Dead Birch Tree (Widow Maker) Falling Down - Need Suggestions

[Sally PB]

Glad it all went according to plan.

 

[cavemanrich]

I as gong to suggest the Diesel soaking of stump. But you already know that method.
It is best you just burned everything, rather than trying to figure out another practical purpose/use

 

[gtaus]

I was going to suggest the Diesel soaking of stump. But you already know that method.

The only thing I don't like is that it works best to put fresh oil/diesel on a couple times a day and let it soak in for a number of days. Then the soaked wood burns great. It takes a bit of patience to wait those days. But then that old stump should burn like a candle.

I have successfully burned out 2 or 3 other stumps this summer using the oil/diesel mix method. I need to burn out this stump well below ground level because in the case of this stump, the ground has mound up around it maybe 6 inches higher than the lawn. I need to burn out a good hollow in the stump to level off that dirt mound.

 

[gtaus]

Glad it all went according to plan.

I'm glad I asked for suggestions. My original plan was to just use the chainsaw to cut the tree and run like heck when it started falling down! On a normal tree, that is not a problem.

But this tree was all rotted out which made it more of a challenge - not knowing when or where it might actually fall. Using the tow straps and making a few shallow cuts with the chainsaw made the process much safer for me. You guys helped me out on this one and my plans were improved for a much safer tree felling.

 

[gtaus]

Update on burning that punky wood: I tried to burn a stack of that punky wood today. I doused it with diesel/gas mixture and let it soak in for a while. Then about half an hour later, I lit the fire. Unfortunately, the wood did not burn good at all.

It only slowly smoldered with no real flames to speak of. No way am I going to waste all my time and effort trying to burn that rotted wood. I thought my stack of wood on top of the stump would burn out in maybe half an hour, but after 3 hours not much was burned and I had to leave it for the night.

I'll check tomorrow to see if it finished burning down to the stump. But it sure would take a long time to burn the rest of the tree that way. My new plan is to load up that punky wood and toss it in a big wood pile I have in the tall grass and let nature break it down over years.

Instead of burning out the stump, I might have to chop it up with an axe and use a shovel and/or landscaping bar to remove the stump. The stump is all rotted, so it should be easier to chop out than a normal stump from a healthy tree.

FWIW, I did a little research online to find out why the punky wood would not burn - only smolder slowly in the fire ring. I don't normally burn rotted wood, so I had no idea why it was only smoldering. Keep in mind our humidity level this past week has been over 75%, very high. Here is the response I got...

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That smoldering, low-flame behavior is very typical of rotted wood, and it’s rooted in both moisture content and structural degradation. Birch, especially when punky or decayed, becomes a sponge for ambient moisture—even if it feels light or dry to the touch.

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Why Rotted Wood Smolders Instead of Burns​

1. High Moisture Content​

• Rotted wood often holds 50–70% moisture, even if it feels dry on the surface.
• Fungi and bacteria break down the wood’s structure, leaving behind a spongy matrix that traps water.
• When burned, most of the energy goes into evaporating moisture, not producing heat.

2. Low Density = Low BTU Output​

• As decay progresses, the wood loses its lignin and cellulose, which are the fuel-rich components.
• Less density means fewer British Thermal Units (BTUs)—so even if it ignites, it won’t sustain a flame.

3. Poor Combustion = Smoke and Creosote​

• Incomplete combustion leads to smoke, smoldering, and creosote buildup in your chimney or flue.
• This not only reduces heat output but can also pose a fire hazard over time.

4. Health Risks​

• Burning rotted wood can release fungal spores, mildew, and bacteria into the air, which may irritate your respiratory system.
• It’s especially risky indoors or for people with asthma or allergies.

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What You Can Do​

• Use it as kindling only if it’s dry enough and mixed with solid hardwood.
• Avoid burning it indoors, especially in stoves or fireplaces.
• Check with a moisture meter—ideal firewood should be below 20% moisture.
• If you’re burning outdoors, make sure there’s good airflow and dry fuel to support combustion.

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