Stay Cozy by the Fire This Winter with These Tips
As the temperatures drop, firewood sales start to rise. After all, is there anything better than snuggling up by a cozy fire this time of year with the ones you love?
Green vs. Seasoned
You’ve probably heard the term “Green Wood” and “Seasoned Wood” when shopping around for firewood. You may be walking around wondering what it means for wood to be green or seasoned and which is better to burn in your fireplace? Seasoned firewood is wood that contains less than 20% or less of water in it. Seasoned firewood is better for burning than green wood. Green wood would be wood that has just been chopped. Green wood is not great for burning because it has up to 50% water content. The more moisture in wood, the slower it will burn. The slower it burns, the more smoke and creosote that will be released into your fireplace. Creosote built up in a fireplace can be a recipe for danger, as it can build up and cause chimney fires.
Types of Wood
Does different types of wood burn differently? Yes. If you burn oak, it will burn for a long time. Pine burns more quickly, and it gives off some pops and crackle sounds (which are characteristic of any good fire). Although it seems like you would want a fireplace filled with oak so that the fire lasts a long time, it is a good idea to have a variety of wood burn at the same time. In your fire, you should have some pine to get the fire going mixed in with some oak to keep the fire going for a long time. Adding some pecan and pinon pine to your fire will make it more fragrant. When you’re buying any time of wood, take a look at the ends. If you notice that the ends of the wood are splitting, buy it. This means that moisture is leaving the wood, making it better to burn. If you notice bark coming off the wood, even better. The wood is nice and dry.
Purchasing Firewood
Cape Cod Tree & Landscape sells firewood through the office, where you can purchase cords and half cords to be delivered to your home and either dropped off or stacked (for an extra charge). Firewood can be delivered throughout the mid, lower and outer cape (some delivery fees do apply). However, if you are just looking for a bundle of firewood, Cape Cod Tree & Landscape has a firewood stand on Chatham Road in Harwich. For $10 grab a bundle of seasoned firewood to use in your home at any time. There is a small cash box on the right side of the stand to leave your cash once you take your wood. When you’re buying any time of wood, take a look at the ends. If you notice that the ends of the wood are splitting, buy it. This means that moisture is leaving the wood, making it better to burn. If you notice bark coming off the wood, even better. The wood is nice and dry.
Stay Cozy this Winter
Choosing the right firewood will help you and your family stay cozy this winter. To have a successful fire season, fireplace safety is essential. Before you start burning wood in your fireplace or wood burning stove, make sure you have it inspected and cleaned by a professional. Once you have your setup inspected, you can enjoy this special time of year around your hearth with the ones you love.
