Take one large stump…

Find a split in the tree stump that runs roughly along the line you want to split and drive in your first wedge. When it’s in up to its shoulders, drive in a second wedge further along and when it’s up to its shoulders either re-use the first wedge (if it has come loose) or use your third wedge. After a little hard work, the stump will start to split like this. (And note the diameter of the log to the left - try sawing this with a bow saw before it’s split.)

With a couple of lumps of wood split away from the main stump, it’s time to start splitting these down into manageable blocks. It’s the same process as before, but try to ensure the piece of stump is stable before using the sledgehammer.

After some hard work, this is the result. A pile of seasoned wood that can now be stored under cover for final drying before being burned. Tree stumps burn well and for a long time.

 

Note that these trees were not felled simply for firewood. All were felled by a tree surgeon after gales blew them loose last year, threatening a neighbour’s house.

And if anyone would like to help with our own tree planting programme, then here’s a big hint for Christmas! We’re always looking for Scottish native hardwoods to plant, plus hedging plants and fruit trees…