Seasoning logs

[rob39]

Hi all
I've aquired some logs, silver birch, Alder, Hawthorn. About 2ft long and a thickness of around 6-8". Still quite green and high moisture content. How should I store them and for how long before using them for projects??

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

They dry more rapidly at the edge causing tension on the pith which drives the cracking. Thus its ideal to remove the pith altogether or at the least, cleave them lengthwise and then pva/paint/wax the end grain ends. If any of the grain is highly figured on the cut surfaces I would seal that too. Leave the bark in place. Store them ideally outside but covered with no sides and out of any direct sun. Then wait. Rule of thumb is 1 year per inch of thickness plus a year but its not an exact science. Judicious use of a moisture meter will help you determine when they're cooked. The thinner you split them the faster they'll dry (and the greater the shake risk arguably)