Can You Burn Freshly Cut Wood? (Everything Georgia Homeowners Need to Know)
Can You Burn Freshly Cut Wood? (Everything Georgia Homeowners Need to Know)
Introduction: The Temptation of Freshly Cut Wood
You’ve just cut down a tree, split some logs, and you’re tempted to throw them into your fireplace or firepit. After all, it’s wood — shouldn’t it burn?
The short answer: You can burn freshly cut wood (also called green wood), but you really shouldn’t.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood in Acworth, GA, we deliver seasoned hardwood that’s safe and ready to burn. In this guide, we’ll explain the risks of burning green wood, how long it needs to season, and where to get properly dried firewood near you.
What Is Freshly Cut (Green) Wood?
Green wood is any firewood that’s been recently cut and still contains high moisture content.
Moisture content: 40–60% water
Appearance: Bright, smooth bark; ends look “wet”
Weight: Much heavier than seasoned wood
👉 Proper seasoned firewood should have less than 20% moisture.
Why Burning Green Wood Is a Problem
Many homeowners assume all wood burns the same. The truth is, burning green wood is dangerous and inefficient.
🔹 1. It Produces Heavy Smoke
Fresh wood contains too much water. Instead of burning, it steams, filling your home or firepit with thick smoke.
🔹 2. It Creates Creosote Buildup
Moisture in green wood causes incomplete combustion, leading to creosote — a sticky residue in chimneys that’s a major fire hazard.
🔹 3. It Burns Inefficiently
Less heat output
Wasted wood
Constant need to add more logs
🔹 4. It’s Hard to Light
Green wood resists ignition and often smolders instead of burning steadily.
How Long Does Firewood Need to Season?
Seasoning = air-drying firewood until moisture drops below 20%.
Softwoods (pine, cedar): 6 months
Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple): 9–18 months
Oak in Georgia: Often requires 12+ months due to density
👉 That’s why at Paul & Babe’s Firewood, we only deliver fully seasoned hardwood — ready to burn tonight.
Signs Your Firewood Is Properly Seasoned
Wondering if your stack is ready? Look for these indicators:
Ends are cracked and gray
Logs are lightweight
When struck together, wood makes a sharp clunk instead of a dull thud
Burns with a steady flame, not excessive smoke
How to Season Your Own Firewood (DIY Tips)
If you cut your own wood, here’s how to dry it properly:
Split logs immediately (smaller pieces dry faster).
Stack on racks or pallets (never directly on the ground).
Leave airflow between rows for ventilation.
Cover only the top with a tarp to protect from rain.
Face the stack toward the sun for maximum drying.
👉 We build custom wood racks to help you season firewood the right way.
Can You Burn Freshly Cut Wood Outdoors?
Outdoor firepits are more forgiving, but green wood still:
Produces heavy smoke
Annoys neighbors with smell
Struggles to stay lit
For enjoyable outdoor fires, use seasoned cherry, oak, or maple for aroma and clean burning.
Long-Tail Firewood Questions Answered
These are the exact searches people type into Google:
🔹 Can you burn freshly cut wood in a fireplace?
No. It’s unsafe, creates creosote, and doesn’t produce enough heat.
🔹 How long should wood dry before burning?
6–12 months for most wood, up to 24 months for oak.
🔹 Can you burn green wood in a firepit?
Technically yes, but it smokes heavily and burns poorly.
🔹 Is it dangerous to burn unseasoned wood?
Yes. The smoke and creosote buildup pose health and fire risks.
🔹 Where can I buy seasoned firewood near me?
If you live in Acworth, Cobb, Paulding, or Cherokee County, order from Paul & Babe’s Firewood.
Firewood Delivery Near Me (Cobb, Paulding & Cherokee County)
Skip the wait. Instead of seasoning your own wood for a year, get seasoned hardwood delivered now.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, we offer:
Bundles (perfect for camping or a single night fire)
¼ Cords (occasional fireplace use)
½ Cords (regular burning families)
Full Cords (whole-home heating)
Custom-built wood racks (for proper storage)
We deliver to:
Cobb County: Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Powder Springs
Paulding County: Dallas, Hiram, Braswell
Cherokee County: Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs
✅ On-time delivery
✅ Stacking available
✅ Family-owned & operated
Why Choose Paul & Babe’s Firewood?
Seasoned hardwood only – guaranteed ready to burn
Family-owned in Acworth, GA
Delivery + stacking + custom racks
Bundles to full cords available
Trusted in Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee Counties
Our company started with three brothers working to fund mission trips and family adventures — today, we proudly serve our Georgia neighbors with firewood they can trust.
Conclusion: Don’t Burn Freshly Cut Wood
So, can you burn freshly cut wood? Yes, but you shouldn’t.
Green wood:
❌ Produces smoke
❌ Creates creosote buildup (fire hazard)
❌ Burns poorly with little heat
Seasoned wood:
✅ Burns hotter and cleaner
✅ Safer for your chimney
✅ Ready to enjoy indoors or outdoors
If you need firewood for your fireplace, stove, or firepit, don’t wait months to season your own.
📞 Call 678-831-9087 today and order seasoned hardwood from Paul & Babe’s Firewood.
🔥 Bundles, ¼ cords, ½ cords, and full cords delivered across Acworth, Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee County.
