firewood splitting

by Keith
(Islip, N.Y.)

When is the best time to split wood from a live tree that is taken down? Are there any benefits in splitting logs right away or waiting for the winter when it is easier to split the green wood and season for the following year? Thanks


Answer



Keith,

I recommend splitting the wood as soon as you cut it down. For one thing, wood is softer when it is fresh because of its high moisture content. Does this make a huge difference when splitting? Not really, but it does make a marginal difference.


The second reason for splitting the wood quickly is to expedite the seasoning process. The quicker the wood is split, the sooner it will be ready to burn.


Hope this helps!


-MG