The demand for high-quality firewood is a major concern for homeowners in Southeast Idaho, Northern Utah, and Southwest Wyoming as winter approaches. As a company that offers split and seasoned firewood in Bear Lake County, we want to share the expert facts you need to know before you buy. Choosing the right wood and storing it correctly is essential for maximum heat, a cleaner burn, and the safety of your home.
Table of Contents
- Why Buy Local Firewood?
- Seasoned vs. Green Wood: The Crucial Difference
- Stacking and Storing Your Firewood
- Comparing Local Wood Types
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Us Today
Why Buy Local Firewood?
When you buy firewood, always choose local suppliers like Out on a Limb Tree Service. Locally sourced wood is better because it is adapted to the moisture content of our area and, most importantly, it prevents the spread of invasive tree pests. Moving firewood even short distances can transfer destructive insects like certain bark beetles to new, healthy forests. By keeping it local, you protect our beautiful regional trees from damage and the need for tree removal.
Seasoned vs. Green Wood: The Crucial Difference
Many homeowners purchase wood without realizing the difference between green and seasoned wood. The moisture content is the key factor in how well the wood burns.
Definition: Seasoned Wood
Wood is considered “seasoned” when its moisture content has been naturally reduced to 20% or less. This process typically takes 6 to 12 months in our region, making the wood lighter, easier to start, and much more efficient to burn.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content. When burned, much of the heat energy is wasted trying to boil the water out of the wood, resulting in less heat for your home and excessive creosote buildup in your chimney.
Stacking and Storing Your Firewood
Proper stacking is a vital step in the seasoning process. Even if you purchase fully split and seasoned firewood, correct storage will maintain its quality and keep pests out.
Step-by-Step Stacking for Maximum Seasoning:
- Elevate the Stack: Keep the wood off the ground using pallets, runners, or concrete blocks to prevent moisture absorption and deter pests.
- Ensure Airflow: Stack wood in rows, leaving a few inches between each log to allow wind and air to pass through the stack. Never stack wood directly against a structure.
- Cover the Top Only: Use a tarp or metal covering over the top of the stack to shield it from rain and snow, but leave the sides exposed to encourage drying.
- Keep it Away from the House: Storing firewood close to your home can attract insects like carpenter ants or mice. Keep your main stack at least 20 feet away from your foundation.
Comparing Local Wood Types
Different tree species offer different heating properties. While we offer split and seasoned options, here is a simple comparison of common regional woods based on heat output and burning time.
| Wood Type | Heat Output (BTUs) | Burn Rate | Best Uses |
| Pine | Medium-Low | Fast | Excellent for quick fires and shoulder seasons. Easy to split and light. |
| Fir | Medium | Medium | A good general-purpose wood. Better heat than Pine but burns faster than hard woods. |
| Aspen | Low | Very Fast | Best for kindling or mixing with hotter woods. Not ideal for overnight burning. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if the wood is dry enough to burn?
A: Seasoned wood will have a few signs: a darker color, checks (cracks) on the ends of the split logs, and a hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together.
Q: What is a “cord” of wood?
A: A full cord is a measure of volume equal to a tightly stacked pile of wood $4 \text{ feet wide} \times 4 \text{ feet high} \times 8 \text{ feet long}$. It should be measured before or after delivery.
Q: Can I burn freshly cut wood if I need heat right away?
A: We strongly advise against burning green wood. It smokes heavily, can cause hazardous creosote buildup in your chimney, and provides very little heat.
Q: What is the best way to store kindling?
A: Keep kindling in a small, dry, dedicated container near your fireplace or stove, but be sure to bring it indoors only right before you plan to burn it.
Q: Does Out on a Limb deliver firewood?
A: Yes, we offer both pickup at our Bloomington, Idaho, location and delivery service. Contact us for details on delivery areas and pricing.
Q: What if I have a large tree removed—can I keep the wood for firewood?
A: If we perform a tree removal on your property, we can certainly cut the wood into suitable lengths for you to season and use as firewood.
Out on a Limb Tree Service: Quality Wood, Quality Service
Whether you are looking to purchase high-quality split and seasoned firewood in Bear Lake County or need a dangerous tree safely removed from your yard, Out on a Limb Tree Service is here for you. We provide the expertise and service you can trust throughout Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah.
Author & Date:
By Out on a Limb Tree Services
Last Updated: September 15, 2025