Firewood Harvesting Basics

Where can I get firewood trees legally and sustainably?

Start with your own woodlot, where thinning weak, crowded or dead trees can double as firewood supply. If you do not own woods, ask whether public lands near you allow personal-use permits. Rules, fees, limits and cutting seasons are set by each agency, so contact the local office and ask what is allowed and what tags or permits you need.

Never cut on land you do not have written permission to use. Trees near property lines, power lines or buildings are jobs for a professional.

Keep records of where you cut. Notes on location, species and quantity show how quickly the woods are being used and help you plan rotations so that no one patch is overcut. If you cut on public land, keep your permit and any tags with you, and follow the stated limits on species, size and area.

Which trees should I cut first?

Take dead, diseased or poorly formed trees before healthy straight ones, and leave your best trees to keep growing. A forester or extension educator can mark trees for you, which also protects wildlife and the stand's future.

Standing dead trees can still shelter wildlife, so leave a few away from trails and buildings when you can. Leaning, hung-up or split trees are dangerous to fell, and a trained professional should handle them.

Think about species too. Different woods burn differently, split differently and dry at different speeds. Local extension materials usually describe the species common in your region and how they perform, and a neighbor who heats with wood can be a good source of practical advice. Avoid cutting trees that a forester recommends keeping for seed or wildlife.

How do I cut and handle wood more safely?

Firewood cutting causes many injuries each year. Wear the protective gear recommended for chainsaw work, keep your saw maintained, and never work alone or when tired. If you are new, take a chainsaw safety class from an extension office, a community college or a dealer.

Plan escape routes before you cut, keep bystanders well away, and stop when conditions are wet, icy or windy. No guide replaces hands-on training.

Splitting is also a hazard. Use a stable chopping block, keep feet and legs clear, and use tools that fit your strength. A hydraulic splitter reduces effort but has its own pinch and crush risks, so read the manual and keep bystanders and pets away. Stop when tired, since fatigue is when many injuries occur.

• Use head, eye, hearing, leg and foot protection made for chainsaws.
• Tell someone where you will be and when you expect to return.
• Carry a charged phone and a basic first aid kit.
• Lift with your legs and use tools to move heavy rounds.

How long does firewood need to season?

Green wood holds a lot of water and burns poorly. It makes less heat, more smoke and more creosote in the chimney. Seasoning time depends on species, split size, climate and how you stack it, so treat any single number with caution and rely on a moisture meter if you can.

Split wood early, since splitting exposes more surface to air. Stack it off the ground in a single row if possible, with the top covered and the sides open to wind and sun.

A simple moisture meter can confirm what the eye cannot. Split a piece, test the freshly exposed face and compare with the manufacturer's guidance for burning. Wood that hisses, smokes heavily or sizzles at the ends is probably still wet. Keep next year's supply stacked and drying while you burn this year's.

How should I store firewood?

Keep stacks away from the house, since firewood can shelter insects and rodents. Cover the top only, and keep the ground under it dry with pallets or poles.

Do not stack against walls or under decks where a fire could spread. Check with your insurer or local fire marshal if you are unsure about placement.

Plan for ash and coals too. Store ashes in a covered metal container kept away from buildings and anything flammable, since coals can stay hot for days. Check with your local fire department about safe disposal, and keep smoke and carbon monoxide detectors working in every home that has a stove.

Can I move firewood to a new place?

Firewood can carry tree-killing insects and diseases, and many states restrict moving it across state lines or county lines. Rules differ and change, so check with your state department of agriculture or the state plant regulatory office before transporting wood, and buy or cut near where you will burn it.

Also have your chimney and stove inspected by a qualified professional each year, since burning poorly seasoned wood builds up deposits that can cause chimney fires.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.