In the last post on Replacing a Rotted Log - I had removed a log that was rotted and weakened by wood boring insects.
Now that the old log has been removed I have to focus on prepping the new log that will be inserted and spiked in its place.
Using a large blunt masonry chisel I scrape and peel away all of the bark. The log is still a bit green which makes bark removal relatively easy. Removing bark from a seasoned log goes much faster.
If this were a larger log I would use a spud. A spud is a long handled tool sort of like a garden hoe but with a wide flat and blunt end. A blunt end ensures that you do not cut into the wood as the idea is to remove only the bark. A sharp tool would bite into the wood.
