I busted up about half a cord of Norway back in late April -+ early May . Do any of y'all think it will be ready to burn by like October or so? The wood was pretty ripe still by the splits so I am just trying to go by your possible judgement. Thanks in advance , Will
You've got 2 options. Either let it sit for another year, or get the moisture meter out and verify if it will be good or not this year.
If its getting plenty of wind and at least a half days sun, and its top covered if you have a lot of rain, it will be close. I would get a moisture meter to be sure. Depending on your stove 22% on a fresh split is doable but 20% or under is better. Do you need it or are trying to save primo wood for colder months? Mix it in to stretch out the primo if need be.
That will definately be pushing it but if it is split small in a single row where it can get lots of wind, top covered it might be useable. Saying goes "you burn what you got" just make sure to keep an eye on the chimney if you do use it.
I put a tarp over it when I know it's gonna rain. It gets a good bit of wind and rain during good days so I know that's in my favor. I have about a cord of red elm/box elder/black locust mix ready to go. I have a cord of red oak/black locust/mullberry in my primo reserve but that's a least another year till I can use that . Last winter was BRUTAL and used a cord and a half of mixed stuff that wasn't even that great season wise but got by.This firewood stuff ain't rocket science but I guarantee it's a learning curve.Looks like the Norway will be borderline but I can mix it with the good stuff.Oh yeah I have it cribbed to allow maximum airflow.A moisture meter is next in my to get tools after I pay the mortgage , insurance,cable bill , gas and electric,water and sewer ,fill up the fridge,and last but not least BEER!
Ryobi sells a mm that uses your smart phone for a display. I have one of those and its awesome. You can even take pics of the wood and it gives dates and pertinent info. $30 well spent.
If the wood has check marks throughout, you can probably use it. I have burned and gotten good heat out of less than perfect wood for years. No chimney fires yet. The longer you can go the better, but it doesn't sound like you have huge reserves, so you burn what you got.
I would think that wood will be fine come Oct/Nov, Norway seasons quick. One year I put 2 cords of ash up in April and since I didn't plan on using it that year I didn't put it in a primo drying spot, it was all under 20% by October.
Norway seasons really fast in my experience, even if left in the round. My BIL had some that he cut the previous year, but never split. I brought my MM over to his place, thinking I'd show him what a mistake that was. Turns out I was the one mistaken, we were getting sub 20's on fresh splits of the Norway and ash that he had. If you split it on the small side, it will be good to go.
That's what I found with ash...she's quick to season once split. And it puts out decent heat even when less than perfect. I've had the exact opposite experience with eastern white pine. I don't know how great it ever gets, but it is an awful performer without good seasoning.
