Comment faire son BOIS de CHAUFFAGE de A à Z ? | Guide complet

Summary

Dimitri Elledge gives an overview of making firewood, from choosing when to fell a tree to drying and storing the logs. He emphasizes careful planning and the use of proper protective equipment.

Felling

The video recommends felling trees between October and March, when sap levels are said to be lower in the trunk. Before starting, assess the tree’s height, lean, branch distribution, and condition. Check for nearby hazards such as power lines, roads, paths, and other trees. Clear enough space to work and keep an unobstructed escape route. On a slope, consider whether the fallen tree could roll.

The presenter describes making a directional notch, then a horizontal felling cut from the opposite side, leaving a hinge of wood to guide the tree’s fall. He cautions that felling is delicate, and rotten or unstable trees may fall unpredictably.

Processing the tree

Remove branches carefully, as branches under tension can spring back. When cutting the trunk into sections, watch for compression that could trap the chainsaw bar, and take care to avoid kickback. A sharp chain should make clean cuts and produce visible chips; dust or scuff marks may indicate that it needs sharpening.

A simple length gauge can help mark logs consistently—for example, in 33 cm sections. A sawhorse can make cutting smaller pieces easier and allow you to work upright. Logs can be split with a maul and wedges, a small kindling splitter, or a mechanical log splitter.

Safety gear and tools

The presenter recommends wearing:

• Head, eye, and hearing protection
• Gloves and a protective jacket
• Chainsaw-resistant trousers and safety footwear

Tools mentioned include a chainsaw, felling wedges, and lifting hooks.

Drying and wood types

Freshly cut wood may contain more than 50% moisture. The presenter recommends drying it for at least a year to a year and a half, ideally around two years, until its moisture content is below 20%. Drying time varies depending on the wood species, log length, and whether the wood is split. A moisture meter can be used to check whether it is ready.

The video favors dense hardwoods such as oak and hornbeam for longer, hotter-burning fires. Poplar and birch are described as less dense, while softwoods may dirty or clog a stove more quickly.

Storage

Keep logs raised off the ground using pallets, blocks, or cross-laid wood, and allow air to circulate. Avoid tightly stacking the logs or wrapping them in an airtight tarp. An overhead cover can protect them from heavy rain while leaving the sides ventilated.

Products and references

The presenter mentions a Wolfcraft folding sawhorse, a Scheppach 8-ton electric log splitter, Wurth Modyf work boots, and a Husqvarna forestry helmet. He also says he has just over 300 m² of land and woodland on his farm. The speaker is Dimitri Elledge.