Firewood: A Complete Guide to Harvesting, Preparing, and Storing

Firewood is any wooden material that is gathered and used for fuel. Generally, firewood is not highly processed and is in some sort of recognizable log or branch form, compared to other forms of wood fuel like pellets or chips. Firewood is a renewable resource. However, demand for this fuel can outpace its ability to regenerate on local and regional level. Good forestry practices and improvements in devices that use firewood can improve the local wood supplies.

It’s important to know what kind of wood to use for different purposes. Hardwood is denser and produces more heat, softwood is easier to cut and makes better cooking fuel.

In this article, I’ll explain what firewood is, how it’s used, and why it’s such a great renewable energy source.

Lighting Up: A Comprehensive Guide to Firewood

Firewood is a type of wood that is used as fuel for heating, cooking, and other purposes. It is a renewable source of energy that is produced by cutting and preparing logs or branches from trees. Firewood is a key form of fuel for many households, especially those living in areas where electric power is not readily available or is too expensive.

The Different Forms of Firewood

Firewood comes in different forms, including hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is denser and produces more heat than softwood, making it suitable for heating homes. Softwood, on the other hand, is easier to cut and produces less heat, making it more suitable for cooking and other purposes.

Preparing Firewood

Preparing firewood is an important step in utilizing it as a fuel source. The wood needs to be cut into pieces of the required size and shape, and then seasoned or heat-treated to lower its moisture content. This is important because wet wood produces less heat and can be difficult to control when burning.

The Heating Power of Firewood

Firewood is a powerful source of heat that can be used to warm up a house or cook food. Its ability to produce heat is measured in terms of its heating content, which is the amount of heat produced when the wood is burned. This is an important factor to consider when choosing the type of firewood to use.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Firewood

Choosing the right firewood is important because it can affect the quality of the heat produced and the amount of smoke generated. Some types of wood, such as pine, produce more smoke than others, making them less suitable for indoor use. Hardwood, on the other hand, produces less smoke and is more suitable for indoor heating.

Firewood as an Alternative Fuel Source

Firewood is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that can be produced locally and sold at a lower cost than electric power. It is also a good alternative to fossil fuels, which are non-renewable and produce harmful emissions when burned.

Similar Terms in the Dictionary

Firewood is sometimes confused with other terms such as fuelwood, which refers to any wood that is used as fuel, and wood fuel, which includes other forms of wood fuel such as pellets and chips. However, firewood specifically refers to wood that is in recognizable log or branch form.

Heat it up: The Heating Value of Different Types of Firewood

When it comes to choosing the right firewood for your needs, it’s important to understand the concept of heating value. Heating value refers to the amount of heat energy that can be produced by burning a specific type of firewood. This value is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per pound, and can vary depending on the species of wood.

Types of Firewood and Their Heating Value

Here are some of the most common types of firewood and their heating value:

• Pine: Pine wood has a heating value of around 15.6 million BTUs per cord. White pine, red pine, and black pine all have similar heating values.
• Ash: Ash wood has a heating value of around 20 million BTUs per cord, making it one of the most efficient types of firewood available.
• Poplar: Poplar wood has a heating value of around 14 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Oak: Oak wood has a heating value of around 24 million BTUs per cord, making it one of the hottest burning types of firewood available. Northern red oak, white oak, and black oak all have similar heating values.
• Spruce: Spruce wood has a heating value of around 15.5 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Maple: Maple wood has a heating value of around 24 million BTUs per cord, making it one of the hottest burning types of firewood available.
• Cottonwood: Cottonwood wood has a heating value of around 12 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of poplar.
• Fir: Fir wood has a heating value of around 18 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of spruce.
• Lodgepole Pine: Lodgepole pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Hemlock: Hemlock wood has a heating value of around 14 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of poplar.
• Hickory: Hickory wood has a heating value of around 26 million BTUs per cord, making it one of the hottest burning types of firewood available.
• Willow: Willow wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Cedar: Cedar wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Birch: Birch wood has a heating value of around 20 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of ash.
• Elm: Elm wood has a heating value of around 20 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of ash.
• Bigleaf Maple: Bigleaf maple wood has a heating value of around 24 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of oak.
• Beech: Beech wood has a heating value of around 24 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of oak.
• Cypress: Cypress wood has a heating value of around 20 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of ash.
• Sycamore: Sycamore wood has a heating value of around 20 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of ash.
• Redwood: Redwood wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Sitka Spruce: Sitka spruce wood has a heating value of around 15.5 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Black Willow: Black willow wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Black Cottonwood: Black cottonwood wood has a heating value of around 12 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of cottonwood.
• Yellow Pine: Yellow pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Green Ash: Green ash wood has a heating value of around 20 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of ash.
• Banksiana Pine: Banksiana pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Taeda Pine: Taeda pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Palustris Pine: Palustris pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• White Pine: White pine wood has a heating value of around 15.6 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Shortleaf Pine: Shortleaf pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Paper Birch: Paper birch wood has a heating value of around 20 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of ash.
• Trembling Aspen: Trembling aspen wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Shagbark Hickory: Shagbark hickory wood has a heating value of around 26 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of hickory.
• Eastern Red Cedar: Eastern red cedar wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Engelmann Spruce: Engelmann spruce wood has a heating value of around 15.5 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Loblolly Pine: Loblolly pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Longleaf Pine: Longleaf pine wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Quercus Rubra: Quercus rubra wood has a heating value of around 24 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of oak.
• Quaking Aspen: Quaking aspen wood has a heating value of around 15 million BTUs per cord, which is similar to that of pine.
• Engelmann Spruce: Engelmann spruce wood has a heating value of

From Forest to Fireplace: The Art of Harvesting Firewood

Harvesting firewood involves the process of cutting, processing, and moving trees to a location for transport. The method of harvesting varies widely depending on the conditions of the forest and the intended use of the wood. Here are some commonly used techniques:

• Selective Harvesting: This involves the individual selection of trees that are intended to be felled. This technique is commonly used in forest management to promote growth and maintain the health of the forest.
• Clearcutting: This involves the felling of all trees in a given area. This technique is mainly used for producing large volumes of wood for commercial purposes.
• Marking: This involves the marking of trees that are intended to be harvested. This technique is commonly used in selective harvesting to ensure that only the chosen trees are felled.

Harvesting Biomass

In addition to firewood, trees can also be harvested for biomass. Biomass is a natural and renewable source of energy that can be used to produce power and heat. Here are some groups that produce biomass:

• Plantations: These are areas of land that are specifically chosen and managed for the production of biomass.
• Pulpwood: This is wood that is intended for use in the production of paper and other products.
• Fuelwood: This is wood that is intended for use as fuel.

The yield of biomass depends on the volume of wood produced and the conditions of the forest. The prerequisite for harvesting biomass involves periodic cutting to promote growth and maintain the health of the forest.

Harvesting in Different Forests

The technique used for harvesting firewood differs radically depending on the type of forest. Here are some differences between temperate and tropical forests:

• Temperate Forests: These forests have a long waiting period between the time of felling and the resulting growth. The technique used for harvesting involves the periodic cutting of trees to promote growth and maintain the health of the forest.
• Tropical Forests: These forests have a new growth period that is completely inseparably added to the preexisting growth. The technique used for harvesting involves the selective harvesting of individual trees to maintain the health of the forest.

Getting Your Firewood Ready: The Process of Preparing

Preparing firewood involves a series of steps that are essential for the wood to be used as a source of energy. The first step is cutting the wood into pieces that are of the right size and shape. This process involves using a saw or an axe to cut the wood into lengths that will fit into your fireplace or wood stove. The size of the pieces will depend on your needs, but a standard measure is around 16 inches in length.

Drying and Storing the Wood

After the wood has been cut and split, it needs to be dried and stored properly. Drying the wood is important because it reduces the water content of the wood, increasing its heating value. The wood should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated area, away from the ground and covered with a sheet to protect it from rain and snow. The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the type of wood and the method used.

Choosing the Right Method

There are different methods of preparing firewood, and the method you choose will depend on your needs and the type of wood you are using. Some of the most common methods include:

• Traditional Round Pole Method: This involves arranging the wood in a round structure and allowing it to dry naturally over an extended period.
• Angled Blade Method: This method uses an angled blade to split the wood into smaller pieces, making the process faster and safer.
• Western Method: This method involves cutting the wood into shorter pieces and stacking them close together to create a structure that allows for better air flow and faster drying.

The Final Destination

Once the wood has been prepared and dried, it is ready to be used as a source of energy. Firewood is a great way to heat your home and can be used for a variety of other purposes as well. It is normally sold by the cord, which is a standard measure of wood that is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. The price of firewood varies depending on the type of wood and the region you are in, but it is generally considered to be a more affordable and sustainable source of energy compared to other options.

Storing Firewood: Tips and Tricks

Once you’ve chosen the correct storage method, it’s important to find the right place to store your firewood. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Keep it outside: Firewood should always be stored outside to protect your living space from unwanted animals and insects.
• Avoid tree cover: If possible, don’t store your firewood under trees, as this can lead to it being more susceptible to rain and other elements.
• Use a cover: While it’s important to keep your firewood exposed to the air, you also want to protect it from rain and other moisture. Consider using a plastic sheet or wooden log store to keep your firewood dry.
• Keep it close: You don’t want to have to trek too far to get your firewood, so try to store it in an area that’s close to your house or living space.

How to Store Unseasoned Firewood

If you’ve spent a lot of time cutting and processing your own firewood, you may find that it’s still unseasoned and not ready to burn. Here’s how to store unseasoned firewood:

• Keep it exposed: Unseasoned firewood needs to be exposed to the air to dry out properly.
• Stack it correctly: Make sure to stack your unseasoned firewood neatly to allow for proper airflow.
• Expect it to take time: Depending on the type of wood and the conditions it’s stored in, unseasoned firewood can take anywhere from a few months to a year to dry out completely.

Firewood vs Wood for Smoking: What’s the Difference?

The size of the wood you use also plays a role in the result you’ll get. Small pieces of wood burn hot and fast, while bigger pieces burn slower and more steadily. If you’re looking to build a quick fire to warm up your home, small pieces of wood are the way to go. But if you’re smoking beef for a long period of time, bigger pieces will give you a more consistent flow of smoke.

Preparing and Storing

When it comes to preparing and storing wood for smoking, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, make sure the wood is clean and free of any chemicals or debris. Second, cover the wood to keep it dry and prevent it from getting moldy. This is especially helpful if you’re getting a lot of rain or snow. Knowing how to properly store your wood will ensure that it’s always ready to use when you want to smoke some food.

The Best Choice

So, which is better for smoking food: firewood or wood specifically for smoking? The answer is certain- wood specifically for smoking is definitely the best choice. This type of wood consists of forms that are picked and prepared for the sole purpose of producing smoke for food. It’s steady, consistent, and produces a clean burn with a lot less ash. While firewood can work in a pinch, if you want to take your smoking game to the next level, it’s worth learning about the different types of wood for smoking and picking the right one for the job.

Conclusion

So, that’s what firewood is. A useful fuel source for heating and cooking, and a renewable resource. You just need to know what type to use and how to prepare it.

I hope this guide has helped you learn more about firewood and made you a more informed consumer.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.