It’s that time of year again! Leaves have turned, mornings are getting cold, and frost is in the forecast. If you heat your home or cabin with a wood stove, it is probably time to stock up on a cord or two of firewood.
Choose
wood that has been thoroughly seasoned. In general, firewood is
“seasoned” following a harvest anywhere from three months to a year
pending the seasoning conditions. Wood that is “green” or unseasoned
contains higher amounts of water and makes for a poor fuel, which should
be avoided unless you do not plan to use it until it is properly
seasoned. If wood is not properly seasoned it will be hard to light. It
will keep going out, it will smolder, and it won’t put out heat.Also, burning wet wood can lead to higher rates of creosote condensation in your chimney, which can lead to increased chances of chimney fires due to its highly flammable nature. Signs of seasoning include a relatively lighter weight and cracks or “checks” in the ends of logs.
Cord sizes are regulated and must comply with industry standards. In Minnesota, the legal definition is:
- One cord is 128 cubic feet in four foot lengths
- If the wood is sawed, a cord is 110 cubic feet when ranked, or 160 cubic feet when thrown loosely into a truck
- If the wood is sawed and split, a cord is 120 cubic feet when ranked, and 175 cubic feet when thrown loosely into a truck (Minnesota Statutes, Section 239.33)
Keep firewood from spreading pests and disease: Use local firewood whenever possible.Firewood can harbor many different kinds of invasive pests that are harmful to Minnesota trees. Firewood restrictions are needed to help prevent the introduction or spread of damaging forest pests including emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, and oak wilt.
Be sure to get your Firewood early because as the season progresses and the winter’s chill arrive, seasoned wood becomes hard to come by.
All deliveries are always free. Please call for pricing at 763-772-4736. (Minimum of 1 cord)
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