This is red oak and walnut cut in a logging operation about 2-3 years ago, the outside is a little soft I'll get it CSS soon. Will it last 2-4 years if top covered or should I plan on burning it before then? That's a 16' trailer it's setting on.
Go ahead and actually get to 3 years ahead, then we'll talk. I'm still working on that myself.......again.
Being At 3 years ahead I now Just cut to replace what I Use. If I get beyond that point I sell a little.
Will it last? I doubt it will last more than 10-15 years once you get it split, stacked and top covered. Worry not about that outside being a little soft as that is normal with oak. Only thing better than close to 3 years ahead is to be 3 years ahead! Then keep on cutting but a little slower now and that can be sweet.
Almost all my wood is dead standing oak, that has sapwood turning punky. It will be fine for several years if top covered. I'm about 5 years out and growing.
'Close' don't count 'ceptin horseshoes an handgernades! Keep choppin', could be some long, cold winters ahead!
Great to hear it should last several years without any problems. It all depends on the weather this year, Im very comfortable I have enough for 16/17, 17/18 and maybe enough for all of 18/19. Today is opening morning of Deer season and I'm working if I can get an evening to unload before season ends I'll pickup another load of wood during lunch while I'm out hunting.
There are two answers that come to mind and are in no particular order. First get a bigger burner or add one to a new area. Garages should be warm too. Second, sell some and put that money towards a new wood toy.
As pointed out by Backwoods Savage part of the reason that we get 3 years ahead is because we don't always know that our current situation will allow us to stay ahead on firewood. Setbacks in health, needs of friends and family, changes in financial situation are all factors that could eat into our wood supply. While the stated goal is to stay 3 years ahead, the underlying requirement is simply to avoid scrounging straight from forest to stove which leads to inefficient burning of wet wood, a cold house, and need to switch to an alternative fuel source. Got a good wood savings account? Add to it!!!!
I'd would burn that this season. 90% of my hoard is in better "condition" which is why I say that. If it has any rot, it gets put in the basement first.
Got it all unloaded, split a piece of oak 22" diameter and 18" diameter walnut put the moisture meter on to see what I wanted to do with it. Anyone want to take a guess what the MM reading is? This was cut ~3 years ago, long length piled loose good air flow in a field.
Once I hit the three year mark I just try to keep up with replacing what I burn. I tend to go in spurts with cutting and splitting. I won't cut for a few months then go on a big cutting spree and stock a good bit up.
