Whether you’re planning a bonfire party or use a wood-burning stove to heat your home, good firewood is the key ingredient for success. You’ll need to know how to select and properly store your wood so that it burns slowly and without producing too much smoke. Use the guide below for a long-lasting supply of beautiful fires.

Guide to Getting Firewood

How to Choose It

You should only burn seasoned firewood; this means that it’s been dried until it has a moisture content of less than 20 percent. Wood with too much water in it is very difficult to light, won’t keep burning reliably, and will release plumes of smoke when it does burn.

There are a few things you can look for to check that the wood is properly seasoned. It should be dry and hard to the touch, and when you knock two pieces together it should sound crisp rather than dull. There may be cracks across the grain since the wood shrinks as it dries, and the bark may have split away from the wood.

How to Store It

Once you’ve selected the right wood, storing it properly will keep it dry and ready for use. Poorly stacked wood is susceptible to moisture, mold, fungus, and pest infestations. Stack your firewood on a platform at least a few inches off the ground and under an overhead covering.

The cut ends should be exposed—this will keep it dry since the ends are where the wood releases moisture. Stack it loosely to allow air flow between the pieces, and overlap each row on an angle rather than directly on top of each other, to keep it stable. Brush off each piece thoroughly before bringing it indoors, and only bring in as much as you need, since the wood is a tempting home for pests such as spiders or mice.

H & H Tree Service has built a reputation over the last 23 years as North Carolina’s top tree service. They are based in New London and offer a full range of services from tree and brush removal to tree pruning. They also have an excellent section of seasoned firewood for sale. Learn more on their website and call (704) 463-0353 to request a free estimate.