I recently cleared some land and I'm planning on cutting 8' length logs from the down timber. I plan to store the logs off the ground and covered with a tarp for 3 to 4 years until I can get around to cut/split/stack. Is this an okay idea? Will any rot issues develop from storing high moisture content log lengths without cutting and splitting?
Storing log length firewood
- Thread starter jeremy_jsg
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brant2000
Feeling the Heat
I think as long as you have them up off the ground, by laying them on top of a few sacrificial runners, they'll last for years with no problems. I wouldn't even bother trying to cover them with a tarp.
Yeah depends on the wood type, intended use and amount? The bark will help keep moisture in and out.
People I know here get logging truck loads delivered and just leave them dumped on the land. They just cut from the pile when required.
Personally IDE buck them and split in half. More work but will help dry them out enough.
People I know here get logging truck loads delivered and just leave them dumped on the land. They just cut from the pile when required.
Personally IDE buck them and split in half. More work but will help dry them out enough.
If they are out in the open, no need to cover. If the pile is going to be anywhere where pine needles or leaves will fall onto the pile and collect, I would cover it. You don't need that debris collecting and holding moisture.
strategic piling can help too. sacrificial runners and triangle shape to the piles will eliminate 99% of the moisture and rot issues if out in the open - even without a cover.
Why do you want to wait that long before splitting and stacking it? Oak is slow to season anyway; that means you will burn that wood after 2 to 3 additional years. Better get it done sooner than later and once it is split and stacked you can keep it essentially forever or use it in 3 to 4 years knowing it is properly seasoned. I would at least think about cutting it to length already and stacking the logs. You will get some drying done though the ends then.
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