I kept the shed on my previous property out in the boonies warm, well; sort
of warm, using a pretty efficient modern slow
combustion wood heater. I was revegetating the block and there wasn't much
wood laying around so consequently I was buying extra wood in. I didn't think
to find out where it came from.
When travelling back to the city one day, I noticed a local farmer was
cutting down windbreak trees. Trees in that area grow very slowly and the ones
in question were decades old. It had been a poor season due to the ongoing
drought so he was cutting them down to sell as firewood.
I felt sorry for him that he had to do such a thing. Then it struck me -
was the wood I bought acquired from a similar struggling farmer? Those trees
are so important for reducing soil erosion by acting as windbreak. The removal
of trees also contributes to salinity in the local environment and interferes
with movement of water under the surface. Trees also provide added fertility
to the soil when they drop leaves and branches, plus habitat and shelter for
animals.
This farmer was actually probably causing himself more long term problems -
if the soil was poor before he cut down the trees; it's going to be even worse
after doing so. However, he was caught between a rock and hard place
financially.
The next time you're buying wood; ask about the source - does it come from
a wood lot (renewable resource) or is it from general clearing?
Farmers need to be encouraged to set aside land for wood lot purposes or to
extend the depth of windbreaks just in case in the future they need to harvest
some trees to get them out of a tight financial spot; rather than clear what
little protection their land has in times of drought.
Also check to see how far away the wood has been shipped from; try to
source it relatively locally - in some instances, it may be transported
hundreds of miles, giving it an extra fossil fuel footprint.
Handy firewood buying tip:
Ensure the timber you buy is dry. Damp or "green" timber will
create more smoke and carbon dioxide emissions. You'll also pay up to 25% more
when you take into account water weight. The easiest way to gauge if wood is
reasonably dry is through sound. Rap on a sample piece with your knuckles. Dry
wood should make a "toc, toc" type sound whereas green wood will make
more of a dull thumping sound.
Collecting your own wood
There's a few things to bear in mind when collecting your own wood
Permission
Never, ever trespass onto someone's land to collect wood - if the land owner
is anything like me, he's likely to view it dimly ... at best. You'll not only
be at risk of being prosecuted for trespass, but also theft... among other
undesirable possible consequences such as damage to your vehicle or person
inflicted by
the irate farmer or land owner.
Even collecting wood from roadsides can be an offence; so you should check
with your local authorities about whether it is permissible and if you'll need
a special permit.
Dead trees
Dead trees still standing may seem like a great candidate for an axe or
a chainsaw, but they can be important habitats for birds and other creatures
that utilise hollows for protection or nesting purposes. These hollows can
take decades to form and are prime real estate for these creatures. Dead trees
also attract bugs that other creatures may feast on.
Fallen wood
As with dead trees, fallen wood is a habitat for many creatures. As I was
gathering wood on my property and noticing all the bugs, it dawned on me that
it wasn't a good idea to clear an entire area of fallen wood for this reason -
to leave some behind. Additionally, the wood also adds nourishment to the soil
as it decomposes.
Alternatives
Instead of buying or collecting wood, consider wood pellets. These are generally made from compacted
sawdust and are a byproduct of milling operations. Given their density and low
moisture content, they have excellent combustion efficiency, burning very
cleanly.
... and don't forget - there's a stack of uses for wood ashes!
