islandgun Posted October 3, 2022 Report Share Posted October 3, 2022 I have about 1 acre of willow, which I harvest parts of annually to help fuel my masonry oven, logs are thin say 50mm or less. Last year i cut enough lengths [6ft] to fill a shed and horse box this year I want to cut much more, [we have a windy but wet climate ] Should I stack the wood on plastic sheet and leave uncovered, or should i cover with a tarpaulin, thinking we need wind to dry so covering wouldn't work but excess rain would also be negative, anyone any experience of drying about 2-4 tons outside ? partial covering would probably blow away in our frequent gales Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted October 3, 2022 Report Share Posted October 3, 2022 Stack it vertically on pallets to allow the moisture to fall out naturally, put a roof on the stacks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted October 3, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2022 1 minute ago, TIGHTCHOKE said: Stack it vertically on pallets to allow the moisture to fall out naturally, put a roof on the stacks. Like that idea cheers, perhaps tie down a heavy duty tarp on top Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted October 3, 2022 Report Share Posted October 3, 2022 4 minutes ago, islandgun said: Like that idea cheers, perhaps tie down a heavy duty tarp on top Yes, But do not allow the ends to touch the ground as you will have a new plantation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted October 3, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2022 2 minutes ago, TIGHTCHOKE said: Yes, But do not allow the ends to touch the ground as you will have a new plantation! Agreed thats why willow isnt good for walking sticks [liable to root if you stand around too long 😉] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted October 3, 2022 Report Share Posted October 3, 2022 As above and IBC frames are ideal for this. Cover the top and about a thrid of the sides from rain and put in an open area where wind and sun can get at them. Wilow takes a little bit longer to dry but burns very well once it is. If you have some sheep netting or similar you could make the containers about the same size as IBCs on pallets and lift those pallets about 6 inches off the deck, let the air/wind get undeneath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted October 6, 2022 Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 I use a polytunnel, which works very well. We don't live in too windy an area, but it's surprised me what it's stood up to. Hotter in there too, a solar kiln. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted October 6, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 On 03/10/2022 at 19:17, Walker570 said: As above and IBC frames are ideal for this. Cover the top and about a thrid of the sides from rain and put in an open area where wind and sun can get at them. Wilow takes a little bit longer to dry but burns very well once it is. If you have some sheep netting or similar you could make the containers about the same size as IBCs on pallets and lift those pallets about 6 inches off the deck, let the air/wind get undeneath. Cheers, sounds good 6 hours ago, sandspider said: I use a polytunnel, which works very well. We don't live in too windy an area, but it's surprised me what it's stood up to. Hotter in there too, a solar kiln. Hmm we have a tunnel as well [surrounded by willow] but thought it would be too humid to dry wood, do you leave all the doors open ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted October 6, 2022 Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 (edited) You need open sided storage initially to let air circulate/. I store in open sided lean to sheds for about three years hen move it up into an enclosed shed near home for that winters burn. The picture below is one of my stores with a extension being built. Edited October 6, 2022 by Walker570 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted October 6, 2022 Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 56 minutes ago, islandgun said: Cheers, sounds good Hmm we have a tunnel as well [surrounded by willow] but thought it would be too humid to dry wood, do you leave all the doors open ? Yes, I leave the windows and one door open all year round. There's a good breeze through it. I partly shut the north door in autumn and winter as that's where most of the rain comes from. It seasons in 6 months or so, unless it's oak or something big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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