How to Dry a Fir Tree

Almost anyone can get a fallen fir tree cut into dry firewood.

Felling, cutting up and drying trees for lumber is a complex process that requires skill and very specialized equipment and facilities, according to the University of Kentucky. Almost anyone, however, can get a downed tree cut and dried as firewood, keeping in mind that an experienced person needs to wield the chainsaw. Like most conifer wood, fir is fragrant but burns hot and fast, making it better for kindling or "mixed use" with oak and other hardwoods. Douglas fir -- not a true fir -- is a good source of longer burning firewood, producing almost as much energy as black oak.

Things You'll Need

• Chainsaw
• Log splitter
• Work gloves
• Work boots
• Safety glasses
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Long pants
• Wood pallets or planks and cement blocks
• Waterproof tarps and tie-downs or corrugated metal sheeting

Instructions

1. Remove and cut fir tree limbs into lengths suitable for your fireplace or wood stove, removing all small branches and branchlets. Cutting wood in smaller pieces opens up the tree's "veins" so moisture trapped inside can start to evaporate -- beginning the drying process.

2. Cut the fir's trunk into rounds roughly the ideal length for your fireplace or wood stove, usually anywhere from 12 to 18 inches long. Cutting the trunk into sections also starts releasing trapped moisture and accelerates drying.

3. Split each round into quarters or other usable widths, usually no larger than 8 inches in rough diameter, using the log splitter. Splitting rounds into pieces exposes all of the tree's internal tissues to the air, which also speeds drying.

4. Choose a permanent woodpile spot, preferably a location in full sun with good air circulation all the way around. A site reasonably convenient to the house -- or wherever the wood will be used -- is ideal.

5. Lay down pallets on the ground, or concrete blocks spanned by sturdy planks. This is where you'll stack the individual pieces of wood -- in layers, up off the ground -- so it can air dry for at least six to nine months.

6. Stack the wood loosely -- for good air circulation -- in alternating layers no more than two pieces deep. A stack 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall and 8 feet long equals a cord. Brace the ends of stacks with 2-by-4s or fence stakes to prevent woodpile collapse.

7. Leave stacks open to the sun and air to fully dry before winter. Where summer rain is typical, cover each wood stack with plastic tarps or corrugated metal sheeting that creates some overhang but leaves sides open to the air.

8. Cover woodpiles with waterproof tarps when stormy weather begins to keep wood dry. Move small quantities near your house -- about a week's worth -- for convenience when wood fire season begins.

Tips & Warnings

• Storing wood off the ground keeps it from getting wet again and reabsorbing unwanted moisture, and also prevents insect infestations and deters nesting mice.

• "Checks" or splits in the ends of firewood are one sign it's well dried or "seasoned."

References

• Cornell University Extension: Storing and Drying Firewood
• University of New Hampshire Extension: Heating with Wood -- Your Wood Supply
• University of Illinois Extension; Time To Cut Firewood!; Robert W. Frazee;June 2009
• California Energy Commission Consumer Energy Center: Firewood
• FirewoodResource.com: Douglas Fir
• University of Kentucky; Drying Wood; James E. Reeb,