Why are palo santo sticks cut by machine?

Are you used to seeing Palo Santo sticks cut unevenly? This has been the case, because for years the artisans have cut the wood with machetes, by hand, with a higher risk of injures and accidents. This in this way Palo Santo sticks have been obtained for consumption. During last years, we have been developing a safer way that allows us to save a lot of wood, and it is safer to manufactured: Machines cuts.

This procedure helps us meet one of our goals at EcuadorianHands, which is to protect the Palo Santo tree, and not waste any of it (note that we need a tree that naturally dies after 30 years, and then remains on the ground for 2-4 years before we can use it). Machete cuts are a lot of waste, higher risks, cuts, injuries, etc. We do not have this type of problem with machine cuts, as adequate protection is used under quality standards.

Now I am going to explain to you how this procedure is, and how we obtain perfect high-end Palo Santo sticks, reducing the amount of wasted wood, and reusing the little waste that remains in other by-products such as our Palo Santo Powder.  Always having as the main goal: the protection of the Palo Santo tree.

Steo by step procedure

The wood arrives at the artisan workshop

When deadwood is collected from the forest, it is transferred to a storage place where it is selected and stored in order according to the lot entered with date and time. At this time the degree of humidity is taken to know the state of the wood. This wood is carefully analyzed under strict quality control standards, where its aroma, color, and texture are observed, that it is not too moth-eaten or other insects inhabit it. In this case, a cross-section is made so that the wood seals naturally in the sun and can then be stored again.

This wood is stored and is used as the Palo Santo sticks are manufactured.

Important humidity control

Humidity fluctuates in the weight of the wood. thus we control that our wood is in optimal condition, and it allows us to control the processed kilograms and the losses kilograms in each cut.

We carry out humidity control on several occasions during the cutting and selection process, We control that the wood is in good condition and avoid the appearance of fungus.

Cut to saw

When the wood is cut by the saw machine, it is taken to the workshop. An expert, very well prepared and equipped, is in charge of cutting the sticks. First, the pieces of wood are cut into discs and then these wooden discs are cut into 10 cm long sticks. The work is meticulous and very important since it is in this step where you have the precision to cut the wooden discs well to avoid too much waste. While the sticks are cut, the sawdust is collected in a sack under the saw, which later allows obtaining the Palo Santo grind, a product that preserves the properties and the characteristic strong woody citrus aroma of this sacred tree.

Storage and classification of sticks

The sticks cut from Palo Santo are stored in sacks and taken to a room where the sack is weighed first, then the humidity percentage is measured and then stored to proceed to classification. In this step, there are people who are knowledgeable about the product and who classify it into qualities.

The sticks are sealed and stored 

When the batch of sticks is classified, they are marked with the branding bass of the Ecuadorianhands® company, thus we assure our clients that each of the sticks has gone through an optimal selection process, guaranteeing responsible and friendly traceability nature. And then the sticks are packed and stored in Ecuadorianhands® warehouse, to later be dispatched worldwide.

Each of our processes for the production of Palo Santo products is designed to take care of the environment and the responsibility we have to use this sacred wood in an eco-friendly way. In this case, the process of making Palo Santo sticks is a reflection of years of work to design an organized system that aims to obtain a sustainable and sustainable product.

From the forest to your hands! 

FAQ

What environmental benefits does using a saw provide for cutting Palo Santo sticks?

It reduces wood waste and helps preserve the Palo Santo tree, aligning with our sustainability philosophy.

What was done before?

Traditionally, it was cut manually with a machete, which generated more waste.

Do Palo Santo sticks come out more uniform with a saw?

Yes. The precision of the saw allows for 10 cm sticks with better presentation and quality.

Does sawing affect the aroma of Palo Santo?

No. The aroma remains intact because the wood is already naturally dried, and cutting does not alter its essence.

What happens to the waste generated by the saw?

It is carefully collected and reused to make our ground Palo Santo. Nothing is wasted.

How long should a Palo Santo tree be cut?

The Palo Santo tree is NOT CUT. It must die naturally (after 30 years of life) and rest in the ground for 2 to 4 years.

What guarantees the traceability of Palo Santo?

Each batch is recorded with the date, time, weight, and humidity level, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Is the spiritual energy of Palo Santo preserved with this method?

Yes. Respecting the natural timing of the tree and the conscious use of each part honors its sacred essence.

Does sawing reduce firewood consumption?

Exactly. By making better use of each piece, less firewood is needed to produce the same number of sticks.

How does EcuadorianHands protect the Palo Santo tree?

We only use naturally fallen wood and actively reforest in the province of Manabí.

Is this process part of a sustainable business model?

Yes. Each improvement reflects a vision of fair trade and responsible production.