Making an outdoor railing out of new fallen madrone

by Sarah
(Bellingham, WA)

I had envisioned using a madrone limb to create a railing up my front walkway just a few stairs high and recently stumbled upon a newly fallen piece that I could use. However, I now realize that I don't know anything about working with wood and am curious about the best way to turn the gorgeous tree limb into a railing free of splits and splintering and preserving the color and smooth texture. I don't want to change anything about the limb, just preserve it as close to how it currently exists. Do you have any advice? Thanks for your help.