As we endure these cold months ahead, firewood is a common necessity. When it comes to firewood, there is the basics everyone should know, such as whether you burn Unseasoned or Seasoned firewood, proper storage and safety measures while it is being burned for instance. There is quite a bit of information to cover, however, we at Atlantic Tree Service would like to discuss and share proper firewood storage tips today.

How to Stack Firewood

1) Stack the firewood in an ideal location. Knowing not stacking the firewood is equally valuable information as to knowing how to stack your firewood. Next to the fireplace indoors is a common place people often want to stack their wood. You will likely be bringing in some pests with you when hauling the wood inside. Any pests such as termites, ants, and spiders, among others, harbor in firewood. Without proper airflow, firewood cannot age properly inside as well. Storing the wood should be about 20-feet from the nearest door to avoid letting the pests, you want a dry and somewhat open area outside. Do not store it directly next to structure should you need to stack the wood nearby the home. To allow proper airflow, keep wood stacked a couple inches away.
2) Use a rack or pallet to stack the firewood. Do not exceed 4 feet high as you stack the wood neatly bundle the logs on a log rack or pallets and posts in rows. Should the wood not be fully seasoned yet, stack it bark-side down so the moisture can continue to easily evaporate from the wood. you can then stack them bark-side up after they have aged to naturally shield the wood from rain and snow. If you are using pallets and posts, simply place the pallet on the ground and hammer the posts or stakes in on each corner. To keep the firewood pieces from rolling off the sides, pile your wood on top of the pallets to keep it raised off the ground a bit to ensure the posts are close enough together. Until you’ve reached an even 4 feet in height all the way across, for those using a rack, begin stacking your wood, ends facing front and back. It is never good to toss the wood in an unorganized heap wherever is convenient at the time. To minimize the pest attraction, and to prevent the wood in the center can dry instead of rot, proper ventilation is essential.
3) Firewood protection. To protect your firewood from rain and snow, consider investing in a firewood cover. Make sure to leave the front and back of the stack fully open until it’s aged so that the wood properly dries out. To adequately protect your wood until you are ready to use it, full-size firewood covers are available for seasoned wood. Another optimal place to stack your firewood is an open barn or shed, or under an efficient overhang. Until it has properly dried out, do not enclose fresh wood. Otherwise the wood will not properly age and you can have an attractive place for pests.

Tree Trimming, Pruning & Removal, Storm Damage Cleanup, Firewood & More in Chatham, Madison & Summit NJ | Morris & Union County, New Jersey

The area will need to be kept clean and open. Be sure to prevent grasses, weeds, and other plant growth from growing under and around it and other scraps and kindling. Additionally, the landscaping needs to be well maintained and trimmed away from your firewood. For firewood in the Greater Portland, Maine area, call Atlantic Tree Service.