Why Consider the Stihl MS 251 for Tree Removal?
For many UK homeowners, the decision to remove a tree often comes down to cost: hire a professional or buy a chainsaw and do it yourself. The Stihl MS 251, a mid-range petrol chainsaw, frequently enters this conversation. It offers more power than a basic DIY saw but is less expensive than a professional-grade model. However, the real question is whether its performance justifies the investment when weighed against professional tree surgery services.
This article examines the Stihl MS 251 in the context of professional versus DIY tree removal, focusing on cost, capability, and safety. We will explore how this specific saw fits into the scenario where a homeowner might consider tackling a medium-sized tree on their own property.
Is the Stihl MS 251 Powerful Enough for Tree Removal?
The Stihl MS 251 features a 45.4 cm³ engine delivering 2.8 kW (3.8 bhp) of power. This places it in the “farm and ranch” category, which means it is designed for regular, somewhat demanding use but not for continuous professional felling.
Key specifications relevant to tree removal:
- Bar length options: 16 inches (40 cm) and 18 inches (45 cm). For a tree with a trunk diameter up to 36 inches (90 cm), the 18-inch bar is sufficient, but you will need to cut from both sides.
- Engine displacement: 45.4 cm³ – enough for hardwoods like oak and ash, but the saw will bog down if you try to cut too aggressively on thick, dense wood.
- Weight: 5.6 kg (without bar and chain) – manageable for a few hours, but heavy enough to cause fatigue during a full day of felling and limbing.
For a single, medium-sized tree (say, a 15-metre tall birch or sycamore with a trunk diameter under 30 cm), the MS 251 is capable. However, for larger, mature trees (like a 25-metre oak or elm), the saw lacks the torque needed for hours of heavy cutting. Professional arborists often use saws in the 60–90 cm³ range for such tasks, costing £800–£1,500. The MS 251, at approximately £400–£500, is a compromise. It can handle limbing and bucking of medium wood, but felling a large tree requires a bigger saw.
What Are the Real Costs of DIY vs Professional Tree Removal with the Stihl MS 251?
Let’s break down the financials. The cost of hiring a professional tree surgeon in the UK for a single medium tree removal (including cutting, chipping, and stump grinding) typically ranges from £350 to £800, depending on location, tree size, and difficulty of access. For a large or hazardous tree, the cost can exceed £1,500.
Now, compare that to the DIY route with the Stihl MS 251:
| Item | Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 251 (new) | £420 – £520 | Price varies by dealer; includes 16″ or 18″ bar. |
| Safety gear (helmet, visor, gloves, chaps, boots) | £100 – £250 | Essential for any chainsaw work. See our Stihl MS 251: Must-Have Safety Gear for Beginners. |
| Bar oil and fuel | £15 – £30 | For the duration of the job. |
| Disposal costs (chipper hire or skip) | £50 – £150 | Branches and logs need removal. |
| Stump grinding (DIY or hire) | £50 – £200 | Rough estimate. See Stihl MS 251 Stump Grinding Tips for Small Stumps. |
| Total DIY cost (first tree) | £635 – £1,150 | Including saw and gear. |
| Total DIY cost (subsequent trees) | £115 – £380 | Only consumables and disposal. |
The first tree’s DIY cost is high because you buy the saw and protective equipment. If you only have one tree to remove, hiring a professional is almost certainly cheaper. However, if you plan to maintain woodland, handle storm damage, or remove several trees over years, the MS 251 becomes economical after the second or third job. Bear in mind professional disposal often includes chipping, which saves you haulage fees.
Can a Beginner Safely Use the Stihl MS 251 for Tree Removal?
Tree removal is one of the most dangerous tasks a homeowner can attempt. The Stihl MS 251, despite being a “prosumer” saw, demands respect. Its chain speed is high, and the 45.4 cm³ engine will pull the saw through wood aggressively. For a beginner, the risks include kickback, loss of control, and felling errors.
Key safety considerations for DIY users:
- Kickback is a real threat. The MS 251’s 18-inch bar can kick back violently if the tip contacts a solid object (another branch, a nail, or the ground).
- Felling direction is critical. Without proper training, a tree can fall in the wrong direction, causing property damage or injury. Professional arborists use directional felling techniques (notches and back cuts) that require practice.
- Climbing is extremely dangerous. The MS 251 is heavy for a top-handle saw. Never climb a ladder with this chainsaw. Use a rope and harness only if you are trained.
- Wind damage increases risk. After heavy winds, limbs can hang precariously, creating barber chairs or spring poles. Our article on Stihl MS 251 Emergency Tree Services: After Heavy Wind Damage explains these dangers.
For a beginner, we strongly recommend hiring a professional for any tree removal that involves climbing, proximity to buildings, or trees over 6 metres tall. The MS 251 is better suited for limbing and bucking on the ground after a professional has felled the tree.
How Does the Stihl MS 251 Compare to Professional Chainsaws for Tree Removal?
Professional tree surgeons rarely use the MS 251 for primary felling. They choose saws like the Stihl MS 261 (50.2 cm³) or MS 362 (59 cm³), which offer more power and durability. The differences are important to note:
- Durability: The MS 251 has a plastic crankcase and a simpler air filtration system. A professional saw has a magnesium case and a pre-separation air filter, lasting longer under daily use.
- Power-to-weight ratio: The MS 251 weighs 5.6 kg with 2.8 kW. The MS 261 weighs 5.9 kg with 3.0 kW, delivering more torque without a huge weight penalty.
- Vibration dampening: Professional models have superior antivibration systems, reducing fatigue during all-day use.
- Fuel efficiency: The MS 251’s engine is tuned for lower emissions but may drink fuel faster under heavy load compared to a pro saw.
If you are removing a large oak or dealing with very hard wood, the MS 251 will struggle. It may overheat if you push it too hard for too long. For smaller jobs (trees under 20 cm diameter), it is fine. For serious tree removal, consider investing in a professional-grade saw or hiring a contractor with a Choosing the Right Chainsaw for Stump Grinding in mind. The MS 251 is not a stump grinder, but you can use it for shallow root cutting with care.
Can the Stihl MS 251 Handle Emergency Tree Removal After Storms?
After a heavy windstorm, homeowners often face fallen trees, hanging limbs, and twisted trunks. The Stihl MS 251 can be a useful tool in these situations, but only for specific tasks. It is ideal for cutting fallen branches into manageable lengths (bucking) and for clearing access paths. However, handling a tree that has partially uprooted or is leaning against a building requires expertise.
When the MS 251 is useful in an emergency:
- Cutting fallen limbs that are on the ground (no tension).
- Bucking small to medium logs (under 30 cm diameter).
- Removing wind-thrown trees that are no longer under tension (unlikely in storms).
When to call a professional:
- Any tree or limb under tension (spring poles, bent trunks).
- Trees leaning on structures, power lines, or other trees.
- Trees over 10 metres tall, even if fallen.
- Any situation requiring climbing or working at height.
The MS 251 can be a valuable companion for post-storm cleanup, but it is not a substitute for professional emergency services. For safety, refer to our Stihl MS 251: Winter Tree Removal Tips for Icy Conditions, which covers cold-weather hazards that overlap with storm situations.
What Owners Say About the Stihl MS 251 for Tree Removal
Real owners on UK forums and review platforms echo the trade-offs. Many praise the MS 251 for its balance of power and weight, noting that it feels comfortable for a few hours of cutting but not for a full day. One owner on a GardeningUK forum wrote: “I used the MS 251 to take down a 12-metre Leylandii. It handled the trunk (25 cm diameter) fine, but I had to make multiple cuts on the larger branches. My saw got hot after a hour of continuous work.” Another user on a tree surgery forum mentioned: “I bought the MS 251 for DIY, but after four uses I wished I had gone for the MS 261. The 251 is okay for fencing and firewood, but for tree removal, it’s a bit underpowered on hardwoods.” However, many owners are satisfied if their expectations are realistic. A typical comment: “For my orchard thinning and occasional dead branch, the MS 251 is perfect. But I wouldn’t try to fell an oak with it.”
The consensus is clear: the Stihl MS 251 is a capable saw for a homeowner who understands its limits. It is not a professional tree removal tool, but it can handle small to medium tasks safely if used with proper technique and safety gear. Check the Stihl MS 251 vs Husqvarna 450: Cost of Ownership for a comparison with a similar competitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a Stihl MS 251 fell a 30 cm diameter oak tree?
A1: Yes, but with caution. The 18-inch bar (45 cm) can cut the trunk if you make a notch and back cut. However, oak is dense, and the saw may bog down. You will need to cut from both sides. Ensure the tree is straight and no hazards nearby.
Q2: Is the Stihl MS 251 good for limbing after a professional fells the tree?
A2: Yes, it is ideal for limbing. Its weight (5.6 kg) is light enough for one-handed use (briefly) and the power is sufficient for cutting side branches up to 15 cm thick. Perfect for cleanup work.
Q3: What safety gear do I need for the Stihl MS 251?
A3: At minimum: a safety helmet with visor, chainsaw gloves, chainsaw chaps (or trousers), steel-toe boots, and hearing protection. Refer to our Stihl MS 251: Must-Have Safety Gear for Beginners for a full list.
Q4: How much does it cost to sharpen the chain on a Stihl MS 251?
A4: DIY sharpening with a file costs about £5–£10 for a file and guide. Professional sharpening at a dealer costs £10–£20 per chain. You may need a new chain after 10–20 sharpenings, costing £25–£40.
Q5: Can the Stihl MS 251 be used for stump grinding?
A5: No, it is not a stump grinder. You can use it to cut shallow roots or slice off the top of a stump, but for full grinding, you need a dedicated tool. Our guide on Stihl MS 251 Stump Grinding Tips for Small Stumps explains how to use it for limited root cutting.
Q6: Should I buy the Stihl MS 251 or hire a professional for one tree removal?
A6: For a single, medium tree (up to 10 metres tall) with easy access, hiring a professional (£350–£800) is cheaper than buying the saw and gear (£635–£1,150). If you have multiple trees or will use the saw for firewood, the MS 251 is a good investment.
