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How to Season Firewood
Firewood takes at least one season to dry so you really want to chop, stack and store your firewood in the spring. Some species of wood require a year to fully season. The warm breezes will effectively dry out the moisture in the wood, which is important. Unseasoned, wet wood will not light or burn effectively and can cause creosote (Creosote is a black tar-like byproduct of burning wood that can line the inside of flues or chimneys and cause longer-term issues until it’s removed. Creosote can be produced in higher quantities when there’s a problem with the wood or the airflow to the fire.) However, if the tree is dead or has been on the ground for some time, seasoning likely has already taken place and the log might be ready to burn. The easiest way to tell if firewood is seasoned, is by looking at its color. The color will fade from green to yellow to gray as it dries out. If the wood looks faded and burns easily it should be properly seasoned. You will also notice the ends will crack/split, bark will fall off, and the wood will get lighter. Seasoning firewood is really quite simple. Once you chop your logs, stack them several inches off the ground. If possible, allow air flow on all sides. You will want to shield the top of your wood pile from the elements, to prevent water from saturating the wood. One of my wood piles is under the deck, allowing for air movement but providing coverage. I built a roof over the wood pile under the deck to shed water away and keep the wood dry.
The second wood pile is along the side of the garage, with rain protection and appropriate air flow. Surprisingly that two-foot overhand keeps the wood dry all year ‘round.
How to Chop Firewood
Chop the logs in the correct size to fit into your firebox to avoid frustration when the logs are too long. I like to chop my logs two inches smaller than the opening of the firebox. It works well to have a solid surface on which to chop the wood. I chop wood in my driveway with a 2 x 12 to protect the concrete from the ax. If you split right on concrete, you might damage it.
I use a maul and wedges for larger pieces and just the axe for kindling. I enjoy chopping wood but it does take a lot of energy. Enjoy a hearty hot breakfast before you head out to your chores.
How to Haul Logs to Your Woodpile
Hauling logs from the wood pile into your house can be quite a chore so keep that in mind when you decide where to store and stack the firewood. Be sure your stack is close to where you are doing to burn the wood instead of out in the woods, where you were chopping the wood. Do the hauling and stacking when the weather is nice (spring or summer) and don’t wait until the dead of winter. A cart that fits through a doorway, and even goes upstairs, can make this job much easier. I have LogOX woodcutting tools, which makes it much easier to handle the wood. Firewood can be wet, slippery and heavy and this tool will make your job easier. [caption id="attachment_37990" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
The LogOX Woodsmen Package is available at Lehmans.com[/caption]
An inexpensive log carrier can also be handy to grab a stove-full of wood quickly.
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