Making firewood is a great way to recycle a hazardous, obstructive, fallen or dead tree. Fire logs are a highly-effective wood fuel that is long-lasting, easy to burn, eco-friendly, and inexpensive! You can even purchase greener, man-made versions composed of sawdust, plant-based waxes, and other organic materials!

But homeowners who are new to the process of using their own fire logs have several questions about moisture content and wood density; namely, how long to dry them out for. If you have just had a tree removed, or one has fallen over, call a tree service company for help turning your old tree into firewood. In the meantime, continue reading to learn how to utilize fire logs to the best of their ability!

Choosing Quality hardwood fire logs

If you were to ask a tree removal expert, they would tell you to focus on two imperative factors when it comes times to choose quality fire logs at the store. These 2 factors are wood density and moisture content, and impact the calorific value of fire logs the most. Calorific value, or CV for short, is the amount of fuel energy the fire logs give off.

For the sake of cost-savings, it is suggested to choose denser wood, such as hardwood, because it delivers more kilowatt-hours per cubic meter. Softer woods deliver less. Also, be sure to choose high-efficiency fire logs that are 90% combustible. And be sure they are fully DRIED.

Drying Out hardwood fire logs

Tree removal experts will also tell you that dried logs deliver double the CV. Whether making your own firewood, or purchasing ones from the store, if you wish to dry them out faster, simply chop them up into smaller pieces and allow them to dry outside in the spring and summer seasons (at least 6 months, but up to 2 years).

When using your own wood from trees on your property, it is best to remove a tree during its dormant period, usually November through January. Wood will naturally have a reduced moisture content during these times. Be sure to store your fire logs in a cool, dry place that has decent ventilation. This will reduce moisture accumulation, pests, and mould growth.

At combustion, wood releases heat which is often measured in BTUs. It’s important to note that different species of firewood gives off different energy levels. So-called hardwoods such as basswood, ash, hickory, locust (black), maple (sugar) maple (silver), red oak, white oak, pine cedar and some not mentioned provide more heat energy than softwoods. This is a huge advantage which makes them very desirable in every household that often starts fires, though it’s important to mention that they are notoriously difficult to start the fires with.

It is better to have a firewood rack that is a combination of hardwoods and softwoods. Not to make it confusing, let us say two different types of hardwood fire logs, one having the hardwood and another being the softwood should be required. If the considerations are for minimum BTU ratings and easy light up then southern yellow pine, spruce and fir are the ideal woods. This makes them good material to light up the fire. Once the fire is lighted up, hardwood logs can be added to keep the blaze for longer periods.