Firewood Tips

The nighttime weather in New England has been perfect to hang out outside around the fire. If you are planning backyard fires in the near future, there are things you can do to make sure your firewood is in the best condition to fuel your fire. From purchase to storage, to burn, there are many things to consider and keep in mind in order to create an amazing, warm, and lasting fire. 

Buying Wood

The first step to any fire is getting the wood to burn. Seems simple, but there are so many options! Without the proper knowledge, you may be unaware that which wood you choose will make a difference in how your fire burns and lasts. When purchasing wood for your fire, be sure to look for:

• Softwoods such as pine or spruce are fast burning. They tend to create large flames and lots of crackle noise. They are usually used more for kindling and assisting the hardwood in a fire. 
• Hardwoods such as oak and maple are slow-burning. They are the more popular choice in firewood because of how much denser they are than softwood. They create very hot fires without large flames and a ton of smoke. 

Season Your Wood

It is crucial that your firewood is well seasoned in order to create a successful fire. Seasoning eliminates a big portion of moisture that is in the wood. You can purchase firewood that is already pre-seasoned, but if you choose to buy newer wood, you want to make sure it’s far in advance of your backyard fire plans. Softwood can take 6 months to completely season and hardwood can take up to a full year. 

Proper Storage

Post-purchase and seasoning, the way you store your wood has a huge impact on how well it will fuel your fire. To properly store firewood, make sure to:

• Allow for proper airflow and ventilation while stacking. It is important that the wood is able to continuously dry and lose moisture. 
• Elevate your storage above the ground. You want to keep your wood away from the soil. Do not store too high up as it could be a possible hazard if it is raised above 4 feet. 
• Allow for sun exposure
• On days with no sun, you want to cover your wood with something like a tarp. This keeps out moisture you absolutely do not want to get into your wood. 

East Coast Tree Service

As tree experts, we have a plethora of firewood knowledge. We hope these tips help you create successful fires this season to enjoy with all of your friends and family. For any further questions regarding firewood maintenance or to check out our firewood services, contact East Coast Tree Service today!