Burning wood to heat your home is considered carbon neutral, as the carbon dioxide emitted is the same amount that the tree absorbed during its lifetime. It is also the same amount emitted if the tree was left to rot.

Wood can be divided into hardwoods or softwoods. When dry they have similar energy outputs, however hardwood trees are slower growing and typically twice as dense, so on a volume basis you need twice as much softwood than hardwood to produce the same amount of heat.

Pollarding is an ancient method of producing hardwood logs for burning, and can considerably extend the trees lifespan.

It is vital that freshly harvested wood is seasoned prior to burning as it contains a high percentage of water. If burnt, it produces excessive amounts of smoke and steam causing tarring in the flue, therefore increasing the risk of chimney fire.

To reduce the moisture content, cut the wood into required lengths then split and store under cover. It''s preferable to stack logs in an open sided store to allow natural ventilation to dry them. It can take between one and three years to reduce the moisture content down to 20%, depending on tree type and the time of year it was felled. Look for the bark coming away easily and splits across the grain.

Avoid burning wood that is plastic coated, varnished or treated with preservatives as it will produce harmful emissions that may damage your appliance and the environment.