It’s July. Do you have enough wood?
It’s a blistering 90+ degrees outside right now, but in a few short months those of us that heat with wood will be shivering as we collect wood from the woodpile. Anyone who has heated with wood knows the difference between seasoned and unseasoned firewood (in terms of heat output) is the difference between a comfortable living space and shivering in three layers of wool. Green or incompletely-seasoned firewood also produces higher levels of creosote which can cause chimney fires, or at the very least require you to have your chimney swept more often than usual.
While it may be 90 degrees outside at the moment, now is the time to ensure you have adequate wood supplies for this winter and that it is stacked in a way that allows for optimal airflow. Many varieties of wood need a year or even two years to fully season, though six months will do in a pinch as long as it is split and stacked correctly. If you prefer to purchase firewood rather than working the wood yourself, now is still the time to purchase. We regularly work with and recommend Lloyd Jordan with Tree Surgeons as a firewood source; he can be reached at 757-851-6037. You can also find firewood for sale on Craigslist or in pick-up trucks on the side of the road, but it’s a case of buyer beware until you know the quality of the wood they’re providing. Happy hunting!