Garden by a Woodpile: Spacing Beds From Stacked Firewood
A garden by a woodpile needs a little planning. Nebraska Extension notes rodents can shelter in woodpiles, while Iowa State University Extension notes insects such as beetles, pillbugs plus centipedes hide under bark.
The short answer
A garden by a woodpile needs space. Nebraska Extension advises holding the main pile at least 30 feet from the house plus only a 1 to 2 day supply nearby. Stack wood off the ground on rails or blocks. Leave open ground between the pile plus your beds.
How far should a woodpile sit from beds?
Leave open ground between the stack plus your beds to spot pests. Nebraska Extension advises the main pile at least 30 feet from the house.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Main pile | 30 feet from the house | Nebraska |
| Wood near the house | 1 to 2 day supply | Nebraska |
| Stack height | Off the ground | Kansas State |
| Seasoning | 6 to 9 months | Kansas State |
| Buying wood | Within 50 miles | Kansas State |
Source: Nebraska Extension plus Kansas State.
What pests live in firewood?
Iowa State notes pillbugs, centipedes, beetles plus termites can live in firewood. Nebraska notes mice can fit through a 1/4 inch hole while rats fit through a 1/2 inch hole.
How should I stack the wood?
Kansas State advises stacking wood off the ground, such as on poles between concrete blocks. Use older wood first. Nebraska advises covering the stack, leaving an air space between wood plus cover.
How to: step by step
- Choose a spot well away from the house.
- Set rails or blocks to lift the stack.
- Stack the wood plus cover the top.
- Leave open ground between the pile plus beds.
- Use older wood first.
- Check the pile for pests each season.
Troubleshooting
Mice by the beds: pile too close. Move it.
Damp, moldy wood: sitting on soil. Lift it.
Termites in the stack: wood on the ground. Raise it.
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Sources
- Don’t create a firewood haven for rodents and insects, Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
- Firewood insects, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Firewood 101, K-State Research and Extension
- Foundation plantings, Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC
FAQ
Should firewood be covered?
Nebraska Extension advises covering firewood to hold it dry, with an air space between the wood plus the cover so moisture can escape. A dry stack held plus off the ground helps limit insects plus mold. Leave the sides open so air moves through the pile.
How much firewood should sit near the house?
Nebraska Extension advises holding only a 1 to 2 day supply near the house while the main pile sits at least 30 feet away. Rodents shelter in woodpiles, so less wood near the door means fewer places for them to hide near beds plus walls.
How long should firewood season?
Kansas State Research and Extension advises seasoning firewood for 6 to 9 months before burning it. Use older wood first so the pile does not sit for years. Split wood dries faster than whole logs, plus a covered, raised stack dries better than one on bare soil.
Can termites move from a woodpile into a garden?
Iowa State University Extension notes termites can tunnel up into firewood from the ground. Stacking wood off the soil on rails or blocks helps. Clemson advises holding organic mulch at least 12 inches from a foundation for the same reason, with gravel in that strip.
How far can firewood travel?
Kansas State Research and Extension advises burning wood within 50 miles of where you got it, since firewood can carry insects plus diseases. For extra care, buy or gather wood within 10 miles of where you plan to burn it. Bring in only what you will burn within a few hours.
