Logs ill prepared can and likely will, rot from the inside out. This due to moisture still trapped within. A log can lay for years and not sufficiently dry. I have sawn open logs that were cut 15 years prior and, to my surprise, they were still "wet" within. One would think that 15 years laying in the dry state of Kansas, they woud be dry. Such is NOT the case. Thus, we open up the log by either hollowing or many piercings from the bottom, in preparing it for your home. This, proceedure will allow it to more readily adapt to it's new environment, a home or essentially, changes in it's environment.

Explanation
Wood is hydroscopic in nature. Meaning, it is constantly taking on and giving off moisture. Whether that be in board form or a whole log, does not matter. Wood, even thru a thick finish, will take on and give off moisture. Thus, it moves. It is in a constant state of movement in adjusting to changing conditions around it.

Experienced wood workers understand this. Their efforts in design, are to simply "control" the movement with finishes and to allow for it in design. In understanding the degrees of movement of various speci, both longitudinal and radial movements, one can then incorporate these aspects into designs, often taking advantage of the natural movements.

Working with the natural decay of logs