Posted on December 30, 2019 by John — Leave a comment

What to Consider Before Buying Firewood

What to Consider Before Buying Firewood Near Aurora, IL

Few things are more welcoming than a crackling fire on a cold day, which is why many Aurora homes include wood-burning fireplaces. Long-time residents make stocking firewood look easy, but it can be challenging for those who have never purchased wood in the past. Fortunately, it is easy to get it right by following a few simple rules. As long as homeowners have enough storage, choose the right wood, and buy seasoned firewood, they’ll enjoy many cozy evenings in front of their hearths.

Create a Dry Space to Store Wood

Homeowners buying Firewood near Aurora IL for the first time are often tempted to order enough for the winter. That is a good idea if they have plenty of storage, but it could cause problems when space is short. The first thing any homeowner should do is determine how much dry space they have for wood storage. There must be enough room between stacks to allow firewood to dry, otherwise it can rot. Stacking excess wood against the house is not really an option since piles quickly become homes for rodents and insects.

Determine Which Type of Wood Is Best

Homeowners should buy the type of wood that suits their intended use. If customers buying Firewood near Aurora IL intend to cook with it, they might want to choose maples and fruitwoods that add flavor. Dense woods like oak and maple are best for indoor wood stoves and fireplaces. Soft woods such as poplar burn faster. Ash is another wood that burns well. Local suppliers are happy to help customers make the best choice.

Make Sure to Buy Seasoned Wood

Firewood needs to be seasoned, which means it has had time to dry out. Green wood is full of moisture, so it is not a good fireplace or wood stove fuel. Most established suppliers sell seasoned fireplace wood, which is easy to recognize. It has loose bark, is dry to the touch, and has cracks in the ends.

Order wood for a home fireplace or wood stove is not complicated, but there are a few rules that ensure the best results. Buyers should make sure they have adequate storage and then learn what type of wood is best for their needs. They should also choose seasoned wood because it is dry and burns well.

Posted on November 26, 2019 by John — Leave a comment

Why Mulch Is Good For Your Home

The holiday season is here, so many people that own fireplaces are thinking about getting some firewood, which we can happily help with, right to your door. However, while the winter has arrived and homeowners say goodbye to their lawns and gardens for a season as the snow comes, there’s always spring to look forward to planning for. One of the best things you can do for your home’s outlying property, especially if you have a garden and trees, is to consider using mulch. Here are some of the reasons why it helps.

Retain Moisture

Since mulch is essentially a layer of loose material—in this case, wood—that is spread over topsoil, the one thing it is extremely good at doing is keeping the ground moist. Wood is a natural sponge in that it absorbs and holds water for much longer periods than other substances like soil. This means that when it rains, or when a property is watered, mulch can preserve more of the moisture, and this benefits the soil and the plants.

Control Weeds

Mulch can also help to minimize the number of weeds that grow on a property. Weeds need sunlight, but mulch, a layer that sits over the soil, can add an extra shield that prevents some weeds from getting the sunlight they need in the early stages of growth. While other types of weed will still manage to poke out of the topsoil, there will be other varieties that, once blocked by a sufficiently thick layer of mulch, won’t grow at all, helping you to control your weed population during the spring and summer seasons.

Topsoil Preservation

Mulch is also good at protecting the topsoil itself. A layer of mulch doesn’t just retain moisture; it also acts as a physical barrier. Where the blowing of wind would eventually erode the first layer of topsoil or rain might wash some of it way, given enough time, mulch acts as a protective first line of defense that helps to offset these natural forces of erosion, and help the healthy topsoil to retain more of itself and be more productive during the growing season.

Easier To Maintain

When you’re looking for something to add color and fill out the spaces in your yard, mulch is an excellent alternative. Some solutions, like traditional lawn grass, require maintenance during the year, notably, using a lot of water to keep it green and healthy, and mowing it regularly to keep the height in check.

Mulch, on the other hand, comes in a variety of colors, that can help to distinguish the look of your property from others, while at the same time requiring none of that extra maintenance. Once the initial layer of mulch is laid out, you’re done, and only have to periodically replenish it with more if you think it’s starting to look a little thin.

So while you can contact Best Firewood & Mulch this holiday season for the wood to keep your fireplace cheery during this festive time, remember that when it comes time to grow and beautify things on your property, come to us for your mulch needs too.

Posted on November 21, 2019 by John — Leave a comment

4 Important Tips For Storing Firewood

Whether you have an outdoor fireplace for grilling and parties or an indoor fireplace for warmth and cozy feelings, you’ll need firewood to keep the flame going. And if you want enough firewood for several fires, you’ll need a place to store the logs you aren’t using. It’s not very hard to store firewood, but there are a few basic pointers and tips you should remember if you don’t want to run into any problems later on.

Stack Your Firewood Carefully

A good firewood stack needs to follow a few rules. First, there should be good air circulation throughout the stack, including the center and the bottom. Air circulation helps the firewood dry out so it’s ready to burn and won’t attract mold or other fungi. Second, keep the bark side down on the bottom layer to protect the wood from ground moisture. Third, stack the wood with care so it won’t come tumbling down when you start to remove logs.

Keep The Wood Dry

Wet wood is much harder to burn, plus it can quickly start to rot depending on what manages to get into it. Both are bad for firewood since wet wood can release more carbon monoxide into the air and rotting wood will release potentially harmful spores. To keep your wood dry, make sure the firewood pile is under a roof if you can. If not, you should cover it with a waterproof tarp. However, the wood still needs to dry out and circulate air, so only cover the top surface with the tarp.

Keep The Wood Away From Your House

No matter where you buy your firewood, chances are the wood spent most of its existence outdoors. You should continue that by storing your firewood outside and away from the side of your house. This is because firewood often contains pests and parasites, including dangerous pests like carpenter ants, termites, and old house borers. Firewood is safe enough indoors when you only bring in what you need for an evening fire, but to keep your house safe you should stack the rest of the wood outside and away from your home.

Keep The Wood Off The Ground

When a tree falls in the forest, it doesn’t take long for mold, fungi, insects, and other creatures to start rotting the wood. You don’t want that to happen to your firewood, and one important way to prevent that is by stacking your firewood on a platform. This could be a storage box just for firewood, or it could be a spot on your stone patio away from the dirt. By keeping your firewood away from the dirt, you’ll keep it away from the insects and other species that would start rotting it.

Of course, it’s also important to choose the right business to get your firewood from. That’s why many people visit Best Firewood and Mulch. We offer solid firewood from a variety of tree species that give off great heat and wood smoke when you burn them, so have a look at our online store.

Posted on November 14, 2019 by John — Leave a comment

Heat Your Home This Winter With Firewood

When you live in the northern United States, winter can bring the temperature way down and make it tough to go outside. On foot the cold will slowly seep into your bones, and in a car the snow and ice make the roads slippery and hard to avoid an accident. That’s why many Americans spend more of their time indoors next to a roaring fire. Not every modern home comes equipped with a real fireplace, but those who do can enjoy what it’s like to have a real wood fire keeping you cozy during a long winter night.

Enjoy The Heat

A nice wood fire at home can really heat a room up, especially if you can close a door and keep the heat concentrated. When you spend your time by a real fire, you can turn down the thermostat for the rest of your home and still feel warm and cozy. Doing this could even save you a few dollars on your heating bill.

Watch The Dancing Flames

Almost every human is fascinated by fire to one degree or another. The way the flames dance without ever repeating themselves, the warm glow and colors they create, and even the sound of crackling and snapping wood can hold a person’s attention. This is only natural since once upon a time humans needed fire to survive and spent a long part of the night sitting around campfires. Because of this natural fascination, a real wood fire can entertain a family surprisingly well, and it’s much better at doing so than any fake fire or gas fire.

Bring The Family Together

Between the heat and the flames, setting a wood fire in your fireplace is a great way to bring your whole family together. You can sit around the fire and eat dinner, talk about your days, or watch a movie together. A married couple can curl up together under the same blanket, or your young child might like sharing a blanket with their parent after a long day. An open fire is also a chance to teach your kids about how to safely set and maintain a wood fire.

Cook Something Old-Fashioned

Depending on the size of your fireplace, you may be able to use it to roast hotdogs or marshmallows on sticks. Something else you can do is let the fire burn down and then put a Dutch oven on the coals and use them to slowly cook your dinner or dessert for the evening. Dutch oven recipes include some warm and hearty meals like stew and peach cobbler, just the thing to have to warm yourself up on a cold winter night.

While you can find apps and videos, gas-powered fireplaces, and fake fireplaces, nothing can match the full experience of a wood fire during a winter evening. However, first you’ll need a good supply of dried and seasoned firewood ready for your fireplace. If you live in our service area, be sure to order your firewood from Best Firewood and Mulch and make the most of your fireplace this winter.

Posted on November 11, 2019 by John — Leave a comment

Give Your Landscape Design An Upgrade With Mulch

We have all heard the saying “first impressions last.” As we grow older, we realize that this may be true. First impressions tell other people a lot about something. Homes are the same. Most people, if not all, tend to find ways to improve their homes through various beautification projects. This practice is not solely focused on the interior but also the exterior of one’s home.

The first thing people see when going to another person’s home is the front yard. It says a lot about the residents. A beautiful lot can make a lasting impression on others. But, it is not just for them. It can also be a relaxing space for the homeowner.

One concern that many individuals have when planning their projects is the cost. Not all people have a lot of money to spare. Sometimes, daily expenses can already be too much. Contrary to what many people think, upgrading your landscape design does not have to be expensive.

Applying The Mulch Magic

One way of giving your property a modern and well-groomed look is using mulch. This simple addition to your yard can add aesthetic value. You can choose the kind of mulch that would complement your home’s exterior colors. Mulch can also make the place look less bare. Another advantage of using mulch is it is easy to apply. The activity is not time-consuming and does not require you to buy specialized tools.

Starting The Project This Fall

If you are unsure about mulching during the fall, you do not have to worry. You can mulch if you want to. All you need is to know how to do it properly to make sure you get the desired effect.

Wear protective gloves to avoid splinters.
Use 2-4 inch coverage.
Remove weeds, leaves, and grass.
Avoid putting mulch near the base of a tree. Use the technique known as the doughnut hole.
Choose your mulch wisely. Use only high-quality mulch to ensure good results.

Reasons To Mulch

There are a lot of reasons why you should consider doing this. Aside from adding appeal to your lawn, mulching is highly beneficial.

Mulch retains the moisture of soil and prevents it from drying out.
It suppresses the growth of weeds.
It serves as insulation from cold or hot weather.
Mulching prevents soil erosion.
It improves the nutrient content of your soil.

Mulching is not a new gardening technique. Records show that early civilizations used this technique to hinder the growth of weeds. Through the years, people have discovered new mulch sources.

If you wish to try upgrading your landscape design without spending too much money, you can use mulch. We can help with your mulching needs. We have a variety of choices for your landscape needs. We also offer installation services, so you can relax while we take care of your place. Contact Best Firewood and Mulch and find out how we can help you.

Posted on November 6, 2019 by John — Leave a comment

Some Of The Best Types Of Wood To Burn In A Wood Burning Fire Pit

Wood burning fire pits are becoming more and more popular. Don’t fret if you have no idea what the device is. This post is going to explain everything in layman’s terms. Basically, a fire pit is just what it sounds like. It is either a hole dug in the ground or a free-standing/built container where a fire can be created safely. Many times, the latter option is made from metal, stainless steel, or natural stone.

The units are often placed in backyards or on patios for homeowners that like to host outdoor parties and events. Then, on brisk and chilly nights, they can start a fire so that their guests can gather around the flames to stay toasty and warm. After all, if the visitors aren’t comfortable, they will likely leave the gathering earlier than expected, which nobody wants. Therefore, it is important to know the best types of wood to burn in the fire pit to keep your function going for as long as you want.

The Truth Of The Matter Is Just About Any Kind Of Wood Will Do

Providing that a person’s outdoor fire pit is in a well-ventilated area, they can burn all sorts of things. Still, though, that doesn’t mean that they should. For instance, people should avoid burning items including but not limited to…

Painted Wood
Furniture Arms And Legs
Particle Board
Laminate Countertops
Plastics And Trash

Such pieces can produce thick, billowy smoke and release toxins into the air. As such, your family and guests can breathe in the contagions and fall ill. So, stick to firewood and ensure that everybody remains safe and sound.

Kinds Of Wood Worth Considering

Oak firewood is a great choice for fire pits. It is very, very dense, and burns hot, which means you won’t need to add logs to the fire all night continually. Maple is another excellent option as it burns hot and is long-lasting. However, everything is not all peaches and cream when it comes to this wood. It is extremely robust, and on occasion, challenging to split. So, if a person doesn’t want to be fighting with such difficulties, they may want to scratch maple off their list.

Cherry could prove to be your perfect match, as well. It doesn’t burn quite as hot as the other two mentioned here. Still, though, it will certainly get the job done with its medium heat. Plus, this selection puts a sweet, enticing aroma in the air for everyone to enjoy. Cherry does spark quite a bit, but it does not produce a lot of smoke.

Meanwhile, persons may want to avoid burning pine. This wood contains loads of sap, which means things can get messy in a hurry. Also, the smell may aggravate some of the guests’ allergies. It may be okay to burn a piece of pine here or there, but it is not recommended for use as your primary firewood.

Do you need to stock up on firewood for your fire pit? If so, contact “Best Firewood & Mulch today.

Posted on November 6, 2019 by John — Leave a comment

Reasons Why Homeowners Should Invest In Landscaping and Mulch

There are lots of different ways to improve one’s homestead. A property owner could have an in-ground pool installed, the structure’s siding painted, or improve the landscaping. For these purposes, we are going to discuss the latter. Why? Well, for one, these are do-it-yourself projects that many homeowners can handle without having to hire outside labor. Persons can plant trees, flowers, shrubs, or pretty much anything that they want.

The improvements will do several different things. For instance, they will provide the property owner with beautiful scenery to view day in and day out. Additionally, the new look is sure to make a person’s neighbors envious. Hence, you can have the most visually appealing yard on the block, which may, in turn, cause others to invest in landscaping as well. Then, property values are likely to increase. That is a big draw for anyone who may be considering selling in the future.

Stats That Reveal How Much Landscaping Can Add To A Home’s Value

According to some researchers, it depends on the type of landscaping a person installs, but homes with designs fetch 5.5 to 12.7-percent more than those without schemas. So, let’s say that an individual’s property is worth $300,000. After putting in flowerbeds, trees, and whatnot, the seller can realistically get $16,500 to $38,100 more for their place. Yet, other studies indicate that properties with these aesthetics increase the home’s value by as much as 20-percent. In other words, the return on investment could prove to be well worth the effort.

High-Quality Hardwood Or Blended Mulch Can Make All Of The Difference In The World

Once you get the plants, flowers, or trees where you want them, consider creating a perimeter with bricks, stepping stones, or a small picket fence. Then, cover the topsoil inside the barrier with top-notch hardwood or blended mulch to add the finishing touches. It will make your yard stand out and catch the eye of anyone passing by. Not to mention, you will enjoy the appearance every time you leave and return home again. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your spring DIY project now.

Benefits Associated With Mulch

Aside from just looking pretty, there are other benefits that mulch has to offer. For example, placing it around newly planted trees can almost double their growth rate. Some studies indicate that hardwoods such as cherry, oak, and maple’s growth rate can be increased by about 79-percent when high-quality mulch is present. It serves as a buffer, insulates the soil, and protects the trees and their roots from hot and cold temperatures.

Plus, during the summertime, when heatwaves are bearing down, mulch helps the ground retain moisture. Therefore, homeowners’ water bills won’t skyrocket as they will not need to cut the sprinkler on quite as often as with just dirt. Instead, with minimal watering, persons can keep their pieces of landscaping alive and looking as good as the day they were first planted.

Contact “Best Firewood & Mulch to discuss your options today.