- 1). Look for cull trees in your own backyard. These are trees that are twisted, discolored or have died.
- 2). Select trees that make good firewood such as maple, birch, ash, cherry or maple. Avoid trees, such as pine, that do not burn easily.
- 3). Choose the tree that would be the easiest to fell, chop and turn into firewood. Trees with large trunks or knotted branches are at the bottom of the list to turn into firewood.
- 4). Fell the tree using a chainsaw. Make a 45-degree notch cut in the direction that you want the tree to fall. Make another cut just above this notch cut on the opposite side. The notch cut will force the tree to fall over on one side.
- 5). Chop the larger pieces from the fallen tree for firewood. Avoid branches with foliage or twigs.
- 6). Place the pieces of firewood in a garbage bag, tie it and let it sit for three days to kill any pests that may be lurking in the wood. Store the wood in a dry place.
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