consider using salt, herbicide, light deprivation, boiling water, stump grinding, or burning to kill a tree stump. These methods allow you to kill a stump using minimal machinery and physical exertion.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

• Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

• Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

• Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

Trees naturally want to grow upward, so one may straighten all by itself, though this only comes into play when a tree is leaning just a small amount. For trees growing into an awkward position or those leaning heavily in one direction, the above steps are necessary to ensure the tree gets back on the right path. This also holds true for trees planted in a spot with unstable soil.