Forestry Best Management Practices

Wood is a plentiful and accessible fuel for many Marylanders. Wood burns relatively clean and comes from a renewable resource —the rural or urban forest. Coal and oil supplies are limited, are not renewable, and the cost of these fuels continue to increase. Heating costs consume a significant percentage of earnings of low‐ to moderate‐income families. Heating with fuelwood can greatly reduce utility bills for these households.

Unless you’re an expert and have been trained in wood stove installation, it’s better to have your stove put in by a certified hearth professional. Attempting to do the job yourself, while it may seem cheaper, is full of safety risks. Needless to say, it’s not recommended. And, there is a chance that your insurance policy will not cover any fire related damage. This fact sheet will provide important considerations to follow.

Whether you buy or cut your own firewood, chances are that you still have plenty left to learn. Even people who have been heating with wood for decades often say “I wish I knew that years ago!” after reading tips like the ones contained here. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are sold substandard cord wood. This sheet will help you avoid getting a raw deal next time you buy firewood. And if you heat with pellets, there are new developments you should know that will impact the fuel you buy.