Firewood is any wood material that is collected and used as fuel. Generally, firewood is not highly processed and is in the form of a sort of recognizable log or branch compared to other forms of wood fuel such as pellets or sawdust. Firewood can be seasoned (dry) or unseasoned (fresh / wet). It is generally classified as hardwood or softwood.

Firewood is a renewable resource. However, the demand for this fuel may exceed its ability to regenerate at the local or regional level. Good forestry practices and improvements in firewood-using appliances can improve local wood resources.

Firewood harvest or collection varies by region and culture. Some places have specific areas for firewood collection. Other locations may integrate firewood harvesting into a plot preparation cycle for growing food as part of the field rotation process. The collection can be a group, family or individual activity. The tools and methods used to harvest firewood are varied.

Australia
Firewood in Australia is typically harvested from either eucalyptus trees or pine trees (both grown in bulk quantities). Dead branches left on the ground often attract termites, thus reducing rotting and causing rotting.

North America
Some of the firewood is harvested in "woodlands" managed for this purpose, [1] but mostly as a byproduct of natural forests in heavily wooded areas. Dead precipitation that has not begun to rot is preferred as it is already partially seasoned. Standing dead lumber is even better, as it has less moisture organic matter on the trunk, allowing tools to stay sharp longer and be both seasoned and less rotten. Harvesting such timber reduces the speed and intensity of forest fires, but also reduces the habitat of nesting animals such as owls and some rodents.

Timber harvesting for firewood is normally done manually with chainsaws. Therefore, longer parts that require less manual labor and less chainsaw fuel are cheaper and are limited only by the size of the combustion box. In most of the United States, the standard size of firewood is a cord or 128 cubic feet (3.6 m3), although firewood can also be sold by weight. The heating value can affect the price. Prices also vary significantly depending on the distance to the tree plots and the quality of the wood.

Buying and burning firewood cut only a short distance from the final destination prevents the accidental spread of insects and diseases that kill the invading tree. [2] [3]