How to Protect Firewood Outside from Weather and Insects (4 Tricks)
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate the cozy warmth of a fire on a chilly evening. But nothing spoils that faster than damp or bug-ridden firewood. So let’s dive into some tried-and-true tricks to keep your firewood in top-notch condition, even when stored outside.
Trick 1: Elevate and Cover Your Firewood
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Finding the perfect spot for your firewood is like finding the sweet spot for your favorite chair—it’s all about balance. Look for a well-drained area with lots of airflow. I remember when I first started stacking firewood; I made the mistake of placing it in a low spot. After a heavy rain, my pile was sitting in a puddle, and the wood turned into a soggy mess. Lesson learned!
Step 2: Elevate the Wood
Use pallets or build a rack to get your wood off the ground. Elevation does wonders by keeping moisture away. I once repurposed an old wooden bed frame for this purpose—it worked brilliantly! Just make sure your setup is sturdy. The last thing you want is to trip over a wobbly stack.
Step 3: Cover the Top
Covering your woodpile is crucial but remember to do it right. A tarp works well, but you need to secure it so wind doesn’t blow it away. Let it drape over the sides but leave space at the bottom for air circulation. One winter, I used bungee cords to hold down my tarp—worked like a charm even during gusty storms.
Safety Tip:
Always check for stability. Loose stacks can be dangerous, especially if curious kids or pets are around. I learned this the hard way when my dog nearly brought down an entire stack chasing after a squirrel!
Trick 2: Stack Firewood Properly
Step 1: Split It Right
Splitting wood isn’t just about making it smaller; it’s about creating pieces that dry efficiently. Larger logs take forever to dry and are prime real estate for insects. Grab yourself a decent splitter or ax—I’ve got an old one that was passed down from my granddad, and it’s still going strong.
Step 2: Criss-Cross Stacking
Think of stacking wood like playing with blocks as a kid. A criss-cross pattern helps air move through the pile, speeding up drying. Plus, it looks pretty neat! I remember impressing my neighbors with my perfectly stacked woodpile—it’s like an art form once you get the hang of it.
Step 3: Leave Gaps
Gaps between stacks are essential for airflow. My friend once packed his woodpile too tightly, thinking it would be more efficient. Instead, he ended up with moldy wood because there was no room for air to circulate.
Trick 3: Use Natural Insect Repellents
Step 1: Choose Your Repellent
Natural repellents like cedar chips or diatomaceous earth are great options. They keep bugs at bay without using harsh chemicals. It’s like adding an invisible fence that insects just don’t want to cross.
Step 2: Apply Around and Under
Spread these repellents around your stack and underneath it. This creates a deterrent zone that most insects avoid. One summer, I had an ant problem until I sprinkled some diatomaceous earth around my woodpile—problem solved!
Warning Box:
Avoid spraying chemicals directly on your firewood. It might seem effective at first, but those chemicals can release toxins when you burn the wood—a sure way to ruin a cozy evening by the fire.
Trick 4: Season Your Firewood
Step 1: Timing Is Everything
Timing your woodcutting is crucial for proper seasoning. Cut in late winter or early spring so that your wood has plenty of time to dry before winter rolls around again. My first year cutting wood, I waited too long and ended up burning green wood—it was smoky and inefficient.
Step 2: Sun Exposure
Make sure your woodpile gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Sunlight helps evaporate moisture from the wood quickly. A friend of mine strategically moved his stack every few weeks to maximize exposure—it was extra work but worth it!
Step 3: Test for Dryness
A moisture meter is your best friend here. It tells you exactly when your wood is ready to burn. Aim for below 20% moisture content for optimal burning conditions. I once thought I could judge by feel alone—let’s say my instincts were off, and I spent an evening fighting to keep the fire going.
Equipment and Prerequisites
- Materials Needed: Tarp or specialized firewood cover, pallets or lumber for elevation, natural insect repellents like cedar chips or diatomaceous earth.
- Tools Required: Saw for cutting logs, splitter or ax for splitting wood, moisture meter for testing dryness.
- Knowledge Needed: Basic skills in wood-cutting and stacking are handy—plus knowing how to safely handle tools.
Common Questions
How much space should I leave between stacks?
About two inches between stacks allows for good airflow while maintaining stability. If you’re tight on space, consider stacking taller rather than wider.
Can I store firewood directly on concrete?
While concrete is better than soil, it can still retain moisture and cause your wood to rot from below. Elevate with pallets to prevent this.
How often should I check my woodpile?
Checking every couple of weeks is a good practice, especially after heavy rains or snowstorms to ensure covers are secure and stacks remain stable.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Soggy Wood: If you notice water pooling around your stack, consider relocating it or improving drainage with gravel.
- Insect Infestation: Increase the use of natural repellents and check for any gaps in coverage where insects might be sneaking through.
- Mold Growth: Ensure there’s adequate airflow and sunlight reaching your pile; if mold persists, restack with more gaps.
Important Reminders
- Always wear safety gear like gloves and goggles when cutting or splitting wood.
- Regularly inspect your firewood cover and adjust as needed.
- Rotate your woodpile periodically to ensure even drying and prevent mold growth.
Next Steps
Give one trick a try at a time and see how it works in your environment. Every yard is different, so feel free to tweak these strategies based on what you observe.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my firewood is too wet?
A: If you hear sizzling or see bubbles when burning, it’s still too moist.
Q: Is it okay to store firewood indoors?
A: Only store small amounts indoors and ensure it’s thoroughly dried first to prevent mold issues.
Q: Can I use treated wood pallets for elevation?
A: Avoid treated pallets as they may contain harmful chemicals that could leach into your woodpile.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll have dry, insect-free firewood ready whenever you’re eager to light up a warm fire. Stay cozy!
