How to Cut Firewood in a Minnesota Forest

Cutting firewood can be a fun pastime, good exercise, and a way to enjoy the fruit of your efforts all winter long. The state of Minnesota has a large volume of ash and other trees suitable for firewood in its numerous state forests; the beautiful scenery can make a firewood cutting expedition a rewarding day out. As with any activity involving potentially dangerous equipment and materials, it is important to take all necessary safety precautions and be absolutely sure that you know what you're doing before you begin.

Chainsaw

Safety goggles

Helmet

Gloves

Trailer/Truck

Axe

Chopping Block

Get a permit. Cutting firewood in the state forests in Minnesota requires a permit. These can be obtained from your local Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forestry office. Cutting firewood on your own private land does not require a permit, but if you wish to sell the wood, you will need to apply for Approved Vendor status.

Choose the trees you plan to chop down. Hardwoods such as oak, ash and poplar make the best firewood. Avoid sappy woods such as pine, which can cause dangerous sparks in a fire. Look for dead trees that have not yet rotted. Not only will they be easier to cut down, they will not need to be dried out or "seasoned" for as long as new wood. Alternatively you can use coppicing techniques, cutting down relatively young trees so that they will regenerate. Ask at the local Minnesota forestry office for information on coppicing schemes. Do not cut down large trees. This is dangerous and will cause you unnecessary extra work. A good size for firewood is around six to nine inches in diameter.

Check the felling line. Make sure the tree has space in which to fall; otherwise, it will get stuck on other trees and will be difficult to manage.

Shake the tree hard. This should remove any dangerous loose branches or other debris.

Cut a notch into the tree. Using your chainsaw, cut a 20- to 30-degree angle into the trunk of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. Make sure that the chainsaw is revving at an appropriate speed to make a clean cut and minimize splintering. Once the notch is deep enough, the tree should start to fall. Move away from it at a brisk walk, being careful to switch off your saw and look carefully where you are going.

Trim off the branches. Once the tree has fallen, you will need to trim off the branches to make it more manageable. Be careful; the ease of this task might make you careless, and the saw is no less dangerous for that.

Cut the trunk into manageable sections. Depending on the size of the tree, you may have to cut it into a number of sections before you can fit it into your truck or trailer. It is probably best to carry out the last stage of chopping - into pieces suitable for firewood - near to where you plan to store the wood. At this stage, you are only preparing it for transport. Collect twigs and smaller branches for kindling.

Once the wood has been transported home, chop it into smaller pieces. Use your chainsaw to chop it into foot-long sections; then, if necessary, use the axe and chopping block to split it into pieces a suitable size for firewood.

Season the wood. New wood needs to be dried for six to 12 months before it can be burned. Keep wood piled in a dry storage area such as a woodshed.