It's time to gear up for firewood prep that'll keep your home warm and cozy through the fall and winter. Fall is a crucial time to set yourself up for those colder months. Here are tips and products to help you succeed this season!
1. Timber Selection
When it comes to firewood, not all trees are created equal. Look for hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory for a longer-lasting burn and higher heat output. These woods are the high performers of the firewood world!
2. Chop, Chop, Chop!
Get your lumberjack groove on and start chopping your firewood into manageable sizes. Aim for a majority of pieces that are around 16 to 18 inches in length – perfect for fitting into your or wood stove or firepit. It’s helpful to have a mix of other smaller sizes as well to fill extra space.
3. Stack Strategically
Arrange your firewood in a neat and organized stack for proper air circulation. This not only helps with seasoning, but it also prevents any unwanted critters from making a home in your woodpile.
4. Seasoning
Good things take time. Let your freshly cut firewood "season" or dry out for at least six months before you plan to use it.
Pro tip: Elevate the woodpile slightly off the ground to prevent moisture from seeping in.
5. Cover Up
Cover your woodpile with a tarp or weather-resistant cover to be ready for surprise rain showers or snowfall. This keeps your hard-earned firewood dry and ready to burn when the chilly nights arrive.
Our Favorite Products:
JAX Farm & Ranch has all the products you need to tackle firewood prep this season.
Black Diamond 28-Ton Log Splitter
Black Diamond's towable 28-ton log splitter with its 196cc Honda GX200 engine easily powers through the toughest logs. The fast 11-second cycle time and auto-return valve reduce your work time, while the handy log catchers and easy adjustment from horizontal to vertical save your back.
Stihl MS 261
The MS 261 chainsaw delivers low emissions, high fuel efficiency, and professional-grade performance. Convenience features include pre-separation air filtration system and a redesigned spiked bumper.
Stihl MS 271 FARM BOSS®
The MS 271 FARM BOSS® replaces the mighty MS 270 with a saw that’s loaded with features and technology. It starts with a highly efficient engine that delivers 20% longer run times between refuelings – while cutting exhaust emissions in half compared to the MS 270. There’s also a pre-separation air filtration system that’s so effective, your air filter can last up to five times longer (now that’s high performance). All are engineered into one compact, ergonomic design.
Stihl MS 250
When you rely on firewood to keep your home warm and cozy, you need a good chainsaw to build a solid woodpile. With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, the STIHL MS 250 is up to the job. It’s easy to use and combines great features to tackle clearing or cleanup tasks, as well as cut through small limbs and trees. For many years, the MS 250 has been a customer favorite, a model of efficiency and reliability that brings incredible performance every time. This chainsaw is designed for firewood cutting and around-the-home tasks.
Remember, early bird gets the worm! It’s important to not wait until the first snow to get those logs split. The earlier you prepare, the better you’ll be set up for the colder months. Our knowledgeable associates at JAX Farm & Ranch are here to guide you every step of the way, whether you’re cutting into your first tree or 1000th one! Always follow local guidelines and regulations for firewood collection and burning. Happy splitting!