As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, many residents of Chicago start preparing for cozy evenings by the fire. Whether you have a fireplace, wood stove, or outdoor fire pit, having access to quality firewood is essential. But how do you find reliable suppliers in and around Chicago? In this article, we will explore various options, considerations when choosing firewood, and some local suppliers worth checking out.
Understanding Firewood Basics
Before diving into where to buy firewood, it’s helpful to understand what types of firewood are available and what might work best for your needs. Typically, firewood can be categorized into two main types: hardwood and softwood.
- Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, or maple are dense and burn longer with a hotter flame. They are ideal for heating purposes and provide a good amount of coals for cooking. Softwoods like pine or spruce ignite quickly but burn faster and produce more smoke due to their higher resin content. They are great for kindling or quick fires.
The best choice often depends on your specific use case—if you're looking for long-lasting heat during winter months, hardwoods may be preferable. If you need something to start your outdoor bonfire quickly, softwoods might be the right fit.
The Importance of Seasoning
When searching for firewood suppliers, one crucial aspect to consider is whether the wood is seasoned. Seasoned wood has been dried properly and has lower moisture content, making it more efficient for burning and producing less smoke. Freshly cut wood (green wood) can contain up to 50% moisture content, which will not only make it harder to ignite but also create excessive smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney.
As a rule of thumb, well-seasoned firewood should have a moisture content below 20%. Many suppliers will advertise their products as “seasoned,” but if you're unsure, ask if they perform moisture tests or check if they allow customers to inspect their stock before purchasing.
Local Firewood Suppliers in Chicago
Now that you know what type of wood you want and the importance of seasoning let's take a look at some local suppliers who offer quality firewood around Chicago:
1. Chicago Firewood Company
Located just outside the city limits in Skokie, this family-owned business provides a variety of hardwood options including oak and hickory. They specialize in seasoned firewood delivered straight to your door. Their website offers easy online ordering with delivery options that include same-day service depending on availability.
2. Firewood Chicago
Offering both pickup and delivery options throughout Chicago, Firewood Chicago prides itself on providing sustainably sourced hardwoods like maple and cherry. They emphasize quality control by ensuring all wood https://privatebin.net/?a8b8c007aee05c98#78KzdHCFfWKsorvNHAegjGo1cUFpY3mMbGi2DLV6mN9H is fully seasoned before selling it.
3. Mason's Landscaping & Tree Care
This company does more than just landscaping; they also sell seasoned hardwood firewood year-round. Located in Evanston, they offer competitive pricing and delivery services across northern suburbs.
4. Lakeside Tree Service
Based in Oak Park, Lakeside Tree Service has been serving the community for over two decades. They provide quality hardwoods sourced from local trees that have been responsibly harvested. Their commitment to sustainability makes them an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.
5. Home Depot or Lowe's
For those who prefer convenience or immediate needs without waiting for delivery times from smaller businesses, larger hardware stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's often stock bundles of seasoned firewood during the colder months.
Considerations When Buying Firewood
While finding a supplier is crucial, there are additional factors that can enhance your experience with purchasing firewood:
- Price Comparison: Prices can vary significantly based on location and type of wood being sold. It’s always wise to shop around. Delivery Fees: Some companies offer free delivery while others may charge extra based on distance or order size. Stacking Services: If you're unable to stack the wood yourself due to physical limitations or space constraints, inquire whether the supplier offers stacking services upon delivery.
One common concern among homeowners is whether insurance covers tree-related damages caused by fallen limbs or entire trees during extreme weather events like storms — especially when neighbors' trees are involved.
Tree Safety Awareness
When considering tree safety near your property line — especially when planning outdoor activities involving fires — it's important to maintain healthy trees through regular inspections by certified arborists near you who can assess any risks posed by dead branches or root rot trees nearby.
Additionally, understanding Illinois law regarding neighbor's trees falling on your property can help clarify responsibilities should any issues arise from storm damage or maintenance needs in shared spaces.
Preparing Your Fire Pit
Once you’ve secured a reliable source for high-quality seasoned firewood near Chicago comes preparation time! Before igniting that first match:
Ensure proper ventilation around your fireplace or pit area. Use dry kindling like twigs from last season’s fallen branches combined with small logs. Arrange larger logs around kindling so airflow remains unblocked while still allowing effective heat distribution once lit.Being proactive about tree care—such as emergency trimming services—can prevent future complications associated with falling debris during windy seasons which could hinder both outdoor enjoyment as well as potentially damage property structures nearby due diligence pays off!
Conclusion: Building Community Around Fire
In essence finding reliable sources for quality firewood contributes not only towards comfort but also builds connections within our communities here at home! Engaging with local suppliers fosters relationships that go beyond mere transactions—it's about supporting those who share our love for nature’s beauty while enjoying warm evenings huddled around crackling flames together under starlit skies!
Progressive Tree Service
Address: 1124 Florence Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: (847) 530-1533
Website: https://progressivetree.com