How long should firewood sit before splitting?

Green rounds are easier to split soon after cutting, so there is little reason to wait. If the wood has already been seasoned by a supplier, it can be split at any point, though it will be harder work than green timber. What matters more is the time between splitting and burning, since split wood needs several months of open-sided storage to finish drying.

Can I split firewood with a normal axe?

A felling axe will split small, straight-grained pieces, and it jams in anything larger. Tell the two apart by looking at the head from the top: a felling axe is thin and flat behind the edge, while a splitting axe or maul widens sharply into thick cheeks. Those cheeks are what push the timber apart once the edge is in.

What size should split firewood be for a wood heater?

As a general guide, aim for pieces around 100 to 150 mm across, and at least 50 mm shorter than the internal width of the firebox so they sit flat without touching the sides. Check your heater's manual, since maximum log length varies. A mix of sizes burns better than a stack of identical pieces, because the smaller ones get the fire established.

Is Jarrah firewood hard to split by hand?

Seasoned Jarrah is one of the harder Australian hardwoods to split by hand, because it is dense and its grain frequently interlocks rather than running straight. A maul, a good chopping block and steel wedges make it manageable. Marri is generally more forgiving, which is one reason mixed-species loads split more easily than straight Jarrah.

Is it safe to split firewood inside a tyre?

Used carefully, yes, and it saves bending down to reset pieces after every swing. Cut one sidewall out so the rubber does not sit above the timber, keep the tyre sitting on top of the chopping block, and replace it when the rubber starts to split. Never use a tyre still mounted on a rim.

Does Little Loads deliver firewood that is ready to burn?

Yes. Our Jarrah and mixed-species firewood is seasoned before it is sold and is delivered cut to length, so most of a load can go straight into the firebox. Many customers split a portion of each delivery into smaller pieces and kindling, and burn the rest as it arrives.

A Christmas Garden Makeover on a Budget: 7 Affordable Ways to Refresh Your Perth Backyard

Little Loads

2 days ago

3 min read

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're planning to host family and friends this festive season, chances are your backyard is getting a little extra attention!

But with the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, a big backyard makeover might not be on everyone's Christmas wish list.

The good news? You don't need to spend a fortune to give your garden a fresh new look. Sometimes, a few simple improvements can make all the difference.

Whether you're preparing for Christmas lunch, summer BBQs or simply want to enjoy your outdoor space a little more, here are seven affordable ways to get your Perth garden looking its best.

Give Your Garden Beds a Fresh New Look

One of the easiest ways to transform your backyard is by refreshing your existing garden beds. Adding a fresh layer of mulch can instantly make your garden look tidier and more maintained, while also helping to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds. It's a relatively simple improvement that can make a big visual difference without the expense of a complete garden makeover.

Give Your Soil Some Love

Before spending money on new plants, take a look at the soil you're working with.

Perth's sandy soils can struggle to retain moisture and nutrients, particularly during the warmer months. Adding quality compost or a suitable soil conditioner can help improve soil structure and support healthier plant growth. Rather than replacing all your existing soil, focus on improving the garden beds you already have. It's a practical way to get more out of your existing garden.

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Add a Little Colour Without Overspending

You don't need to fill your backyard with expensive plants to create a beautiful space.

Consider adding a few seasonal flowers, smaller shrubs or colourful potted plants to brighten up empty corners and garden beds.

You can also reposition plants and pots you already own to create a fresh look without buying anything new. Sometimes, a little rearranging is all it takes!

Give Your Lawn Some Attention

A healthy-looking lawn can make your entire backyard feel more inviting, especially when it's the centrepiece of your outdoor entertaining area.

Take some time to remove weeds, tidy up the edges and address any patchy areas. If you're planning to repair sections of your lawn, a suitable lawn mix can help provide a better growing foundation.

Remember to keep up with appropriate watering during the warmer months, particularly when Perth temperatures start to climb.

Create a Welcoming Outdoor Entertaining Space

With Christmas gatherings and summer BBQs on the horizon, now is a great time to make your outdoor space more inviting. You don't need expensive outdoor furniture or elaborate landscaping. Start by clearing away clutter, sweeping pathways, trimming overgrown plants and tidying garden edges.

A few inexpensive outdoor cushions, potted plants or some simple decorative touches can also help bring everything together.

Make the Most of What You Already Have

Before heading to the garden centre, see what you can reuse around your backyard.

Have existing pots that could be moved to a more noticeable spot? Plants that need pruning? Garden beds that could benefit from a little rearranging?

You might be surprised by how much you can improve your outdoor space simply by working with what you already have. It's also a great opportunity to divide suitable established plants and reuse them in other areas of your garden.

Prepare Your Garden for the Summer Months Ahead

While getting your garden ready for Christmas is exciting, it's important to think beyond the festive season.

Perth summers can be particularly harsh on gardens, so preparing your soil, applying mulch and providing appropriate plant nutrition can help your garden cope with the warmer weather.

A quality fertiliser, such as Little Loads' Organic Aloe Vera Bio-Fertiliser, can help support healthy plant growth as part of your regular garden care routine.

A little preparation now can make ongoing garden maintenance easier throughout summer.

A Beautiful Garden Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

Getting your backyard ready for Christmas doesn't mean spending thousands of dollars on landscaping or starting from scratch. With a little creativity, some thoughtful improvements and the right gardening supplies, you can create an outdoor space you'll be proud to share with family and friends this festive season.

At Little Loads, we're here to help make your next garden project easier. From quality mulch and soil products to fertilisers and more, explore our range and give your garden the fresh start it deserves.

Get your garden Christmas-ready with Little Loads!