Trees were Cut Down with Axes

If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life.

…like men wielding axes in a thicket of trees

The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.