Warm Up Your Winter: Firewood Basics for Connecticut Residents
Warm Up Your Winter: Firewood Basics for Connecticut Residents
As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves begin to change in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, it's the perfect time to start planning for firewood. Whether you're looking to create a cozy atmosphere around an outdoor fire pit or ensure your home stays warm, having a good supply of firewood is essential. For many, buying firewood is the most convenient choice. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing firewood in Connecticut to keep you warm all season long.
Measuring the Firewood for your Rocky Hill, CT Property
The standard unit for firewood is a "cord," which measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long (128 cubic feet). The most common length for individual pieces is typically 16 inches, making fitting into fireplaces or wood stoves easily. The amount of firewood you may need can vary, including the type of wood you burn, the length of the cold season in Connecticut, and the size of the space you intend to heat. Understanding the measurements of firewood from a certified arborist in Connecticut will help you plan accordingly and ensure you have the right amount of firewood to keep your home warm and cozy.
Types of Firewood in Connecticut
When selecting firewood, it's essential to know the difference between seasoned and unseasoned wood. Always ask your professional tree removal specialist if the wood is "ready to burn" and has been properly seasoned. Freshly cut wood requires at least six months of seasoning time to dry out adequately for optimal burning in Rocky Hill, CT. Seasoning is the process of drying the wood - unseasoned firewood retains moisture, which not only makes it harder to ignite but also releases vaporized moisture during burning. This moisture can condense in your stovepipe, leading to the buildup of creosote—a flammable substance that can pose a serious fire hazard.
In terms of wood types, hardwoods like oak and maple are denser, heavier, and burn longer, making them ideal for heating. High-heat value hardwoods include beech, apple, hickory, sugar maple, white ash, and yellow birch, with oak often considered the best option due to its slow-burning properties. Softwoods, like pine and fir, ignite quickly, making them excellent for kindling. In Connecticut, oak is abundant and provides a reliable source of quality firewood.
Firewood Storage for Connecticut Residents
Proper firewood storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your wood. If possible, keep your wood pile sheltered from precipitation while ensuring it remains exposed to airflow and sunlight. In heavy Connecticut rain, place the wood pieces bark side up to help shed water; or, if ground moisture is a concern, stack the wood bark side down. It's also important to store purchased firewood at least 20 feet away from your home's door to minimize the risk of pests. Stack the wood a few inches away from any structures, allowing for optimal drying and reducing the chances of mold or decay. Properly stored firewood will ensure you have dry, ready-to-burn wood for chilly nights ahead.
Seasoned Firewood Sales & Delivery
At Schmitt Tree Service and Landscaping, we believe in minimizing waste, which is why we chop and split firewood from the trees we remove. Our firewood is composed of a mix of well-seasoned hardwoods, ensuring it is safe and efficient for burning. We offer competitive pricing and convenient delivery options, with free delivery for all orders within a 10-mile radius of our Berlin, CT location. Contact Schmitt Tree Service and Landscaping today to arrange your firewood delivery!
