During which season is it best to cut living trees for firewood?

Cutting living trees for firewood is most effective in the spring. During this season, trees are in a state of active growth, and their sap begins to rise, which can lead to several advantageous factors for processing the wood. When trees are cut in the spring, the moisture content of the wood is generally lower than it would be if they were cut in other seasons, particularly in fall or summer when trees are fully leafed out and retaining more water.

Additionally, cutting in spring allows for better drying of the wood if it is stacked properly. This means that the wood will season more quickly, resulting in firewood that is more suitable for burning in the winter months. The warmer weather helps to facilitate the evaporation of moisture from the cut wood, enabling it to reach an appropriate moisture content for efficient burning sooner than if cut during other seasons.

Overall, cutting during spring aligns with optimal growth cycles and drying conditions of wood, making it the best time for preparing firewood for future use.