How to Cut Your Own Firewood in Missouri
Forests and wood are plentiful in Missouri, providing Missourians with plenty of resources for cutting firewood. A major part of the firewood cut in Missouri comes from privately owned land. Landowners improve the health of their land by cutting firewood from trees that are undesirable. It is vital that you choose the appropriate type of wood for your burning needs when you cut your own. All wood will burn, but some types burns more efficiently than others. Ash, red oak and white oak burn easily and release high levels of heat. Aspen, cottonwood and yellow poplar release low levels of heat with heavier smoke. You should choose the best firewood species to ensure that the burn time is long and hot with less smoke.
Technical advice concerning wood for fuel is available by contacting the Service Foresters of the Missouri Department of Conservation at 573-882-7216. The process of cutting firewood is relatively simple. Fell the tree, limb the tree and split the wood with a maul. Splitting your own firewood can possibly save you a substantial amount of money in the long run.
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Instructions
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Choose a tree to fell. Choose a tree that does not lean or that leans in the direction that you want it to fall.
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Cut a notch in the tree, using the chainsaw. Ensure that the notch is facing the direction that you want the tree to fall. Cut the notch 1/3 of the total diameter of the tree.
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Using the chainsaw, saw a back cut on the opposite side of the tree. This will make a hinge to guide the tree down as it falls. The back cut should be parallel to the notch. Do not cut completely through the tree to the notch.
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Push the tree in the direction that it needs to fall. The tree has been felled and is ready to limb.
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Stand with your feet spread apart slightly further than shoulder length. This stance will aid your upper body strength in supporting the chainsaw.
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Place the saw in the wood and begin cutting down through the wood. Remove all small branches from the tree. Place the saw at the base of the branch and cut the branch off smoothly. Cut the trunk up into 6-foot logs.
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Cut the logs into shorter rounds of about 12 inches. Shorter rounds will be easier to split.
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Place a 12-inch round standing up on a hard surface. Place your feet shoulder width apart. Face the round. With arms fully extended, place the maul on the edge where you intend to strike the round. Step back one half step to add power to your swing. Hold the maul at waist level. Bend your elbows. Place one hand on the handle's base with your palm facing you. Place the other hand on the neck of the maul with your thumb near the head of the maul and your palm facing away from you. Bend your knees. Also bend at your waist. Raise the maul over your head. Extend both arms high while you simultaneously straighten your back and knees. Raise up on your tiptoes to get the maximum power out of your swing. Concentrate on the point where your maul will contact the round. Forcefully swing the maul down to strike the edge of the round and split the wood. Continue until all rounds have been split.
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Stack the firewood in a rack or other place where the air and sun will dry it thoroughly.
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Tips & Warnings
Have an escape route planned when you fell the tree in the event that the tree falls in the wrong direction. The planned route should be at a 45-degree angle from direction that the the tree is falling.
Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust and flying wood chips.
Wear hearing protection when using a chain saw.
Do not strike the center of the round.
References
Resources
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