The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for cutting a tree. In the method a delimbing & crosscut device cutting branches and able to cut the trunk of a tree is controlled upwards along the trunk of a tree intended to be removed and when it ascends to cut the branches of the tree that are in its way. The delimbing & crosscut device is controlled to ascend and descend along the trunk of the tree step-by-step by alternately increasing and shortening the length of the delimbing & crosscut device.