As a homeowner it can be a challenge to prepare your own firewood, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be much easier than you think to feed your fireplace or wood burner. It can also be cheaper than buying the already prepared firewood from the local dealer or shop.
If you have a few trees in your yard, then a simple good old ax would do. No need to invest much then as the amount of firewood you can get from half a dozen or so trees is not much to be honest.
On the other hand, if you live near a forest or you own some woods yourself, then it would be convenient to get your own wood and forget the big retailers and their elevated prices.
Preparing The Firewood
With all honesty, preparing firewood is not easy. In fact, the tools needed can be expensive, but in the mid term it will break even and will surely give you all the satisfaction and good feeling for the long term, once the job is done all by yourself.
Tip 1: Choose the right wood
Hardwood is your best choice, like beech, oak or even cherry, usually the broad-leaf ones. These burn longer, as their density can be twice as much as of softwood. Hardwood burns slower and gives lots of heat.
The amount of ash produced can be reduced as well by the choice of wood. Pine and eucalyptus, for example, give lots of head but leave a low amount of ash behind.
Tip 2: Cut the wood to the right size
For felling and cutting the tree to logs, the choose a decent chainsaw. Keep in mind the size of your fireplace as it makes sense to cut the tree to the right sized logs in the first place. Leave 2-3 inches on both sides to it fits the fireplace or stove easily.
Once you have your logs it’s time to split them to pieces so it can dry out quicker and catch fire more easily. Again, for small amounts of woods a regular ax would do, but nowadays purpose built log splitters are cost and time effective ways to split the logs. Basic ones sell from around $150.
Tip 3: Let it dry
When wood is wet, it’s kind of rubbery and difficult to burn. It produces excess smoke and it’s hard to set it on fire in the first place. It’s one of the most important factors to use dry wood, especially indoors.
To conclude, it’s very satisfying and manly activity to produce your own firewood and in the long term, your initial investment in tools will pay out. It’s a great work out and keeps you fit, while the wood will keep you warm in fall and winter for sure. It’s a win-win.
About the Author
Jason is the Chief Editor and Founder at gardenlifepro.com. Gardenlife Pro reviews everything being it a lawn mower, chainsaw, grill or the latest oil for your power tool, so that you can make the best decision.