when best to cut logs

[Paul in France]

I've just started felling a few easy smallish trees on my place here in France. The last owner left a lot of firewood that is in various stages of seasoning and I hope that will keep us going for 1-2 years.

I have been stacking the felled trees to season before cutting into logs on the assumption they will be easier to cut then.

But I thought I'd ask for opinions from the experts on here as I'm new to this.

All advice will be much appreciated.

[18 stoner]

Split logs will season quicker than fallen trees due to more surface area.

 

Fresh cut timber will split(on the whole) easier when green than dry.

 

So guess all ways round, cut it, split it, dry it, then enjoy!

[Paul in France]

I'm only cutting trees about 6" diameter so they don't need splitting. The logs here are a standard half meter length to fit the wood burners.

So do you think I should saw them into logs sooner rather than later:confused1:

[Le Sanglier]

sawing them doesn't matter, that can wait till you fancy it.

[18 stoner]

In that case, I'd cut them and keep the rain off them where the wind can still get at them. Getting them down to your finished size as soon as possible is the quickest way to season if you are splitting, but the length wont matter much.

[pie eater pete]

When your sure that annoying neighbours asleep...

[normandylumberjack]

[woodyguy]

A log of wood is basically like a bundle of straw tied together (the xylem). Very little water loss occurs through the sides of the straws as most is lost through the ends. So cutting to length early is the quickest way to dry.

 

So whether splitting or not, cutting to length should be the first thing you do. It will also cut easier with a chainsaw when green.

[18 stoner]

A log of wood is basically like a bundle of straw tied together (the xylem). Very little water loss occurs through the sides of the straws as most is lost through the ends. So cutting to length early is the quickest way to dry.

So whether splitting or not, cutting to length should be the first thing you do. It will also cut easier with a chainsaw when green.

 

I think at 500mm long though, they arent going to dry too quickly in that case!

[SteveD]

If you can put the logs straight under an open cover (car port or hay barn etc) or if it doesn't rain much where you are (!!) then get them cut and stacked so that the air can get round 'em. Like one of your respondants said the more surface area exposed the quicker they'll dry. If you ain't got open cover (an enclosed space like a shed or garage is no good cos they need to be exposed to wind) and your climate is similar to ours here i.e. horribly wet!! then leave 'em as lengths until much nearer the time you will need 'em.

Happy Burning!!