From Tree to Log: How Firewood Is Made

Firewood is more than a source of heat; it connects us to nature and offers an inviting atmosphere for gatherings with friends and family. Have you ever thought about the journey firewood takes from tree to log? In this post, we will look at how firewood is made, explore the different types of trees used, and discover which woods are best for various burning needs.

The Journey Begins: Harvesting the Trees

The process of making firewood starts with choosing and harvesting trees with care. In the UK, much of our firewood comes from managed woodlands, where thinning and selective felling support healthy forest growth.

Common species used for firewood include oak, ash, beech, birch, and sycamore. Each offers its own qualities: oak is known for its density and heat, ash for its quick seasoning and reliable burn, and birch for its bright flame and aroma.

Unlike fast-growing softwoods, hardwoods such as oak can take several decades to mature. However, careful woodland management ensures a sustainable supply by balancing growth with harvesting.

Once trees are selected, they are cut using specialised equipment such as chainsaws or harvesters. Skilled operators minimise disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem. After felling, the logs are either transported directly to a processing site or stacked at the woodland edge ready for collection.

Processing the Logs

Once harvested, the logs are cut into lengths, typically 30–40 cm (12–16 inches), making them easy to handle, stack, and burn.

After cutting, the logs are split into smaller pieces. This can be done by hand with an axe or with a mechanical log splitter. Splitting speeds up drying, which is vital because moisture content directly affects how well wood burns. For efficient burning, logs should be dried to a moisture content of 20% or less.

Seasoning the Firewood

Seasoning is one of the most important steps in firewood preparation. Freshly cut wood (known as “green wood”) can hold up to 50% moisture, which makes it difficult to light, smoky to burn, and inefficient for heating.

To season firewood, it should be stacked in a sunny, well-ventilated area, raised off the ground, and with the sides exposed to allow air to circulate. Covering the top with a tarp or log store roof protects it from rain while still letting it breathe.

The seasoning process can take six months to a year, depending on the wood type and local climate. For example, ash often dries in six months, while oak may take a year or longer.

Kiln-Dried Firewood

Some suppliers also offer kiln-dried firewood, which uses a large heated chamber to dry the wood quickly and efficiently. Kiln-drying reduces the moisture content to below 20% in a matter of days or weeks, compared to several months for traditional air-seasoning.

Benefits of kiln-dried firewood include:

• Immediate readiness to burn with less smoke and creosote.

• Cleaner, more efficient burning for wood burners and stoves.

• Kills insects and fungi in the wood.

Kiln-dried wood is usually more expensive due to the energy and equipment costs, but it’s ideal if you need ready-to-use, low-moisture wood for heating or cooking.

Different Types of Firewood

Not all firewood is the same — each tree species has unique burning characteristics.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are dense and burn slowly, producing long-lasting heat, making them the best choice for home heating.

• Oak: Burns slowly and steadily, producing a high heat output — perfect for long winter nights.

• Ash: Seasons quickly and burns cleanly. Often called the best all-rounder for firewood.

• Beech: Produces strong heat and a bright flame but must be properly seasoned, as it holds moisture.

• Birch: Burns hot with a pleasant aroma but faster than denser woods like oak or ash.

• Sycamore/Maple: Easy to split and seasons relatively quickly. A reliable option for mixed loads of firewood.

  
  

Softwoods

Softwoods ignite quickly and burn faster, making them great for kindling or when you want a lively fire.

• Pine: Lights easily and burns hot, but its resin can cause more chimney deposits if used heavily. Best for short fires or mixed with hardwoods.

• Spruce: Burns quickly with a bright flame, handy for kindling.

• Larch: One of the best softwoods in the UK for firewood, as it burns hotter and longer than many others.

• Fir: Easy to split and useful for outdoor fires or quick burns.

Choosing the Right Firewood for Your Needs

When selecting firewood, think about your specific needs. Hardwoods are perfect if you want a long-lasting source of heat for your home. If you're looking for a quick, lively fire for a gathering, softwoods offer the flames you need.

Softwoods ignite quickly and burn hotter at first, making them ideal for starting a fire or creating a lively flame. However, they are less efficient than hardwoods for long-term home heating, as they burn faster and don’t produce as much sustained heat.

Also, consider the flavour for cooking or smoking. Certain woods can enhance meals, so choose wisely! For example, fruit woods like apple or cherry add wonderful flavors to grilled foods.

If you want firewood that’s ready to burn immediately, kiln-dried options offer the same hardwood and softwood choices but with low moisture content straight from the supplier, making them convenient and efficient for stoves, fireplaces, and cooking.

Storing Firewood

Proper storage is essential to keep firewood dry and ready to use. Store it in a well-ventilated, dry area, raised off the ground to prevent moisture from creeping in. Cover the top of the pile with a tarp or roof but leave the sides open for airflow.

Good storage ensures your firewood stays seasoned and efficient, ready to provide warmth whenever you need it.

Wrapping Up the Journey

The journey from tree to log is a fascinating process of careful selection, cutting, splitting, seasoning, and storing. Understanding the qualities of different firewoods helps you choose the right logs for your needs, whether you’re heating your home, enjoying a cosy fireplace, or cooking outdoors.

With both traditional air-seasoned and kiln-dried options available, there’s a type of firewood to suit every purpose.

So next time you gather around a fire, take a moment to appreciate the work that went into preparing the wood. With the right firewood, you can create warmth, flavour, and lasting memories.

Seasoned firewood ready for burning