Chop your own firewood, and it will warm you twice, said Henry Ford.
Assess Your Needs
First, determinehow much woodyou will need.
To do this, evaluate your planned use.
Will wood be your primary source of heat?
Do you simply need wood for an occasional fire and marshmallow-roasting session?
What kind of climate do you live in?
Staying comfy in a southern California winter will require far less wood than surviving one in upstate New York.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Safety First
Before attempting any wood-cutting endeavor, double-check you are knowledgeable and have proper safety equipment.
Always wear goggles and protective gear and double-check to follow all safety procedures.
If you dont have the necessary experience, dont make a run at learn as you go.
Where Can You Cut Your Own Firewood?
Did you know?
Many people will pay professionals to haul away these downed trees, especially after a storm.
With a few hours of work, you could clear them for free and add to your woodpile.
Always have permission from a landowner before harvesting any wood from their land.
Keep an eye out for power lines and other dangers.
You may want to look into liability and personal injury insurance before clearing any trees.
Be sure to look into local rules and regulations for your area.
Typically, a permit to cut a cord or two of wood will cost $10-$20.
In Washingtons Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a permit to cut four cords of wood starts at $20.
Of course,you will need proper tools, including safety equipment.
Determine how much wood you are going to cut and consider renting a wood splitter.
Oklahoma State University provides ahelpful safety brochure.
When you arrive at your wood-harvesting area, collect wood from environmentally friendly places.
Avoid areas near streams and creeks, where wood removal could cause erosion.
Also, avoid fragile areas and hills.
Leaving wood in summer heat often does a good job of seasoning it.
Can You Sell Excess Wood?
Simply rent a splitter or use a maul and do it the old-fashioned way to split the wood yourself.
Also, wood sellers usually have different prices for delivered and stacked wood.
To get the best deal, offer to pick up your wood.
Your Turn: Do you heat your home with firewood or enjoy an occasional fire?
Where do you get your wood?
Kristen Pope is a freelance writer and editor in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
