I’ve been firewooding for 2.5 years. I’ve been stockpiling green hardwood, and then scrounging whatever seasoned wood I could find for immediate burning. For the first time, in preparation for the coming winter, I pulled wood from my stacks. Maple that I stacked in early 2021. Sure enough, the meter read 16-18! Probably no big deal for most of you, but for me it’s the first sign that the engine is working. I no longer have to focus on finding seasoned wood—a big relief. (I’ll probably keep grabbing it when I can though—it’s a tough addiction to break.) For this winter (I have another half cord of BL and Pacific Dogwood to bring inside): I only burn 1.5 cords a year (I know, wimpy, but it’s all I need) so each of these stacks represents a bit over a year. So I have this winter plus three more covered. I also have a bunch of grand fir for the fire pit and for SS if I need it: It’s a small operation compared to most, but it’s a lot for me. I’ve learned pretty much everything I know about heating with firewood from the people here, and for that I am very appreciative.
3 year plan was a game changer to me too. I need to sweep my chimney a lot less burning properly dried wood. Once I got to 3, then it became 4, then 5... . Hoarding tendencies will do that. Welcome to the club within the club, lol.
JiminyKicket Good for you. it is tough betting ahead but so worth it when something happens and you can't get a supply right away.
The great thing is, my wife is finally starting to support my hoarding addiction. I think she now knows that when she decides to kill me she has at least 5 years of heat stockpiled. A sane person would probably back off on the hoarding so she wouldn’t be so tempted, but then I think “what a way to go man, what a way to go” and stack some more whenever I get the chance.
I’ve been here quite a bit longer and I’m not sure I’ve got the 3 year plan in the bag yet. gotta be getting pretty close though. A side hustle I’m getting going has cost me a tremendous amount of firewood time this year. But it’s also starting to bring in more wood. Got 9 ( i think it is 9 ) larger standing dead elms lined up that I’ll be getting paid to take down. That job alone is gonna be damm near a year’s worth of wood at least
Oh boy. I remember when a few of us guys started really promoting the 3 year plan. That was long before the Firewood Hoarders Club even began! Does that make us old?
Right now she probably thinks she couldn’t find a new husband as productive as you. Don’t let her find out about FHC! She might view this as some kind of online dating site. “Ooooh check out the size of his stacks” she says about someone else as she’s stirring something into your lemonade.
