Old Firewood

by Emily
(Canada)

I have a lot of stacked firewood that is 8 eight years old. Is it okay to burn it?

Also, I just cut up a cord of hemlock from a tree that has been on the ground for a few years. Is it okay to use this as a mix or would hemlock have to be seasoned?


Answer

Emily,

As long as the old wood was stored properly and is dry and not rotten, it will be fine to burn.

The hemlock will need to be seasoned before you burn it. Dead trees when they are left on the ground don't completely dry out. In fact, often times they start to rot and take on the moisture that is in the ground. It's always best to cut, split and stack your firewood for storage. Make sure that the firewood is elevated off the ground on skids or pallets. This will ensure that it can dry properly.

Hope this helps!

-Firewood Matt