Preparing your logs

Whether you’ve felled a tree, found a fallen tree or received some wood from a friendly neighbour, you need to chop the wood into smaller logs or “rounds”.

Your logs need to be short enough to fit into your firepit or wood stove. Also, the shorter the log, the easier it will be to split!

Positioning your log for splitting

Place the log you want to split on top of your chopping block – the chopping block can be a tree stump or a larger log. This gives you a sturdy base to rest your log on and also raises the log to a more manageable height.

You may need to adjust the log so it stands straight. Orient any knots or irregularities towards the bottom – the grain around these knots will be tougher to split so you want to chop from the other end.

Holding your axe

While you might think that chopping wood comes down to pure strength and muscle, it’s actually all about using the axe to your advantage and letting it do the work for you.

Take your axe in both hands with your dominant hand near the head of the axe and your non-dominant hand near the end of the handle. As you swing the axe, let your dominant hand slide down the handle to meet your other hand – this will give you the greatest accuracy and power.

Taking a swing

Standing square to your chopping block, line up where you want your axe to hit the log – small cracks are a good place to aim for easier splitting.

Once lined up, bring the axe up over your shoulder or head and swing back down quickly and firmly (moving your dominant hand to meet the other hand) on to the log.

Chopping to size

Depending on the size of your logs, you may need to split them in half or into quarters. After splitting in half, reposition one half of your log on the chopping block and split in half. Repeat with the other half of the log.

Stacking and seasoning

You want to stack your firewood where it will be protected from the elements and dried out by the sun. Ideally you want to cut, split and stack your firewood in early spring to allow it time to fully season. Depending on your location and climate, this could take from six months to a full year. If exposed to rain, you should cover your firewood a few weeks before you plan to use it.

If you don’t have time to wait for the wood to dry, make a hot fire of other dry wood and kindling that you have on hand and then add the unseasoned logs once the fire is going.

Sourcing firewood

Only collect firewood and fallen trees where it is legal to do so. Many National Park campsites will require you to bring your own firewood with you, or will have wood available for use by campers. Your local arborist is always a handy friend to have if you need a regular supply of wood.