When is the Best Time to Cut Firewood?

Wondering when to split wood for next winter? We turn to the Yankee archives for the answer when it comes to the best time to cut firewood.

There is evidence that the moisture content of some species of trees increases considerably at leaf openings in April and May, so wood cut in March is drier and lighter to start with. Because splitting is so effective, it makes sense to split any logs about 5 inches or larger in diameter, especially the denser ones.

Of course, pile type and location are critical. If possible, raise the woodpile at least 8 inches off the ground. Locate your woodpile for best exposure to sun and wind, and cover only the top of the pile with plastic to keep excess water off the wood. If you do all this by early April at the latest, you’ll be sure to reap all the benefits that come with having a good supply of very dry wood. Useful stuff from 75 years of Yankee: from “How to Read a Woodpile, November 1979MORE WOODPILE WISDOM:Wood Heating Chart | Heat Values of New England Fuel WoodsThe Woodpile Personality Test | Only in New EnglandHow to Heat with WoodHow to Build a Bonfire in WinterFirewood Facts