Is There A Best Way To Dry Firewood?

Wet wood won’t burn. Newly cut, green wood has to be conditioned before it is dry enough to burn effectively. Regardless if you’re attempting to stay toasty on a camping trip or you are using your fireplace, dry firewood is vital for keeping your fire going and not messing up your stovepipe.

Green wood or bristles doesn’t offer much warmth. The wind and the sun are the best way to dry firewood. Here are a couple of things to aid with the process.

Storing and Stacking

Step 1
Cut limbs from trees with a chainsaw, machete, or bucksaw. If you don’t own these tools, get a Rochester tree contractor to do it for you. Slice the wood into pieces that will fit into your fireplace or wood stove. Divide the stack of wood so that the air can circulate between the pieces. Don’t let the cut wood touch the ground.

Step 2
The wood should be uncovered so it can get dried by the sun and wind. If it’s snowing, put a piece of tar paper, plastic sheeting, or tar over the wood to shield the snow from touch it and dew from forming. Plastic is a more water-resistant barrier, and it will stop condensation from evaporating. Take the plastic off on windy or sunny days to let the wet or green wood dry out.

Step 3
Take some firewood inside 12 to 24 hours before you plan to burn it. Spread it out to let circulate the wood. Start the fire using dry wood. Damp wood will burn once the fire is already burning good. Tweak the damper, so the wood burns and doesn’t smolder.

Step 4
If you are camping, search for firewood as soon as you get to the campsite. Put the wood under a tree or any other place where it will be sheltered. If it starts to rain or is raining, stack the wood off the wet ground and make sure that air can circulate it. Shield the wood with pine boughs or a piece of plastic. When you start the fire, put the wet pieces near it so they can dry before you use them. 

A Rochester Arborist can help you identify the types of trees you have on your property and help you identify if any trees are dead and can be cut down.

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