Abstract: Apparatus for felling trees by shearing them off near ground level has a frame which supports, at its upper and lower ends respectively, tree holding and shearing mechanisms. The shearing mechanism includes a housing supporting a pair of shears which cut slightly downwardly as they are closed upon a tree by hydraulic devices. The hingedly mounted shears are supported in the housing by guides which initially keep the blades from drifting from their intended line of cut and subsequently transfer the weight of a cut tree sitting on the shear blades to the housing. A clamping arm is mounted on the frame to hold a tree against movement relative thereto during and immediately after the cutting operation.