So I have this pile...
 

So I have this pile of ash tree!…

22 Posts
20 Users
0 Reactions
81 Views
Posts: 13388
Full Member
Topic starter
 

We had an ash tree removed yesterday - how do I store it so I get logs for next winter?

Do they need chopping into logs now or leaving a bit?

A pile of tree this morning…

[img] [/img]

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 2:04 pm
Posts: 5656
Free Member
 

Ash is really easy to split when green, but can be done when dry too.
I find it is easier to stack when split, so depends on your storage i guess. It will dry faster split too

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 2:08 pm
Posts: 1547
Free Member
 

Spilt into logs with a splitting axe. Put under cover but exposed to the wind in your log shed. Wait. I'm gonna say wait longer than a year. Logs dry faster split but they may still be damp.

await fury about particulates and the smell annoying the STW massive

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 2:10 pm
Posts: 1547
Free Member
 

Spilt into logs with a splitting axe. Put under cover but exposed to the wind in your log shed. Wait. I'm gonna say wait longer than a year. Logs dry faster split but they may still be damp.

await fury about particulates and the smell annoying the STW massive

It'll split easily, apart from this horror

https://flic.kr/p/2ocBVP8

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 2:12 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I know it's not as fun, but I'd rent a hydraulic log splitter for the day/weekend and get it all split down now to the size you need.
Swinging an axe is great feeling, for the first 20mins at least. Unless you're used to it, it's a whole different muscle group that will hurt in ways you never imagined.
Or that could just have been me!
Definitely still spend too much on a fancy axe as well and do some manually, but save that for when you have visitors!!

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 3:07 pm
Posts: 17803
Full Member
 

await fury about [s] particulates and the smell annoying the STW massive[/s] cutting up a lovely bit of Ash into small chunks fit for nothing but burning.

Could have made a nice table out of that. 😉

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 3:19 pm
Posts: 8688
Full Member
 

Tried that when we took down a large ash. It splits a lot as it dries, so even ab outside drying for a large round will get you some cracks that you can't really cover up.

OP, splitting axe and a pallet to stand the split logs on, cover wityh a tarp and leave for a year. It's a lovely wood to split (well, apart from that nightmare one)

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 3:22 pm
Posts: 11379
Free Member
 

Use a log splitter and enjoy it pinging off all over the shop

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 3:25 pm
Posts: 13102
Full Member
 

Could have made a nice table out of that.

Yup 😃 😊

Working on a nice bit of Ash just now as it happens,would be nice if the bark stayed on* once it's finished 🤞
*I know it probably won't

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 5:27 pm
 joat
Posts: 610
Full Member
 

Split it and stack it but not too tightly if you have the space. Ash will burn pretty well when green so will be fine for next winter. Get swinging that axe, I've seen some tutorials on TicTok if you need any tips😉.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 5:47 pm
Posts: 4183
Free Member
 

Definitely split it while it’s green - less likely to rot for some reason.

…and get/read a copy of this:-
Norwegian Wood

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 5:55 pm
Posts: 7373
Free Member
 

Rent a splitter for that? You've got to be joking, it looks like about half an hour's work.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 6:07 pm
Posts: 15862
Free Member
 

await fury about particulates and the smell annoying the STW massive

As it should.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 6:13 pm
Posts: 9046
Full Member
 

Tried that when we took down a large ash. It splits a lot as it dries, so even ab outside drying for a large round will get you some cracks that you can’t really cover up.

Normal would be to saw it while it's still green, then paint the ends and store it outside and under cover, painting the ends cuts down on shakes- (the name of those splits), and it's not an unusual thing these days to leave them there and fill with epoxy. In fact they're probably more sought after 😕

I think the OP should buy a wood lathe. Turned bowls make great gifts for anyone without a turned bowl or hasn't received one recently.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 6:24 pm
Posts: 3053
Full Member
 

Off the ground with overhanging roof and airflow around it.
Ash is easy splitting whenever really, maul is best tool and a tyre can help to hold pieces up whilst splitting.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 6:49 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Rent a splitter for that? You’ve got to be joking, it looks like about half an hour’s work.

When OP said a whole tree, I assumed that was just a small part of it!

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 6:55 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

If you haven't got a splitter yet get yourself one of these:

Fiskars X27

It'll make light work of that lot.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 7:01 pm
Posts: 3034
Full Member
 

Splitters? This is what you need 😉:

🤣

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 7:06 pm
Posts: 7536
Free Member
 

Was using one of those fiskars today to split some birch and ash. Always fun although I'm not sure the Tesco delivery driver was confident of not being kidnapped.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 7:23 pm
Posts: 4824
Full Member
 

Split now for winter 24/25. All this work with chainsaws, axes, mauls etc is the easy bit. It's the waiting for eighteen months that is really hard work

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 7:36 pm
Posts: 31034
Free Member
 

Could have made a nice table out of that.

Or a junior team’s worth of hurleys. 😀

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 7:41 pm
Posts: 2661
Free Member
 

Ive made a couple of nice longbows out of ash, think the staves come from ash thats been seasoned for a couple of years though.

 
Posted : 21/01/2023 8:15 pm
Posts: 3053
Full Member
 

Hurley makers want the root buttress at the base so send their own guys to cut high and dig/cut the stump out.

 
Posted : 22/01/2023 12:08 am