Where does the wood come from?
Sources include your own land, neighbors' trees, storm cleanup, logging leftovers and purchased logs. Each has trade-offs in cost, quality and legal requirements. Always have written permission before cutting on land you do not own, and keep a record of where wood came from.
Public land has special rules and permits. The U.S. Forest Service and your state natural resources agency can explain what is allowed on public property and what is not.
Storm-damaged trees can be good sources, but trees near power lines should only be handled by trained crews and the utility.
What does seasoning mean, and why does it matter?
Freshly cut wood holds a lot of water and burns poorly, with more smoke and less heat. Seasoning means letting it dry, stacked off the ground in the open air with space for wind. How long this takes depends on the species, how it is split, your climate and how it is stored.
Selling wet wood as dry wood erodes trust quickly. Ask your extension office about drying times and moisture checking for your region, and be honest with customers about what you are selling.
A simple moisture meter can show whether wood is ready, and many sellers use one openly to build trust.
How do you sell it honestly?
Many states regulate how firewood is measured and advertised. A term like a cord has a legal meaning in some places, while others use different terms. Local words such as a face cord or rick may mean different things from town to town.
Your state's weights and measures office can explain what units are legal and how you must describe them. Clear written descriptions of the amount, the species, the length of the pieces and whether it is seasoned prevent disputes.
Keep a copy of the unit definition for your state in your truck and point to it if a customer has questions.
- Describe the amount in a unit your state recognizes
- Say which species are included
- State the length of the pieces
- Be clear about seasoned or green
What about moving firewood and pests?
Insects and diseases can ride on firewood and spread to new areas. Many states and federal agencies limit moving firewood across certain lines or require treatment or certification. These rules change.
Check with your state department of agriculture, your state forestry office and the U.S. Forest Service before selling or delivering outside your local area. Never assume a short trip across a county or state line is exempt.
Ask what treatment, such as heat treatment, an agency may accept for movement across a regulated area, rather than guessing.
How do you cut, split and haul safely?
Chainsaws, splitters and heavy loads cause serious injuries. Wear a helmet, eye and ear protection, chaps and sturdy boots, and learn proper felling and bucking techniques from a trained instructor. Cutting trees with lean, tension or hung limbs is dangerous work best left to professionals.
Overloaded trucks and trailers also cause crashes. Know your vehicle's limits and secure every load. Take breaks, since tired workers make costly mistakes.
Store your chainsaw gear within reach, keep a first aid kit in the truck and avoid cutting alone.
How do you price and deliver?
Price based on your total cost: fuel, equipment wear, labor, storage space, insurance, delivery time and the cost of the wood itself. Many new sellers charge too little and then spend winter working long days for low pay.
Offer clear delivery areas and stacking options at set rates, and be honest about delivery dates. Keep records of sales and consider asking customers whether they need a receipt for their own purposes.
Customers value a firm delivery day and a stacked load more than a small price cut.
What taxes, rules and records should you keep?
Selling firewood may require business registration, sales tax collection and income reporting, depending on your state. A licensed tax professional or your state revenue office can explain what applies.
Keep a simple record of purchases, costs and sales. Check local rules on storage, burning and noise if you work near neighbors.
Burning rules vary, so remind customers to check with their local fire authority and to have chimneys and stoves inspected.
Key takeaways
- Get written permission for any wood you cut on someone else's land.
- Season wood properly and describe it honestly.
- Use measurement terms your state recognizes and write them down for customers.
- Check firewood movement rules before delivering across county or state lines.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.