I feel that I had Norway maple before that took more time to dry than I expected. More recently , I processed a bunch of it in November 2024, so it’s been CSS for about 8 months at this point. For fun, I took a couple avg sized splits from 2 stack. One with the best position in the yard that gets some sun- the other that gets little to no sun. Both stacks are top covered with metal roofing. The split from the “ better” stack came in the mid 20’s MC and the other came in about 29 percent. I’m not burning the Norway maple this winter most likely, but was curious if these numbers seem a bit high for 8 months of drying time. New England has been pretty dry as well so I was a bit surprised. I had been a bit more ahead on wood in the past. I probably have about 1.5 years worth currently with most dry. Will be working on getting another 1.5 cords processed before winter. That will likely be my limit for space. I reconfigured my stack over last few years. I transitioned away from using pallets to using PT racks I built. Wanted to neaten up the area and minimize the annoyance when/if a stack fell over. I attached a pic of the current back row. Put a pic of Nolan the dog for fun presiding over the front of the stacks.
I usually compare Norway maple to ash in terms of drying time and btu output. It does seem high IMO. I don't have a MM and just go by time in the stack once SS. Check it in four months and let us know. If waiting til 26-27 to burn I wouldn't worry. I like the new stack arrangement Steve! Once I went to built racks I never went back to pallets for the most part. Looks like Nolan approves too.
Hmmm. I burn enough Norway maple, but I find it dries in a summer. Like dead ash, it's ready after being split and stacked for a summer.
Is your drying area sunny and more in the open? I ask because I always thought where I have my wood was so-so. But usually I can dry the less dense hardwoods in one year.
Just going by one picture I would say your mistake is by stacking wood under trees. That is a sure way to slow down the drying time. You will learn from this and the future will be brighter for you. Just get the wood more in the open and definitely not under trees.
AHH Maple; Ctwoodtick you cut tree in November it was wetter to start with! Maple trees push more water inside tree in 40 degree days and freezing nights; doesn’t matter spring or Fall you can tap during both.
Unfortunately in our area yards are small with limited storage so we stack where we can. The average lot size in CT is .71 acres. (I looked it up) I see FHCers with wide open spaces for wood stacks kinda makes me jealous.
You have been offered storage here No need to be jealous; it’s a life style per example: mowing what I mow with regular riding lawn mower; took 24 hours a week Shoveling driveway with regular snow blower - 4 hrs Cleaning up trees branches that naturally fall on edge not even in woods. 1.5 cord and 2 good bonfires a year. I literally put 300 ton of stone in my driveway and that was not to finish it just a step! Cows in road is common complaint on town website While I have interstate exit 5 miles away there are no red lights and 8 cars is a traffic jam. yet many travel 50 miles one way to work
Good call. The shade definitely slows things down. This area is the most feasible overall for the wood storage. I’ve been using this area for about 12 years for storage so I’ve been accustomed to the slower drying rate. I think I’m just noticing more with this bit of wood. I bought it from a log load and I wonder if he had cut it during a time of higher sap content. I’d love to have more space but I’m on .5 of an acres and the place has never been ideal for wood stacks.
Most of aforementioned problems with more space can be solved by and Eagles said it best “every form of refuge has its price” and drying times can be solved by Dennis 3 year plan.. which granted is difficult on .5 acres WHEN you have to put a house, driveway etc etc on it
Thanks all. As the Grateful Dead say, “ I will get by”. I can store about 2 yrs of wood or so here, so all will be fine. Interestingly, I have some locust that was delivered with the Norway maple and it is low 20’s now
