Whether you plan to use your home’s fireplace when the temperatures cool or you want to corral friends outside for a bonfire, having an ample amount of firewood is vital to maintaining warmth and a pleasant ambiance. However, you don’t want to start a fire and run out or realize your supply isn’t ready to be used. Ensure your home stays warm this winter with the following tips.

Do:

Store above ground.

Moisture from the ground and winter elements from above can cause your wood to stay damp. This will make it difficult to burn and can promote mold growth. Store your firewood off the ground on a rack or a concrete surface with a tarp over it to keep moisture from reaching your supply.

Season your stack. 

Another easy way to ensure your firewood stays in optimal shape while in storage is to season it six months before you are ready to use it. To properly season your wood, chop the wood into even-sized pieces to allow for better stacking and faster drying. Do not use diseased or dead wood, as this burns too quickly and gives off too much smoke. The lumber will dry out while stacked from sun and wind exposure. Lastly, a moisture meter should be used to determine the moisture content of the wood. Twenty percent or less is optimal for burning fires.

Don’t:

Store too closely to your home.

It can be tempting to stack your firewood in a neat pile next to your door for easy access, but this can affect the condition of your supply and possibly damage your home. Insect infestations can occur during the seasoning process, or your home may have its own pest issue that can easily impact the wood. Creating distance from buildings can prevent these pests from easily spreading, so keep them both safe by storing your supply at least five feet away from your home or outdoor shed.

Stack against a wall or fence.

Stacking can be a balancing act, which makes it tempting to store close to a fence or wall for stability. However, this structure can act as a barrier and make it difficult for wind and air to reach your supply. This can promote mold growth from unwanted moisture and make it hard to ignite, so keep your pile in a well-ventilated area.

 

Whether you’re looking to stock up on firewood for the winter season or have a tree that needs to come down in your yard, the professionals at H & H Tree Service in New London, NC, will help. For more than two decades, this company has provided the tree services you need to care for your yard, from removal to grinding. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call 704-463-0353.