Why do loggers spray water on logs?

Author: Carmel Schmidt  |  Last update: Sunday, June 29, 2025

Today, softwood logs decked in the log yard are typically protected by water sprinkling during warm weather. Sprin- kling provides an effective method of reducing checking, sapwood stain, and decay. Sprinkling will not prevent cer- tain insect attack, although it tends to be more effective than dry land storage.

Why are logs sprayed with water?

Logs that had been stored without spray were not worth sawing up. Suggestions This study and observations at four other hardwood mills suggest that water spraying protects logs against stain and decay for at least four months.

Why are waterlogged logs worth money?

The extended period of immersion in water slows down decomposition and preserves the wood's integrity. This makes waterlogged timber highly resistant to pests, decay, and certain environmental factors, making it sought after for various purposes such as woodworking, construction, and crafting.

Why do lumber mills keep their trees wet?

Sawmills use wet wood to prevent cracking and warping during the drying process. Wet wood is easier to cut and saw, leading to higher efficiency and reduced waste in the milling process. For more insights into sawmill operations, visit my Quora Profile.

Why is timber soaked in water?

Soaking wood in water can temporarily increase its flexibility, making it easier to bend or shape. This technique is often used in woodworking for crafting curved or molded pieces. However, prolonged soaking can also increase the wood's moisture content, affecting its overall strength and durability.

Why do Lumber Yards Spray Wood with Water? (Answered)

Why do they put logs in the water?

Storage of logs in water has the additional advantages of minimizing fire risks, washing away dirt which could dull saws, and preventing splitting of logs which might otherwise dry prior to milling. Cargo mills typically used a system of floating log booms to contain stored logs from delivery until milling.

Does soaking wood in water make it stronger?

Evidently increasing the water content of wood by soaking wood samples in this way lowers the stiffness and strength of the wood. When dry timber has its water content increased to the levels found in green timber, the cell walls fill with water. This causes the cell walls to expand and a dimensional change occurs.

Can you use freshly milled lumber?

With green timber, you can begin building right away without having to wait for the wood to dry, or having the added cost for kiln drying, which uses environmentally damaging fossil fuels during the drying process. However, fresh timber will shrink as it dries.

Why is it necessary to remove the moisture from timber?

Timber seasoning is the process of removing moisture from timber to prevent it from warping or splitting when it's used in construction. Typically, wood from a freshly cut tree contains 50% of moisture, which then begins to rapidly absorb once the wood is taken away from its source of nutrients.

What is the most valuable log in a tree?

Bottom logs have the most valuable wood and the most metal, like this electrical conduit with wires.

Why do people want sunken logs?

Because the underwater logging process is essentially retrieving drowned logs and sunken trees that were already lost in previous logging expeditions, the logs are considered "rediscovered wood." Because underwater logging is retrieving "rediscovered wood," this has a positive impact on the forestry industry, as it ...

How do you tell if a log is rotted?

Signs to Look for When Log Rot is Suspected
  1. Cracks in your logs. ...
  2. Fading, peeling topcoat and stain open your logs to water and insect damage.
  3. Sawdust, cobwebs, and bite marks are evident in the wood. ...
  4. Already visible wood rot. ...
  5. Mold and mildew are present. ...
  6. Your stairs and floors are no longer level with each other.

Why are water soaked logs valuable?

Some of these logs have lain on riverbeds for centuries, and an incredible underwater preservation process occurs. Not only is the wood protected from the decaying effects of oxygen, but the pressure of the water forces the sap from the wood, increasing its solidity.

Why can't you burn wet logs?

Wet wood produces more smoke and harmful by-products that pollute the air. The process of kiln drying wood burns off any sap and moisture or other harmful particles that cause smoke and pollutants resulting in a more environmentally-friendly fuel.

What is the most efficient way to mill lumber?

Once the trees are felled, the most recommended practice is milling the lumber on the sawmill while the log is still green. Once cut, the lumber will need to be dried before use. If it is not possible to mill the lumber on the sawmill right away, the logs should be debarked to be dried.

How long should wood sit after milling?

Rough milling exposes moisture within a board — and that can cause a board to warp overnight. That's why you should come back the next day for a final milling to get your board to its final working dimensions.

What happens if you build with green lumber?

Most timberframes are made w green wood, it's not usually a problem if you erect soon after cutting. However milling lumber, or dressing out of greenwood is risky since things like doors need to operate w fairly tight tolerances and greenwood has a tendency to move as it dries out.

Why do sawmills spray water on logs?

Many sawmills use sprinkler systems to maintain the moisture content of logs above the fiber saturation point. Storing logs in wet condition helps prevent end checking as a result of sudden moisture content reduction from the cross section.

What length logs do sawmills want?

Optimal Log Lengths for Sawmilling

The standard log lengths range from 8 to 16 feet, making it easier to transport and process logs while minimizing waste. These dimensions align with industry norms, whether the logs are used for construction lumber or custom woodworking projects.

Can logs be too dry to burn?

Yes, it is possible for firewood to become too dry. When firewood has an extremely low moisture content below 15%, it can start to have negative effects when burned.

Can wood be too dry to carve?

Aim for a balance; too dry can be hard, too wet can be mushy. Practice proper carving techniques to avoid injury and achieve the desired results.

How far can you bend wood?

A bend target of 5 times the board thickness is a minimum radius target for extreme bends in most species (coarse grained woods) (fine grained woods 1:6), but various techniques can be employed to exceed this.

What happens if wood is wet for too long?

Structural Weakness – Damp wood can rot in 7 days to a month. This causes warping, buckling, and splitting, all contributing to the possibility of collapse and other structural-related problems.

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