Abstract: In a method for separating a sawn timber pack obtained from one trunk into main yield and side cuttings using a separating conveyor, the sawn timber pack is conveyed in a longitudinal direction via an underside transport device of the separating conveyor. While the single- or multi-piece main yield is supported by the transport device, one or more side boards are separated transverse to the conveying direction using gravitational force and/or external forces, whereby lateral retaining elements are briefly opened for release. In order to be able to process trunks with as large a diameter range as possible, the side boards located on opposing sides of the sawn wood pack are separated in two successive separating stages, whereby the lateral retaining elements of the separating conveyor are opened on one side on a respective release side in the successive separating stages.