There is nothing more relaxing this time of year than curling up next to the fireplace with a cup of coffee and a good book. But before you can make sure that the fire keeps going strong, you first need to make sure that you’re stocked up on plenty of firewood. If you’re in charge of cutting the firewood to keep your family cozy this Winter, follow these tips from Crescent Avenue Gardens for cutting firewood this winter.

1. Wear the Right Gear

Before you begin to cut your firewood, it’s important to make sure that you are wearing adequate protective gear – a long-sleeve shirt, long pants (not shorts), safety goggles, and work gloves.

2. “Limb” the Log

Once you have found the perfect log, the first step in cutting your firewood is to get rid of any dead limbs or branches that might get in your way. Using your chainsaw, trim away any extra limbs to create one smooth log.

3. Cut your Firewood

After you are left with a smooth log, you can begin cutting your firewood. The ideal length for fireplaces and woodstoves is 16”. Depending on the length of your chainsaw, you can use may be able to use your saw to measure where each cut should be.

Use you saw to cut ¾ of the way through the log. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you may hit rocks or dirt, which can dull the chain. Once you cut ¾ of the way through, turn the log over 180 degrees, and finish it off.

The Stihl MS-170 Chainsaw

When it comes time to cut firewood, the MS-170 Chainsaw from Stihl is the perfect tool for the job. Weighing in at only 8.6 pounds, this incredibly lightweight chainsaw makes the tireless chore of cutting firewood a breeze. Not only is it lightweight, but also the saw is exactly 16”, so you always know where to make your next cut!

Stihl Chainsaws at Crescent Avenue Gardens

Stop by Crescent Avenue Gardens in Fort Wayne for a wide variety of outdoor power equipment including a large selection of Stihl chainsaws, so you can make sure that your firewood is stocked up and ready to go all Winter.