Why do oak trees sometimes look like they’re weeping?
Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is a serious condition affecting oak trees, predominantly in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by the presence of dark, weeping patches on the trunk and branches, accompanied by significant decay and dieback. AOD is caused by a complex...
Forestry Work
The first step of any forestry operation is establishing good tracks. This is key for efficient timber extraction. Our site in Muddiford proved slightly tricky with extremely steep ground and a main road below the trees.
Very big pieces of timber
Some tasks are extremely heavy and this job was no exception. A fallen tree near Hartland needed clearing.
Beautiful woodlands
Selective thinning is important even in established woodland to allow sunlight onto the forest floor. These local woods are stunning with many beautiful Beech trees.
Roadside clearance
Ash dieback can cause a problem if the trees are too close to a road. Here we are roadside on the A361 clearing a significant amount of ash wood. A big thanks to Evans Transport for helping me carry the timber back to my yard for processing into logs for the fire....
Is it a bird, is it a plane?
This was quite a tricky job. But we managed to fell the tree safely.
Storm Ciara brings down a huge beech tree
It seems like the storm season has arrived. This huge beech tree was brought down by the strong winds of storm Ciara. We found it was weakened by disease. It took several days to process into logs.
A new system to lift and deliver logs
I have recently invested in a new trailer with a crane attached. In future my logs will be bagged and lifted using the crane. Here we are processing a lovely load of hardwood logs. Just need some better weather!
‘Lung risk from log fires? It’s all hot air’ by Dr James Le Fanu
An article by Dr James Le Fanu writing in the Saturday Telegraph: Commendable they may seem, but the Government's recent, much-published proposals to combat air pollution strike me as a distraction. The banning of wood-burning stoves and similar will save thousands...
A good day just splitting logs
I have been asked many times if I would just split logs. And the answer is yes. Here is a picture of a recent job near Barnstaple. Just splitting and stacking all in good time for winter.
A Swedish log candle (a well seasoned burning log)
The Swedish log candle is a great idea as we found out a friend's BBQ recently in Bideford. You simply need a well seasoned log and I would suggest Ash. Make two length way cuts that divide the log into four almost to the base. Drop a little fire lighter down the...
Ash one of the best firewood logs
Common Ash is found in many parts of Europe. It is England's third most common tree. Here are some beautiful Ash rings. Ash makes one of the best sources of firewood.
There is a chill in the air
As the Autumn is upon us and the winter is nearing the demand for well seasoned logs is growing. I have been working hard to keep up with demand. This is a pile of two year old seasoned hardwood that is ready to be delivered this week.
An old Hawthorn tree at grandma’s
A lovely old tree at my grandma's house in Instow had died and needed felling. A really awkward job but our family lab Tilly was on hand to give advice! It provided my grandma with quite a few good hardwood logs that will see her through next winter when fully...
Knowledge and Timber!
Recently, while walking in the Touchwood Shopping center in Solihull, I saw a lovely quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes…..’Knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much used till they are seasoned’.
Tall Trees news
Not quite the Giant Redwoods of Yosemite National park but nevertheless a beautiful set of trees. It was a pleasure to work on these old giants. Glad it wasn’t too windy!
Log Splitter Lange Firewood
I have a new red member to my team! My tree surgery and Langefirewood businesses are becoming really busy. The hot summer has ensured perfectly dry logs for this winter. Up until now I have split all my logs by hand using an axe. As the work load has increased I have...