Firewood, the free way to heat your home!

Save money on heating while tidying up your garden

Stay toasty and save on heating bills this winter with a touch of DIY resourcefulness! Here’s how to turn your garden trimmings into a free, eco-friendly source of warmth for your home.

Harvesting with care: selecting the right wood

Before you grab your axe or your chainsaw, survey your garden for ideal candidates. Look for dead, diseased, or overgrown branches that need pruning anyway. Remember, responsible firewood collection means only taking what won’t harm the ecosystem. Trees that provide shade, shelter wildlife, or are healthy should be left untouched.

Timing is everything: when to gather your bounty

For the best results, aim to collect firewood during late summer or early autumn. The drier the wood, the easier it is to handle and store. Don’t forget to equip yourself with the proper tools! A chainsaw, axe, and safety gear like gloves, goggles, and sturdy footwear are essential for a smooth and safe operation.

Selective cutting: preserving your garden’s beauty

Think strategically! When removing branches or trees, prioritise minimising the impact on your garden’s aesthetics and natural balance. Leave healthy trees that provide shade, wind protection, or a home for wildlife. Focus on fallen trees or those that pose a safety hazard for firewood collection.

Mastering the stack: cutting and drying for efficiency

For optimal burning, cut your firewood to a manageable size. Aim for logs around 10 to 16 inches (25 to 40 cm) long, making them easier to handle and fit perfectly in your fireplace or wood stove. When stacking the firewood, create a ventilated pile raised off the ground. This air circulation is key for proper drying. If storing outdoors, protect your woodpile from rain with a tarp or other covering.

Patience is key: the importance of seasoning

Freshly cut wood is full of moisture, making it difficult to burn effectively. Here’s where seasoning comes in! Allow the cut logs to dry for at least 6 months, ideally up to a year, in a well-ventilated and protected area. This drying process lets the moisture evaporate, resulting in firewood that burns hotter, produces less smoke, and delivers more heat to your home.

Safety first: prioritise a risk-free experience

Firewood collection can involve hazards, so prioritise safety throughout the process. Always wear protective gear and use the right tools for cutting and handling the wood. Be aware of falling branches and unstable trees, and consider having a buddy join you for safety reasons. Don’t forget to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before harvesting firewood.

By strategically selecting wood, practicing safe cutting techniques, and allowing for proper drying, you can transform your garden trimmings into a reliable source of free, eco-friendly heat for your home. So get out there, gather responsibly, and enjoy the warmth of your own backyard bounty this winter!