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Wood is composed of bundles of microscopic tubes that were used
to transport water from the roots of the tree to the leaves. These
tubes will stay full of water for years even after a tree is dead. This
is why it is so important to have your firewood cut to length for 6
months or more before you burn it, it gives this water a chance to
evaporate since the tube ends are finally open and the water only
has to migrate a foot or two to escape. Splitting the wood helps too
by exposing more surface area to the sun and wind, but cutting the
wood to shorter lengths is of primary importance.
Here’s how you can tell whether your wood is ready or not. Well-
seasoned firewood generally has darkened ends with cracks or
splits visible, it is relatively lightweight, and makes a clear "clunk"
when two pieces are beat together. Green wood on the other
hand is very heavy, the ends look fresher, and it tends to make a
dull "thud" when struck.
Another thing you can do to help is store your wood properly. Store
if off the ground by building the pile on some longer logs (or
whatever method you can devise). A shed or shelter with an open
side makes an ideal storage place, as the air can circulate around
the logs and help to dry them out. Unventilated spaces or plastic
tarps, which never get taken off will prevent the drying and
evaporation process and cause moulds and rot. So, if a tarp is your
only option, take it off frequently to air the wood on fine days. And
remember to put it back on again. Seasoned firewood will reabsorb
large amounts of water if exposed to rain, snow and excessive dew,
which is liable to make it rot and be unfit for making a good fire.
When you build up a store of firewood, remember that the wood
may start to deteriorate after 4 to 5 years, although this is of
course variable and depending on storage conditions and species
involved.
THE WOOD BURNING PROCESS
Understanding what happens when wood is burnt will enable you
to burn wood in a more environmentally friendly way, reduce the
maintenance required for your chimney and get more out of your
wood. There are 3 stages in the wood-burning process: