I have a small woods on my property that suffered a decent amount of damage this year, due to the ice storm. I'm pretty busy, so I don't usually cut my own firewood from my property, but there's so much on the ground now I figured it would be a waste to not use it. And since it's already on the ground, half the work has already been done for me! My question is, will wood that I cut and split this spring be ready to burn next winter or will it still be too green? Is there a best way to dry out firewood besides just stacking it and covering it with a tarp?

Thanks everyone!
adam

It all depends on the kind of wood. Oak will take a good year or two while ash will be usable after you split it if you really need it. The best way to dry is to stack in rows so the wind will blow into the stack and sun will dry. Cover the top only in winter to keep the snow and ice off. Even if you wait a year to use it you will have saved $$ and cleaned up your woods. Beware once you start you may get hooked and find it an enjoyable exercise. Ed