Stihl FS 90 Trimmer Guide (5 Pro Tips for Firewood Prep)

From Yard Work to Winter Warmth: Mastering Firewood Prep with Your Stihl FS 90 Trimmer (and Saving Money!)

The Stihl FS 90 trimmer. You probably think of it as the weapon of choice against unruly weeds and overgrown lawn edges, right? Well, I’m here to tell you it can be a surprising ally in the quest for a cozy winter – specifically, in firewood preparation. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A trimmer for firewood? Seriously?” Stay with me. This isn’t about felling trees with a weed whacker. It’s about the often-overlooked, yet crucial, final stages of firewood prep: cleanup, small branch processing, and optimizing your woodpile for efficient drying. And, most importantly, how to do it without breaking the bank.

Over the years, I’ve learned that efficient firewood prep isn’t just about brute force and a powerful chainsaw. It’s about strategy, smart tool utilization, and a keen eye on costs. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on fancy equipment only to end up with a mountain of half-rotted wood because they skipped the crucial steps of proper seasoning and storage. This guide will share my top 5 pro tips for using your Stihl FS 90 (or similar trimmer) to streamline your firewood prep, reduce waste, and ultimately, save you money. We’ll also dive deep into the real costs of firewood, from sourcing the wood to stacking the last log, so you can create a realistic budget and avoid those costly surprises.

Tip #1: The Art of the Clean Sweep: Clearing Debris and Preventing Wood Rot

One of the biggest hidden costs in firewood preparation is wood rot. Damp, decaying wood not only provides less heat but also attracts pests and can damage your wood-burning appliance. That’s where your Stihl FS 90 comes in.

• Clearing the Processing Area: Before you even think about splitting logs, use your trimmer to clear away grass, weeds, and other debris from your processing area. This creates a cleaner, safer workspace and prevents vegetation from trapping moisture against your freshly split wood. Imagine this: You’ve just spent hours splitting a cord of oak. You stack it neatly, but the bottom layer is sitting on damp grass. Over time, that moisture wicks up, creating a breeding ground for mold and rot. A quick sweep with the trimmer before stacking can prevent this entirely.

• Cleaning Around the Woodpile: The same principle applies to your woodpile. Keep the area around your woodpile clear of vegetation to promote airflow and reduce moisture buildup. A trimmer makes quick work of this task, especially in tight spaces where a mower can’t reach.

• Cost Savings: Preventing wood rot translates directly into cost savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, seasoned firewood can provide up to 25% more heat than green wood. By preventing rot, you’re maximizing the energy potential of your wood and reducing the amount you need to burn, saving you money on future firewood purchases. I estimate that properly clearing and maintaining the wood processing and storage area, which can be readily done with a trimmer, can save you roughly 5-10% of your firewood cost annually. This is not only due to the reduction of wood rot but also the reduction of pest infestations that can further degrade the wood.

Tip #2: Taming the Tangled: Processing Small Branches and Kindling

Those small branches and twigs that are too small for splitting? Don’t toss them! They’re perfect for kindling and starting fires. However, they can be a pain to gather and process by hand.

• Creating Kindling Piles: Use your Stihl FS 90 to clear small branches and twigs into manageable piles. The trimmer can also be used to chop these branches into smaller pieces, making them easier to handle and store. I’ve found that a quick pass with the trimmer over a pile of small branches can reduce their volume by 50%, making them much easier to stack and dry.

• Safety First: When using your trimmer for this purpose, always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, hearing protection, and gloves. Be mindful of flying debris and keep bystanders at a safe distance.

• Cost Savings: Kindling can be surprisingly expensive to buy. A small bag of kindling can easily cost $5-$10. By processing your own kindling from small branches and twigs, you can save a significant amount of money over the course of a winter. I’ve personally saved an estimated $50-$75 each winter by using my trimmer to create my own kindling.

Tip #3: The Woodpile Architect: Optimizing Airflow for Faster Drying

Proper seasoning is crucial for maximizing the heat output of your firewood. Seasoning reduces the moisture content of the wood, making it burn hotter and cleaner. The key to seasoning is airflow.

• Creating Air Channels: Use your Stihl FS 90 to clear vegetation and debris from around and underneath your woodpile. This creates air channels that promote airflow and accelerate the drying process. I’ve found that raising the woodpile off the ground using pallets or scrap lumber further improves airflow.

• Sunlight Exposure: Position your woodpile in a sunny location to maximize sunlight exposure. Sunlight helps to evaporate moisture from the wood, speeding up the seasoning process.

• Cost Savings: Properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently, meaning you need less of it to heat your home. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), burning unseasoned wood can also lead to creosote buildup in your chimney, increasing the risk of chimney fires. By properly seasoning your firewood, you’re not only saving money on fuel but also reducing the risk of costly chimney repairs. A study by the University of Maine found that firewood seasoned for six months had approximately 20% less moisture content than freshly cut wood, resulting in a significant increase in heat output.

Tip #4: The Edge Trimmer Advantage: Defining Boundaries and Preventing Spread

Firewood piles can sometimes become unruly, spreading beyond their intended boundaries and encroaching on lawns, gardens, or walkways.

• Defining the Perimeter: Use your Stihl FS 90 to create a clean, defined edge around your woodpile. This not only looks neater but also prevents the pile from spreading and becoming a tripping hazard.

• Preventing Vegetation Encroachment: Regularly trim back any vegetation that starts to grow into your woodpile. This prevents moisture from being trapped against the wood and also discourages pests from taking up residence in your pile.

• Cost Savings: A well-maintained woodpile is a safer woodpile. By preventing tripping hazards and pest infestations, you’re reducing the risk of accidents and property damage, which can lead to costly repairs or medical bills.

Tip #5: The Post-Processing Cleanup: Maintaining a Tidy Workspace

Once you’ve finished processing your firewood, don’t just leave the mess behind! A clean workspace is a safe workspace.

• Clearing Sawdust and Debris: Use your Stihl FS 90 to clear away sawdust, wood chips, and other debris from your processing area. This prevents the buildup of flammable materials and reduces the risk of slips and falls.

• Maintaining Tool Storage: Keep your tools organized and stored in a designated area. This prevents damage to your tools and makes them easier to find when you need them.

• Cost Savings: A well-maintained workspace is a more efficient workspace. By keeping your tools organized and your processing area clean, you’ll save time and effort on future firewood preparation projects. I’ve found that spending just 15 minutes cleaning up after each firewood session saves me at least an hour of searching for tools and clearing debris the next time I need to work.

Understanding the True Cost of Firewood: A Deep Dive

Now that we’ve explored how your Stihl FS 90 can help you streamline your firewood prep and save money, let’s take a closer look at the overall cost of firewood. This is where things can get tricky, as costs vary widely depending on location, wood species, and the method of acquisition.

Sourcing Your Wood: Buy, Cut, or Scrounge?

The first major cost factor is how you obtain your firewood. You have three main options:

• Buying Firewood: This is the most convenient option, but also the most expensive. The price of firewood varies depending on the region and the type of wood. According to recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price of a cord of seasoned firewood in the United States ranges from $200 to $400, with some areas exceeding $500. In Europe, prices can range from €150 to €350 per cubic meter, depending on the country and wood type. These prices can fluctuate based on demand and supply, particularly during colder months.

• Cutting Your Own Firewood: This is a more labor-intensive option, but it can save you a significant amount of money. However, you’ll need access to a source of wood, such as your own property or a permit to cut wood on public lands. You’ll also need the necessary equipment, including a chainsaw, splitting maul, and safety gear.

• Scrounging for Firewood: This involves collecting fallen branches, dead trees, and other wood scraps from your property or public lands. This is the cheapest option, but it requires the most time and effort.

Breaking Down the Costs: A Detailed Analysis

Let’s break down the costs associated with each option:

1. Buying Firewood:

• Cost of Wood: As mentioned above, this can range from $200 to $500+ per cord.
• Delivery Fees: Some suppliers charge extra for delivery. Expect to pay $50-$100 or more for delivery, depending on the distance.
• Stacking Fees: Some suppliers will also stack the wood for you, but this will add to the cost. Expect to pay $25-$50 per cord for stacking.
• Sales Tax: Don’t forget to factor in sales tax, which can vary depending on your location.

Example:

• Cost of 1 cord of seasoned oak: $350
• Delivery fee: $75
• Stacking fee: $40
• Sales tax (6%): $27.90
• Total Cost: $492.90

2. Cutting Your Own Firewood:

• Permit Fees: If you’re cutting wood on public lands, you’ll likely need a permit. Permit fees vary depending on the location and the amount of wood you’re allowed to cut. Expect to pay $20-$50 for a permit.
• Equipment Costs: This includes the cost of a chainsaw, splitting maul, safety gear, and fuel. A decent chainsaw can cost $200-$500, while a splitting maul can cost $50-$100. Safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and gloves, can cost $50-$100. Fuel for your chainsaw can cost $10-$20 per gallon.
• Maintenance Costs: Chainsaws require regular maintenance, including sharpening the chain, cleaning the air filter, and changing the oil. Expect to spend $50-$100 per year on chainsaw maintenance.
• Transportation Costs: You’ll need a way to transport the wood from the cutting site to your home. This could involve using a truck, trailer, or even a wheelbarrow. The cost of transportation will depend on the distance and the type of vehicle you use.
• Labor Costs: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of your own labor! Cutting and splitting firewood is hard work, and it takes time.

Example:

• Chainsaw: $300
• Splitting maul: $75
• Safety gear: $75
• Permit fee: $30
• Fuel (5 gallons): $50
• Maintenance (annual): $75
• Truck rental (for transportation): $50
• Total Initial Cost: $655 (This cost is spread out over the lifespan of the equipment)

Let’s say you cut 5 cords of wood over the year. The cost per cord would be:

• Permit: $30 / 5 cords = $6 per cord
• Fuel: Let’s estimate $10 of fuel per cord = $50 total
• Maintenance: $75 / 5 cords = $15 per cord
• Truck rental: $50 / 5 cords = $10 per cord
• Total Cost Per Cord (excluding equipment): $41

3. Scrounging for Firewood:

• Transportation Costs: You’ll still need a way to transport the wood to your home.
• Equipment Costs: You may still need a chainsaw or splitting maul to process the wood.
• Labor Costs: This is the biggest cost factor when scrounging for firewood. It takes a lot of time and effort to find, collect, and process wood scraps.

Example:

• Chainsaw (if needed): $300 (This cost is spread out over the lifespan of the equipment)
• Splitting maul (if needed): $75 (This cost is spread out over the lifespan of the equipment)
• Fuel (2 gallons): $20
• Truck rental (for transportation): $50
• Total Initial Cost: $445 (If you already own a chainsaw and splitting maul, this cost is significantly reduced)

Let’s say you scrounge 2 cords of wood. The cost per cord would be:

• Fuel: $20 / 2 cords = $10 per cord
• Truck rental: $50 / 2 cords = $25 per cord
• Total Cost Per Cord (excluding equipment): $35

Labor Costs: The Hidden Variable

It’s crucial to acknowledge the hidden cost of labor, especially when cutting or scrounging your own firewood. What’s your time worth? If you value your time at $20 per hour, and it takes you 8 hours to cut and process a cord of wood, that adds $160 to the cost of that cord. This is a significant factor to consider when deciding whether to buy, cut, or scrounge your firewood.

The Importance of Seasoning: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

As mentioned earlier, seasoning your firewood is crucial for maximizing its heat output and reducing the risk of chimney fires. But how long does it take to season firewood?

• Seasoning Time: The amount of time it takes to season firewood depends on the type of wood, the climate, and how the wood is stored. Generally, hardwoods like oak and maple take longer to season than softwoods like pine and fir. In a dry climate, firewood can be seasoned in as little as six months. In a humid climate, it may take a year or more.

• Moisture Content: The ideal moisture content for firewood is 20% or less. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your wood.

• Cost Savings: Burning seasoned firewood can save you money in several ways:

  • Increased Heat Output: Seasoned firewood burns hotter and more efficiently, meaning you need less of it to heat your home.
  • Reduced Creosote Buildup: Burning unseasoned wood can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney, increasing the risk of chimney fires.
  • Reduced Smoke: Seasoned firewood produces less smoke, which is better for the environment and your health.

Wood Species and BTU Value: Making Informed Choices

Not all firewood is created equal. Different wood species have different BTU (British Thermal Unit) values, which is a measure of the amount of heat they produce when burned.

Here’s a comparison of the BTU values of some common firewood species:

As you can see, hardwoods like oak and maple have higher BTU values than softwoods like pine and fir. This means that you’ll need less hardwood to produce the same amount of heat as softwood. However, hardwoods are also typically more expensive than softwoods. So, it’s important to weigh the cost and BTU value when choosing your firewood.

Budgeting for Firewood: A Practical Approach

Now that you understand the various cost factors involved in firewood preparation, let’s create a practical budget.

Step 1: Estimate Your Firewood Needs

How much firewood do you need to heat your home for the winter? This will depend on the size of your home, the climate, and the efficiency of your wood-burning appliance. A rough estimate is 3-5 cords of wood for a typical winter in a cold climate.

Step 2: Choose Your Sourcing Method

Will you buy, cut, or scrounge your firewood? Consider the costs and benefits of each option and choose the one that best fits your budget and lifestyle.

Step 3: Calculate Your Costs

Use the information provided above to calculate the costs associated with your chosen sourcing method. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of equipment, permits, transportation, and labor.

Step 4: Create a Budget

Based on your calculations, create a budget for your firewood preparation project. Be sure to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

Example Budget (Cutting Your Own Firewood):

• Firewood Needed: 4 cords
• Sourcing Method: Cutting your own firewood
• Equipment Costs (already owned): $0 (Chainsaw, splitting maul, safety gear)
• Permit Fee: $30
• Fuel: $40
• Maintenance: $60
• Transportation: $80
• Labor (40 hours at $15/hour): $600
• Total Budget: $810

Cost Per Cord: $202.50

This is significantly cheaper than buying firewood at $350-$500 per cord, but it requires a significant investment of time and effort.

Cost Optimization Tips: Saving Money on Firewood

Here are some practical tips for optimizing your firewood costs:

• Buy Firewood in Bulk: Buying firewood in bulk is often cheaper than buying it by the cord.
• Season Your Own Firewood: Seasoning your own firewood is cheaper than buying seasoned firewood.
• Scrounge for Firewood: If you have access to a source of wood scraps, scrounging for firewood can save you a significant amount of money.
• Maintain Your Equipment: Regularly maintaining your chainsaw and other firewood preparation equipment will prolong their lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs.
• Shop Around: Compare prices from different firewood suppliers to find the best deal.
• Take Advantage of Sales: Many firewood suppliers offer sales during the off-season.
• Consider Alternative Fuels: If firewood is too expensive in your area, consider alternative fuels such as wood pellets or biofuel.

The Global Perspective: Firewood Costs Around the World

Firewood costs vary significantly around the world, depending on factors such as climate, availability of wood resources, and local regulations.

• Europe: In Europe, firewood prices are generally higher than in the United States, particularly in countries with limited forest resources. In some areas, government subsidies are available to encourage the use of renewable energy sources like firewood.
• Asia: In many parts of Asia, firewood is still a primary source of fuel for cooking and heating. However, deforestation and illegal logging are major concerns in some regions.
• Africa: In Africa, firewood is often the only affordable source of fuel for many households. However, unsustainable harvesting practices are leading to deforestation and environmental degradation.

Understanding the global context of firewood costs can help you appreciate the value of this important resource and make informed decisions about its use.

The Future of Firewood: Sustainability and Innovation

As concerns about climate change and deforestation grow, there is increasing interest in sustainable firewood harvesting practices and innovative technologies that can improve the efficiency of wood-burning appliances.

• Sustainable Harvesting: Sustainable harvesting practices involve managing forests in a way that ensures their long-term health and productivity. This includes selective logging, replanting trees, and protecting watersheds.
• High-Efficiency Wood Stoves: High-efficiency wood stoves are designed to burn firewood more cleanly and efficiently, reducing emissions and maximizing heat output.
• Wood Pellets: Wood pellets are a renewable fuel source made from compressed sawdust and other wood waste. They are more efficient and cleaner-burning than traditional firewood.
• Biofuel: Biofuel is a fuel made from renewable resources such as vegetable oil, animal fats, or algae. Biofuel can be used in specially designed wood-burning appliances.

By embracing sustainable practices and innovative technologies, we can ensure that firewood remains a viable and environmentally responsible source of energy for generations to come.

1. Don’t underestimate the power of your Stihl FS 90 trimmer. It’s not just for weeds! Use it to clear debris, process kindling, optimize airflow around your woodpile, define boundaries, and maintain a tidy workspace.
2. Understand the true cost of firewood. Factor in the cost of wood, equipment, permits, transportation, and labor.
3. Season your firewood properly. This will maximize its heat output and reduce the risk of chimney fires.
4. Choose the right wood species. Consider the BTU value and cost of different wood species.
5. Create a budget and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending on your firewood preparation project.
6. Explore sustainable practices and innovative technologies. This will help you reduce your environmental impact and save money in the long run.

Now it’s your turn. Take these tips, adapt them to your specific situation, and start planning your firewood preparation project. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a wood-burning fire without breaking the bank.

Remember, the journey to a warm winter starts with a single log – and a well-maintained Stihl FS 90 trimmer! Good luck, and happy burning!

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