MARCH/APRIL/SEPTEMBER

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!

Ah, finally spring has arrived. Warming temperatures, blooming flowers , and singing birds. What better time to begin cutting firewood for next fall.

Yes, you did read that correct. It is time to consider firewood for your home for next fall and winter. Firewood is much like any other agricultural commodity. Firewood has characteristics that make it "ripe for the picking".

When a tree is first cut down, a tremendous amount of water exists in the wood. For wood to be used as any product, whether it be for firewood, lumber or paper production, the water content needs to be extracted. If you burn green or "unseasoned" wood, the heat output in your home's fireplace will be greatly reduced. By seasoning the wood first, there will be a higher heat value generated.

Methods to Season Firewood:

Cut to required fireplace length

Split for quicker drying

Removal of bark

Air dried for a minimum of six months

Stacked and dried in an open area with good air flow

Maintain a cover over the top of wood (not sides)

"Season" wood during months of low humidity

Keep the wood off the ground

(Note: for anyone that has firewood left over from this season, do not store it next to your home. Wood eating insects can be attracted to a stack of wood and can possibly find your home as the "frosting on the cake".)