Tim H

Stephen P, I can only go with my experience of using a heavy tarp for 10 yrs over ash and larch. If the stack is in a really open area with the wind whistling through it, there has never been a problem with condensation. I leave only 12 inches of cover overhanging the sides and the ropes are not 100% tight, so you can see the wind lifting the cover 6 inches or more in a decent blow.

Really interested in your comment on the pallet over grass/soil, Justme. Do you reckon it will affect just the first layer on the pallet or every bit of birch on that pallet?

It would be great to have a big shed, scbk and maybe I will take the plunge and build one, if the pension permits. It would certainly give peace of mind when the big storms come roaring in. It is heartening to hear of 'old boys' still having the interest and strength to c/s/s timber in their late 70's.

I bought them from Cunningham Tarpaulins in Ireland, Sandspider, but they ship Internationally and have a UK contact Number 00442879642638, (which I think in Northern Ireland). They also sell a 900 gsm cover but I reckon it would be overkill for firewood.

I checked a recent invoice from the supplier, Stere....610 GSM. The old one I bought from them in 2013 is still bulletproof, and it has had dog's abuse.

Thanks for that reassurance, Scuttlefish. I have my eye on a large dead standing oak nearby. If I get that I am good till 85, I reckon!

Stephen, From what I have gathered here, birch seems to be the outlier among the hardwoods and the one that needs to be split early...and kept away from moisture. Odd alright.

Thanks Stubby. I have some extra-heavy-duty covers with eyelets and stout ropes criss-crossing them, so I'm pretty confident things will stay dry for the next decade or so. I will keep a close eye on any new birch that comes my way in the meantime.

Thats reassuring, Peds. Thanks

Yes Nepia, I probably need to relax a bit more and enjoy the bigger picture. Firewood can become a bit of an obsession at times. Thanks for your comments in any event. I will start burning what I have in hand and let the future look after itself.

Thanks Roys. Yes, a lot of sweat has gone into that woodpile, while I'm still fit enough to carry a saw. Interesting that birch fares worse than syc and willow in contact when wet.

I am 65 and cutting firewood to see me through to 80, if the relatives or the psychiatrist dont 'sign me in' before then. I cut and stashed away the following 2 years ago: Leylandii (10 tons) Spruce (3 tons) Larch (3 tons). This year I managed to cut the following; Ash (10 tons) Beech (3 tons) Birch (3 tons) Willow (1 ton) and Alder (1 ton). All timber was fresh, standing, and was cut, split, stacked on pallets off the ground and tarp-covered in an airy location immediately. My question is...will some of these types of wood deteriorate more than others before I get to 80, even though they are stored as well as I can manage to do it? My main concern is the softer hardwoods such as Birch, Willow and Alder. I cut 35 tons of Larch 10 years ago and the bits that remain are perfect, as well as Ash that was cut at that time. Any comments would be heartily appreciated.