Buy firewood locally to avoid invasive diseases and pests, say Va. forestry experts

Forestry experts are urging Virginians to buy and burn local firewood as they light their fireplaces and wood stoves to keep cozy.

Foresters and experts recommend firewood from your county of residence to help prevent the spread of invasive diseases and pests.

“It’s very difficult to determine if wood is infested, and it can be infested with a variety of invasive pests,” said Bill Osl, a Cumberland County forestland owner, and chair of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Forestry Advisory Committee and the Virginia Board of Forestry. “By buying firewood locally, you’re not just limiting the spread of these destructive and non-native organisms, you’re also helping someone in the community and supporting the local economy. It’s a win-win.”

Osl said harmful insects like spotted lanternflies, emerald ash borers, fire ants, spongy moths and Asian longhorn beetles hitchhike on firewood, potentially traveling hundreds of miles. They can start infestations in new places, ultimately destroying crops, infecting more trees and even whole forests.

When camping, experts advise buying firewood at the destination or gather it onsite, if permitted. Leftover firewood should always stay behind. Only packaged, heat-treated firewood with a U.S. Department of Agriculture or state agency seal of certification is safe for moving from place to place. Heat-treating firewood eliminates pests that could be transported, but once the package is open, the wood can attract insects and shouldn’t be moved.

Additionally, when stocking up on firewood for the home, officials suggest buying firewood from a reputable dealer in the county where you plan to burn the wood. Virginia firewood typically is sold in cords—stacks of 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet.

“Simple choices and a little planning can make a big difference in ensuring Virginians will have forests to enjoy for generations to come,” said Rob Farrell, Virginia state forester.

Store firewood properly, and ensure it stays dry by keeping it in a well-ventilated area away from places that could get wet from rain or groundwater. Stack it no more than two layers deep, and place a pallet or something underneath the wood so it’s off the ground.

Local firewood dealers can be found on firewoodscout.org. For more information on firewood guidelines and preventing the spread of invasive diseases and pests, visit dontmovefirewood.org/map/virginia.