Timely Tips for Backyard Gardeners (pdf)

A weekly publication for Backyard Gardeners by

Ohio State University Extension

Issue #39

Tips for Purchasing Firewood

 With cold temperatures arriving soon, cost conscious Ohioans will be looking to save money on heating expenses. For many, the solution is burning firewood. Officials at the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) – responsible for enforcing Ohio’s firewood laws – remind Ohioans to follow some basic tips when purchasing wood to heat their homes.

 It is important for consumers to know firewood rules and regulations prior to a purchase.

• If firewood is advertised and sold as “seasoned,” it must have a moisture content of less than 50 percent. “Unseasoned” wood will only produce two-thirds of the heat of “seasoned” wood.
• If the firewood is advertised and sold as a certain type of wood, the load must contain at least 90 percent of that species.
• Non-packaged firewood must be sold by the cord or by fractions of a cord. One cord, when properly stacked, should be 8 feet long by 4 feet high and 4 feet wide (128 cubic feet).
• If sold in bulk, firewood must be purchased by the weight in ton measurements. This must be weighed on a certified scale.
• It is illegal to sell firewood by any other unit of measurement such as a rick, rack, face cord, or truckload. If a consumer believes that a seller did not comply with these rules and regulations, the person should immediately contact the seller.
• If non-packaged firewood is purchased, the seller must present the consumer with a delivery ticket or sales invoice that includes contact information and the terms and conditions of the sale.

 Consumers should also be aware that firewood is often home to invasive insects, and when moved, contributes to the spread of these pests.

 Firewood Visitors

 As the weather gets colder, a cheery fire in the hearth or wood-burning stove has definite appeal. Here are a few tips to remember when bringing firewood into the house. A stack of firewood is an ideal place for insects and spiders to hibernate through the cold season.

Always wear gloves when reaching into a wood pile. The brown recluse and black widow spiders are not found in large numbers in Ohio but are found here occasionally, with a woodpile as a choice location for overwintering.

 Other pests living in wood piles include: Roundheaded Borers, Flatheaded Borers, Bark Beetles, Ambrosia Beetles, Powderpost Beetles, Carpenter Ants and Termites, Horntail Wasps, Carpenter Bees, Darkling Beetles, and Pennsylvania Woods Roaches.

 Store firewood outdoors in an open area, as far away from the house as practical, to keep out insects, dirt and debris. Stack firewood off the ground to eliminate wood rot and pest problems.  Never stack wood against the house. Cover the wood pile with dark polyurethane plastic or sheet metal roofing to keep the wood dry.

 When cold weather arrives, pieces of firewood can be moved nearer to the house for easy access. Firewood should be stored on a rack, patio or deck instead of on the ground.

 Bring only enough firewood into the house to be burned immediately. Firewood stored inside the home over an hour or so may warm up enough for the insects to emerge from within or under the bark and start their spring activities early. Do not store firewood in a heated garage or basement for the same reasons. For more information see OSU Extension Fact Sheets HYG-2065-89 "Firewood Insects".

Do Not Unknowingly Invite Termites Into Your Home!

 Employ any of the following measures to help disrupt the termites' ability to locate moisture, food (wood), and shelter.

 Problem: Cellulose (wood, dead plant material, paper, etc.) in contact with soil provides termites with ready and unobservable access to food.

Solutions:

• Keep all wooden parts of the house foundation at least 6 inches above the soil.

·         Keep mulch levels several inches below the siding and wooden parts of the structure.

·         Avoid or minimize use of wood mulch next to the foundation.

·         Remove dead trees, stumps, and roots near the structure.

·         Never store firewood, lumber, or paper against the foundation or in the crawl space.

·         Remove wood debris and form boards.

Problem: Moisture accumulation near the foundation provides water needed for termite survival.

Solutions:

·         Grade or slope soil away from the foundation.

·         Divert rain water away from the foundation.

o   Maintain clean gutters and down-spouts.

o   Install down-spout extenders and splash blocks.

o   Use drain tiles if site is flat.

·         Divert lawn sprinklers and irrigation water away from the foundation.

·         Promptly repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units.

·         Use mulch sparingly (no more than 2 inches depth is recommended).

·         Keep plants and ground covers 3-4 feet away from the house foundation.

 Problem: Poor ventilation in crawl space provides water needed for termite survival.

Solutions:

·         Cover approximately 75 percent of the soil surface in the crawl space with a vapor barrier (4-6 ml polyethylene sheeting).

·         Install 1 square foot of vent opening per 300 to 500 square feet of crawl space area (when using a vapor barrier).

·         Install 1 square foot of vent opening per 150 square feet of crawl space area (without a vapor barrier).

·         Enhance cross ventilation.

·         Remove any vegetation covering vents.

 Problem: Hidden termite access.

Solutions:

·         Install trellises and trim plants so that they do not contact the house.

·         Do not build flower planters against the house.

·         Regularly inspect cracks or joints in concrete slabs for evidence of termites.

·         Install metal flashing when attaching porches or decks (even when using "treated" lumber) to an existing house.

·         Remove mulch that contacts siding or obscures a clear view of the foundation.

·         Never install foam board insulation (polystyrene) below grade.

 Annual Inspection Checklist

·         Water is directed away from the foundation.

·         Wood and other cellulose materials (including mulch) are away from the foundation.

·         The foundation is exposed around the entire house.

• The basement (or crawl space) is relatively dry.
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