The bark is the outer skin of the tree, which is intended to protect it, among other things. For some woodwork it has to be removed, but debarking is often a very strenuous process - especially if it is a whole tree trunk.
How do you debark a tree trunk?
A tree trunk can be debarked by peeling it manually with a peeling or drawing knife, with a high-pressure cleaner or sandblaster, or by watering it beforehand. With each method, attention must be paid to safety and protective clothing.
Debarking a tree trunk with a peeling or drawing knife
In the classic way, you remove the bark from the tree trunk by hand using a peeling or drawing knife. Peeling irons are available in different qualities and are specifically designed for this purpose. The drawknives, on the other hand, are only suitable for smaller pieces of wood, but not for an entire tree trunk. Manually peeling a tree trunk is both time-consuming and physically demanding. It also has the disadvantage that the knife marks can then be seen in the wood. When debarking with a paring or pulling knife, be sure to wear sturdy work gloves and only use tools with a sharp blade. Both reduce the risk of injury.
Debarking with a high-pressure cleaner or sandblaster
If you don't want to get your hands dirty yourself, you can also have the bark removed from the tree trunk using a high-pressure cleaner or sandblaster. However, this method is only suitable if the pressure is set appropriately high. When working with these devices, you should wear protective clothing - especially safety glasses! – and observe the safety regulations. You can also have this work done by a mobile professional: There is probably a company in your area with a sandblaster or high-pressure cleaner that will come to your home if you wish.
Debarking by prior watering
If you have a pond or other body of water nearby, you can also water the tree trunk for a few days. Cover it completely with water. The bark can then be easily removed by hand, but the wood must be carefully dried for a long time before further processing.
Tip
If you have a wood processing business nearby (e.g. a sawmill), why not pay it a visit? These companies work with a peeling machine and can easily peel the tree trunk for you with a fee.