Log splitting, also called riving or cleaving, is a technique of cutting logs down into usable pieces by cutting along the grain. Other methods, like wood sawing cut against the grain. Logs can be split for lumber, firewood, or other specialty woodworking pieces. Some log splitting is done manually – with an axe or maul. You can also split wood with a mechanical wood splitter. This obviously is much less labour-intensive, and good for bulk wood splitting. Largely forested properties in Melbourne would need a less manual approach to cutting wood. When splitting a log, it is best to look for cracks (also called checks) to cut along. This will help prevent further splitting or splintering, and makes your job easier. 

There are many types of wood that can make splitting more difficult than others. Hardwoods are typically, as their namesake suggests, harder to split. When cutting some hardwoods, the axe will bounce right off. This is especially true for cherry wood, elms, and gum woods. Other elements like large knots or twisted grain can make wood slices difficult to split, as well. One of the advantages to using log splitting as a technique instead of sawing is that the wood piece you have is much stronger. Cutting with the grain leaves the higher-strength plane uncompromised. 

It is important to have a high-quality log splitter in your tool shed if you plan to regularly do this kind of work. Log splitters work by applying pressure across the grain of the wood instead of cutting the grain short. The wrong kind of splitter could leave you with an inefficient machine that doesn’t match the wood types on your property. For example, electric (instead of hydraulic) wood splitters aren’t efficient for green or hardwoods. Whether you’re in need of a mechanical, hydraulic, or petrol-powered wood splitter, it is important to evaluate your property’s needs and tree diversity. You also want to be sure that your splitter’s ability matches the needs of your job and meets Australian Safety Standards. This kind of information should be provided by your log splitter supplier.

Log splitters provide the ability for the everyday landowner to cut wood efficiently, safely, and easily – without the back aches and exhausted muscles in the morning. Especially with as many trees, botanical diversity and forested properties across Melbourne as there are – having either a log splitter of your own or a dependable log splitting service like Dynamic Arborist is a necessity. 

Take the questions surrounding which log splitter is right for you, if it is worth the investment, etc. out of the equation. You can trust us here at Dynamic Arborist to perform your log splitting chores for you, and to do it with our professional skill set. Our arborists are equipped with top of the line equipment and the sharpest skills in the industry. Our team is highly trained and certified for your everyday log splitting needs, and is able to cater to whatever types of trees you have on your property. Leave the tricky tree cutting to the professionals and give us a call today!