Know Your Firewood – 5 Tips for Dallas Residents

T’is the season!Here are 5 tips for knowing - and choosing - the right firewood:1. Know what a cord of wood is.Firewood is usually purchased by the cord and measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. No matter where you live, these cord dimensions are standard.2. Create a comparison chart for cord prices.The price of a cord will vary depending on where you live in the country and if you’re buying green or dry firewood. Check with several wood dealers in your area and ask for their price list.3. Measure your fireplace or wood-burning stove before you bring home firewood.The standard length for a cord is 16 inches. There are some wood-burning stoves which can take cords up to 20 inches or more.4. Purchase firewood from sources you trust.Always buy your firewood from a dependable dealer who’s in the business of supplying quality wood. Construction wood scrap might be good for a backyard burn on occasion, but it can’t take the place of seasoned firewood that crackles and warms the hearts of those gathered around the fireplace on a chilly evening.5. Research Your Firewood.Maple, elm, and oak are hardwoods that will burn longer, produces longer lasting coals and generate more BTUs of heat.

• Firewood FAQs
• Firewood comes in two categories: hardwood or softwood.Hardwood produces more heat and less smoke.
• If cutting firewood, wait until after the tree sheds its leaves.Hickory, white oak, red oak and maple oak are generally hard to split.A cord measures 2 x 4 x 16.
• Seasoned firewood should have less than 30% moisture content.All hardwoods do not necessarily make good firewood.

Autumn is special because we get to experience pumpkin goodness, golden-bronzed leaves falling from tree limbs, colorful wool sweaters, fall road trips, a hot cup   of our favorite soup and long thoughtful stares into a heart-warming fireplace.Make autumn even more special by knowing your firewood. But if you need a little help or you want to buy quality firewood, call the experts who know trees inside and out.Dallas area residents are invited to call Walt today for a free estimate of any tree services needed or firewood cord prices at 214-450-8720, or email him at walt [at] wausontreeservice [dot] com.