Firewood Processing & Tree Risk Assessment in Tarrington, Midlothian VA
Situation
A homeowner in Tarrington on the James in Midlothian, Chesterfield County, VA contacted Select Tree Removal for assistance processing a large quantity of oak rounds that had been delivered to the property from a neighboring tree removal project.
The logs varied considerably in size, and many were not cut into the standard 12–16 inch lengths typically used for backyard fire pits, grills, and woodstoves.
While on site, Select Tree Removal also performed a routine visual assessment of the surrounding backyard trees to help the homeowner identify potential hazards. During this assessment, we identified a dead tree approximately 100 feet tall located near the kids' swingset.
Although the tree was positioned far enough from the home and other structures that it did not present a significant structural impact risk, its proximity to an area used by children created a potential personal-safety hazard. Dead trees can become increasingly brittle, particularly in their upper limbs and crown, where branches can break unexpectedly and create what are commonly referred to as "widow makers."
We provided a quote and recommended removal of the tree if the area around it would continue to be used regularly.
Challenge
The primary project involved processing the large oak rounds into manageable firewood.
Many of the rounds were oversized and unevenly cut, making them difficult to handle and split. The wood had also been sitting in a shaded, wooded area for several months and had absorbed considerable ground moisture.
Oak, particularly red and white oak, can become challenging to split when large rounds have been exposed to changing moisture conditions. Simply bringing a conventional hydraulic log splitter into the backyard was not an ideal solution. The logs were located a considerable distance from the street, and moving heavy rounds to a splitter would have required additional handling and potentially greater impact to the lawn and property.
A more efficient, low-impact approach was needed.
Solution
Select Tree Removal first cut or "bucked" the oversized rounds into approximately 16-inch lengths.
For the larger rounds, we then used a chainsaw equipped with a specialized ripping chain rather than a conventional cross-cutting chain. This allowed us to rip the rounds lengthwise through the grain, dividing them into manageable half-round sections. When ripping, you want to produce wood shavings that look like "noodles" vs. fine sawdust and the best way to ensure you do that is to cut the log while it is on it's side, not on either end.
Approximately 22 large oak rounds were processed in this manner.
By reducing the diameter of each piece before splitting, the homeowner could handle the resulting half-rounds much more easily with a conventional splitting method. This approach also allowed us to make meaningful progress without requiring heavy equipment to be transported into the backyard.
Firewood processing is offered by Select Tree Removal on an hourly basis, allowing the homeowner to choose how much work is completed during each visit. Once the larger rounds had been prepared, the homeowner could continue splitting the remaining material independently or have Select Tree Removal return to complete additional processing.
Clean-up & Firewood Storage
After preparing the oversized rounds, we used the remaining time on site to split as many of the prepared half-rounds as possible into smaller firewood pieces, generally producing four to eight splits from each half-round depending on its size.
The processed firewood was stacked on a pallet for temporary storage.
We also advised the homeowner on proper firewood seasoning and storage, including:
Keeping firewood elevated off the ground to reduce moisture absorption.
Storing wood in an area that receives good sunlight, preferably with southern or western exposure.
Allowing adequate airflow around the wood rather than tightly enclosing the stack.
Using a simple raised rack, such as one constructed from 2x4s and concrete blocks, to improve ventilation and keep the wood dry.
Proper storage is particularly important with oak, which benefits from adequate time and airflow to season properly before being burned.
Result
Cut more than 20 oversized oak rounds into manageable firewood sections.
Ripped more than 20 large rounds lengthwise to make them substantially easier to split.
Began splitting the prepared rounds into usable firewood pieces.
Reduced the amount of heavy handling required by the homeowner.
Provided guidance on proper firewood storage and seasoning.
Total time spent on site: 3 hours.
Identified a potentially hazardous dead tree near the property's swingset and recommended removal based on its proximity to an area regularly used by children.
Established a practical approach that allows the homeowner to continue processing the remaining firewood independently or have Select Tree Removal return to complete the work.
Select Tree Removal can provide hourly firewood processing and splitting services for homeowners who have large, oversized, or difficult-to-process logs. We can also evaluate surrounding trees during a project and identify potential hazards that may warrant further attention.
Contact Select Tree Removal LLC today for your free estimate.
Contact
Select Tree Removal LLC offers safe and efficient tree removal services for hazardous, leaning, storm-damaged, diseased, dead, invasive, fast-growing, overgrown or unwanted trees in the greater Richmond, VA area.
Professional alternative to large-scale crane companies for residential tree removal and hazard reduction under 50ft (or greater with exceptions).
Phone
info@selecttreeremoval.com
804-293-0923
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