Device for felling a tree trunk, comprising a gripping claw for gripping the tree trunk and a felling means for felling the tree trunk, wherein the gripping claw comprises a frame, at least two gripping shells extending from the frame, of which at least one gripping shell is connected movably to the frame, and a gripping claw drive, wherein the movable gripping shell can be moved by means of the gripping claw drive between an open position, in which a tree trunk can be placed between the gripping shells, and a closed position in which the tree trunk can be clamped between the gripping shells. The device is distinguished in that the felling means is connected movably to at least one of the gripping shells, wherein the felling means can be moved between a protected position, in which the felling means lies within the periphery of the gripping shell connected thereto, and an unprotected position in which the felling means lies outside the periphery of the gripping shell connected thereto.