Seasoned Firewood Doesn't Look Like This
Entertainment
Introduction
As we move into early November, it seems the weather is still holding out, allowing me to wear shorts and t-shirts while I continue getting the wood yard as full as possible. Recently, I made a small load, and to clarify, not all of the wood in this load is Maple—some of it is Elm.
When discussing the quality of firewood, particularly green Maple, it’s important to note that it’s characterized by its vibrant color, indicating that the tree was likely alive just a few weeks ago. Once split, the wood begins to brown out quickly, but that doesn't mean it's seasoned. The wood's dryness is what ultimately makes it ready for sale.
In this batch, you'll find Cherry wood as well, and I've also included a visual representation of the drying process: the greener pieces are about two weeks old, while the oldest pieces are visibly whiter, which shows they are closer to being fully seasoned. The driest wood, ready for delivery, varies in appearance, often with a lighter hue versus the green, freshly split pieces.
One of the key practices I follow is known as FIFO (First In, First Out), a common method often used in the food service industry. This means I prioritize using the oldest wood before the newer green wood. However, I recently discovered that I had unintentionally started pulling from the middle of my stack instead of from the ends. This happened when I noticed one side of a stack was tipping precariously, which could cause an accident. To prevent that, I pulled from the middle, which will allow me to restock with green wood afterward.
When delivering firewood, it’s crucial to provide quality. Firewood should be well-seasoned, and if anyone sells you wood that looks similar to this recent green batch, it’s a warning sign. The seasoned wood will have grayed ends due to exposure to air and sun while stacked. This contrasts sharply with the green wood’s vibrant colors.
In addition, there are specific guidelines for stacking different types of wood. Oak, for instance, should be stacked north and south to ensure it dries properly without producing mushrooms due to moisture on the shaded sides. The appearance and moisture content of the wood can also give insights into its readiness for use. Standard seasoned firewood is expected to have around 20% moisture content.
During my preparations, I also learned that ordering wood from a supplier can be misleading; some may note that their wood is seasoned when it hasn't been adequately aged, which is evident if you notice still-high moisture content.
Speaking of moisture, some orders can come with excess moisture levels even after a year of seasoning. Therefore, it’s vital to properly assess the quality of firewood before purchase. Hickory wood, although aromatic, can attract pests, making it less desirable unless tackled promptly.
Stacking wood remains an essential task that directly influences the profitability of a firewood business. Proper stacking methods and attentive management can turn firewood from a perceived low-end commodity to one of significant value and importance in the marketplace.
In conclusion, knowing how to identify seasoned versus green firewood and understanding the importance of proper stacking and storage practices can elevate the quality of your firewood supply, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and increased earnings.
Keywords
- Seasoned Firewood
- Green Maple
- Elm
- Cherry Wood
- FIFO
- Moisture Content
- Oak Stacking
- Firewood Quality
FAQ
Q: What does seasoned firewood look like?
A: Seasoned firewood typically has grayed ends due to sun exposure, contrasting with the vibrant color of green wood.
Q: How can I determine the freshness of firewood?
A: Freshly split firewood, known as green wood, is often brighter and will show lighter hues as it seasons.
Q: What is the FIFO method?
A: FIFO stands for First In, First Out, a method where the oldest firewood is used first to ensure quality and proper aging.
Q: Why is proper stacking important?
A: Properly stacking firewood helps it dry evenly and reduces the risk of moisture-related issues, such as mushrooms.
Q: What is the standard moisture content for seasoned firewood?
A: The standard moisture content for seasoned firewood is around 20%.