[bac0nfat]

I leave my wood pile uncovered year-round, and I haven't had any problems seasoning. However if you are really short on time (to season) it will probably go a little faster if you keep it covered, but only on the top. Leave the sides open, particularly the sides that expose the ends of the logs. Wood logs are like a bundle of straws; they dry out the ends.

For me, I just grab what I need for a few days and stack it on my front porch, which keeps it out of the rain. It only takes about 2 days for the wetness from rain to dry off.

[Valorius]

Once you cut down a tree you need to let the wood sit a minimum of 6 months, preferably a year, it's ok if it sits outside and gets rained on during that time.

"Need" is a very strong word here.

Wood will burn even after just being cut down, but it's a lot harder to get lit, and it smokes. A lot.

[bac0nfat]

Oh, and wood that's not cut up into logs will take forever to season. Like I said before, wood is like a bundle of straws and dries out the ends. If a tree falls down and you leave it for 2 years, you can cut into the middle of it and it will still be completely green. You should get it cut up ASAP. Splitting helps, but isn't as critical.

Also, ash (the type of tree) can be burned almost immediately after it's cut down. It doesn't require much seasoning because the moisture content is naturally very low.

[streaker69]

Once you cut down a tree you need to let the wood sit a minimum of 6 months, preferably a year, it's ok if it sits outside and gets rained on during that time.

"Need" is a very strong word here.

Wood will burn even after just being cut down, but it's a lot harder to get lit, and it smokes. A lot.

Burning unseasoned wood will also greatly increase the chances of having a chimney fire as you will build up creosote faster using it. Green wood shouldn't be used on a regular basis inside your home, unless you actually want to burn your house down.

[Valorius]

I concur...during times of normal societal operation, don't use green wood.

If the SHTF and you got caught unprepared, and it's cold and that's what's available...

Burn baby burn.

[mauser]

A lot of good advice already given here.

Sawdust and wax is also a great fire starter. Sawdust, lint and wax might be a great combination. If you're using egg cartons make sure you use the paper not the styrofoam ones.

Green or unseasoned wood has it's moisture in the sap. That needs to dry out or it will burn dirty causing creosote that will build up in your chimney and will cause a chimney fire if not kept cleaned out. If you must burn unseasoned wood you must also be mindful to keep your chimney clean even more so than you normally would burning seasoned wood.
As the wood ages and the sap dries, the fibers of the wood loosen up allowing easier escape of the hot gasses and steam without the fireworks. I'm sure you've heard the hissing and popping from logs in a campfire, that's the sap reacting to the heat, you can watch it boiling out of a log whereas plain water just steams out.
Rainwater isn't the same as sap, it steams off rather quickly especially from seasoned wood.

Make sure your chimney is rated for what you're burning. Gas burns at a predictable temperature regulated by your controller. The chimney (if there is one) should be rated to easily handle the highest temperature your regulator will allow. The temperature of burning wood isn't as predictable and controllable as the gas coming through your regulator, it can burn extremely hot.

I strongly suggest that you contact a trusted professional for an evaluation before you consider burning anything other than what the stove is designed for.
Be aware that sales professionals will most likely try to sell you their top of the line unit, cleaning and maintenance professionals may be more inclined to give you the advice you really need.

[dman]

Well , you are talkin at a man that has three fire palces and all wood burners . I traded the maul for new fangled D&R splitter and I also agree
with all that was said .

[Valorius]

I am lucky enough to get an endless supply of free wood. There is a construction yard a few blocks from my place that gives away all the scrap lumber you can take.

[donotknowme]

I do have a chimney and it is stainless steel (I think) I had some chimney repair work done earlier this year and they wanted to put a new liner in but after looking at it they said it was in great condition and I didn't need one.

I don't even know how to get into my fireplace. I will look into that. I also have no where to get wood aside from my neighbors trees and they probably wouldn't like that. It looks like I will need to buy some already cut and such or I will stop by Val's construction site.

Is wood safe to store indoors to keep it dry or is that a no-no on account of termites & other pests?

[AndrewG23]

I would like to add to this suprisingly nobody has... It is not recommended to burn any PINE type wood unless your fire is super hot.

Cedar is also a good burn for a quick warm up. Cedar does not last long and is very smokey. So air must be on. Also makes great kindling.