HY-CRACK log-splitter  -  the screw type log-splitter of choice for Contractors, Estates, Farmers & Log Merchants   -   PTO powered log splitter

Why use firewood?

The benefits of using firewood are many. Firewood is a biomass fuel and environmentally friendly; using it results in virtually no 'fossil' carbon dioxide being added to the environment helping to minimise the effects of climate change as compared to using gas, oil or coal.

The supply of firewood can create local and rural jobs and the revenue can assist in reversing rural economic decline. Firewood is also a renewable resource - using it today will not prevent our children and grandchildren from using firewood in the future. Cutting firewood through thinning and coppicing can re-establish traditional woodland management. Declining practices such as this has led to the loss or decline of some of our most attractive woodland wildlife.
 

How to season and store logs

Trees contain a lot of water and some freshly cut logs can contain as much as 50%. Logs are difficult to burn without some drying or ‘seasoning’ taking place. Wood felled during one winter should be seasoned over the following summer and burnt the next winter. If possible two years seasoning is ideal. Logs are best stored outside but under cover where air but little rain can get to them. If possible bring your next weeks supply into the house and store somewhere warm - near but not next to your fire, wood-burning stove or boiler.
 

Burning logs

Some types of tree make better firewood than others. Broadleaved trees are denser than softwoods such as pines and provide more heat per similar sized bag or trailer load.

In general ash, oak, beech, birch, sycamore, hornbeam are all first class firewoods.
All conifers such as pine, plus sweet chestnut, and turkey oak are liable to spark but can be used if very dry and in a closed wood burning stove or boiler. Alder, willows and poplars are considered poor firewoods due to their high moisture content.