Q & A - Stack Firewood Away From The Home

Q: With the cooler weather setting in, we’re getting a load of firewood delivered. They said not to stack it by the home, but this is most convenient when we need wood. Why would they say this?

A: Wood piles are favorite places for termites, carpenter ants, and other pests that break down wood. In nature, these are the forces that break down fallen trees and turn them into soil. And while they do wonderful work in nature, you don’t want them doing the same to your home.

Your wood pile should be away from the home. You can have a container close to the home, or on the porch, that you load to feed your next fire (ensuring dry wood is available when you need it), but I would not recommend stacking all your wood next to the home. You are inviting trouble in doing this.