Chainsaw Use For Harvesting Firewood: Is It Worth It?

Safety Precautions

When harvesting firewood with a chainsaw, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Wear protective gear including a helmet, safety glasses, ear protection, and chainsaw chaps. Ensure the chainsaw is properly maintained, with a sharp chain and adequate fuel. Always maintain a safe distance from others and be aware of your surroundings. For optimal safety, consider enlisting the help of a second person to guide the fall of the tree and assist with bucking.

Felling and Bucking Techniques

To efficiently fell and buck trees for firewood, use a chainsaw with a chainsaw guide bar length of at least 14 inches. For smaller trees, a 16-inch guide bar is preferred. When felling, aim to cut the tree at a 45-degree angle, 1/3 to 1/2 of the tree’s diameter from the ground. This will help minimize the risk of the tree rolling or splitting. For bucking, cut the tree into manageable sections, typically 16 to 18 inches in length, and stack them in a dry location to season.

Seasoning and BTU Considerations

Seasoning firewood is a crucial step in maximizing its BTU content. Properly seasoned firewood can contain up to 20% more BTU energy than unseasoned wood. To season firewood, stack it in a dry location with good airflow, allowing for at least six months of drying time. Different tree species contain varying amounts of BTU energy, with hardwoods like oak and maple generally containing more BTU energy than softwoods like pine and fir. On average, a cord of seasoned hardwood can produce around 20 million BTUs, while a cord of seasoned softwood can produce around 18 million BTUs.