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FAQs

  • What’s the best time of year to buy firewood?

    Buy firewood in late winter through early spring for best prices and quality. Avoid peak season (September-December) when demand drives prices high.

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  • How can you tell if firewood is dry?

    Dry firewood shows cracks in end grain, sounds hollow when knocked together, weighs less, and measures below 20% moisture with a meter.

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  • How do you stack firewood correctly?

    Stack firewood in single rows on elevated supports, 4 feet high, with crisscrossed ends for stability. Cover only the top to allow airflow.

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  • Can you burn green (unseasoned) wood?

    You can burn green wood, but shouldn’t—it produces minimal heat, maximum smoke, dangerous creosote buildup, and wastes money.

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  • How is firewood delivered?

    Firewood is typically delivered by dump truck and deposited in your driveway or designated area. Some suppliers offer stacking for an extra fee.

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Surface mold on firewood is common and generally safe to burn, though it indicates storage problems that should be corrected. Understanding the difference between harmless surface mold and problematic rot helps you make safe decisions about your firewood quality and burning practices.

White, gray, or greenish fuzzy growth on firewood bark and surfaces represents common outdoor molds that colonize damp wood. When burned, these surface molds combust completely and pose no significant health risk. The heat of the fire destroys mold spores before they can become airborne indoors. Millions of homeowners safely burn slightly moldy firewood every winter without issues.

However, moldy wood signals excessive moisture that will create burning problems. Damp wood with active mold growth won’t be properly seasoned and will produce the usual issues: difficult ignition, excessive smoke, low heat output, and creosote buildup. The mold itself isn’t dangerous, but the moisture condition it indicates is problematic.

If you have moldy firewood, brush off loose mold before bringing wood indoors to avoid spreading spores in your living space. Let moldy wood sit in a sunny, well-ventilated area for a few weeks if possible—the sun will kill surface mold and help dry the wood. Test moisture content with a meter; if it’s below 20%, the wood is safe and effective to burn despite past mold presence.

Deeply rotted wood is different from surface mold. Wood that’s soft, crumbly, or falls apart indicates advanced rot and decay. This wood has lost structural integrity and heat value, burning poorly and providing minimal BTUs. Severely rotted wood may also produce unpleasant odors when burned. Use deeply rotted pieces for composting rather than fuel.

Prevent mold by improving storage conditions: elevate wood off the ground, ensure good airflow around stacks, cover only the top while leaving sides exposed, and store in sunny locations when possible. Properly stored seasoned firewood rarely develops significant mold problems.