When Jackie and I moved onto our 10-acre property in late 2020, I quickly realized that I was wildly unprepared for the upkeep it required. Our yard has a mix of planted white pine in the front, a meadow in the back, and a blend of maple and oak hardwoods scattered throughout. I knew I needed tools to manage the land, but my collection was practically nonexistent. The one exception? A Greenworks 40V 16″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw that I’d picked up before the move. It wasn’t a heavy-duty piece of machinery, but it became an essential part of my toolkit.
Electric Chainsaw for a Large Property
Using an electric chainsaw on a property this size may sound unconventional, but this Greenworks model has held its own. It’s powered by a 4.0Ah battery and is light enough to handle without feeling like a full-body workout. Since 2021, I’ve used this reliable backyard chainsaw annually for everything from minor yard cleanups to major storm damage repairs.
Take early 2023, for example, when a massive storm rolled through and knocked down over 11 trees. Many of them were mature white pines with thick trunks, but there were a few oaks in the mix as well. This chainsaw made quick work of the pines. The oaks? Let’s just say patience (and extra batteries) was key, but it still got the job done.
Cutting a fallen oak tree in the heat of the summer. 2023.
What Makes It a Reliable Chainsaw?
One thing I appreciate about this chainsaw is its simplicity. Adjusting the chain or refilling the oil is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. This ease of use is a big deal when you’re out in the yard for hours on end and just want to keep going without hassle. Jackie and I work from home while raising our kids. Time is of a huge concern to us. And practically every work I do on our 10 acres is done under a lot of time pressure.
Its lightweight design also makes it a great option for someone who isn’t looking to lug around a bulky, gas-powered beast. Whether I’m trimming branches, clearing fallen trees, or cutting firewood, this chainsaw has been reliable enough to keep up with the demands of a large property.
Cutting a fallen oak tree in the heat of the summer. 2023.
Handling Limitations: Is It Enough for 10 Acres?
While this chainsaw has a lot going for it, it’s not perfect. Its 16-inch bar can feel a little small when dealing with bigger trees, and hardwoods like oak definitely put it to the test. On top of that, the battery life isn’t infinite. I quickly learned to carry two fully charged spare batteries with me during any major projects. For softwoods like white pine, it can last a decent amount of time, but cutting through hardwood drains the battery much faster.
That said, the tradeoff for convenience is worth it. It’s quiet compared to gas-powered chainsaws, doesn’t require fuel, and is much easier to store. I’ve since added other chainsaws to my collection, but the Greenworks remains my go-to for quick, lighter jobs. The other chainsaws I will discuss in upcoming future blog posts.
One of the pines that were knocked over in 2023. Cut entirely with the Greenworks electric chainsaw.
Why Choose an Electric Chainsaw?
When I first started using this chainsaw, I wasn’t sure if it would hold up to the demands of maintaining 10 acres. But it has proven itself time and again as a reliable backyard chainsaw for medium-duty work. Its biggest strength lies in its ease of use and low maintenance. To put it in short and simple terms: It has saved me time by just putting the battery in, checking the oil and whether the chainsaw is sharp and within a minute I am in the middle of cutting logs of pine.
For anyone with a similar setup—be it a smaller property or one with a mix of softwoods and hardwoods—this electric chainsaw is a solid option. If your property requires constant heavy-duty cutting, you may want to look into more powerful alternatives, but for most everyday tasks, it’s a great tool to have on hand.
My son came outside to check in with me after I’ve been working for several hours outside. And another pine tree cut with the Greenworks electric chainsaw. 11 trees in total that year.
Lessons Learned on 10 Acres
Maintaining a large property like ours is a learning curve, and the tools you choose make a big difference. The Greenworks 40V chainsaw has been a reliable partner in helping us tackle storm damage, clear the meadow, and stay on top of the natural overgrowth that comes with 10 acres of land.
It’s not the strongest or fastest tool out there, but it’s dependable and easy to handle. For me, that’s enough to keep it in my arsenal, even as I add other chainsaws into the mix. Whether you’re clearing fallen trees after a storm or just cutting firewood for the season, this chainsaw has been a reliable backyard tool I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to a friend.
And trust me, the extra batteries? Absolute lifesavers.