Urban Wood Utilization in Connecticut: Firewood

Firewood can be a great outlet for wood generated by the pruning or removal of urban trees.

The official measure for the sale of firewood is the cord. A cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of compactly stacked firewood. The typical stack of cordwood is 4 feet high by 4 feet deep by 8 feet long. Since most firewood is not sold or used in 4 foot lengths, any stacking of wood that is the equivalent of 128 cubic feet will work. This stack may include wood, bark and air. Wood may also be sold in fractions of a cord. For instance, a standard half cord measures 64 cubic feet of stacked firewood.

Firewood is sold by the cord. A cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of stacked wood - and can include wood, bark and air. (How to Buy Firewood)

Firewood is usually sold 'seasoned' - that is, stacked and dried for six months or more.

Exotic and native forest pests such as the emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle are causing serious damage to urban and rural forests in the United States. These pests are dispersed by a variety of means. Among the most significant is the movement of firewood. Federal and state regulations are in place regarding the movement of firewood, including the Emergency Regulations on Movement of Firewood in Connecticut.

A few towns in Connecticut have put into practice urban wood utilization systems that include the processing and distribution of firewood. Finding a use for the wood from street and park trees is a more efficient use of personnel's time and also of space at the bulky waste disposal area. It also reduces fuel consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases.

Resources

CT Department of Consumer Protection - How to Buy Firewood

Urban Wood Utilization - Introduction and Table of Contents

Content last updated October 2019