How to Choose the Right Firewood in Texas
Is it me or is the cold weather settling in? I think it's time to start getting ready for winter. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, Texas is due for a harsh winter with colder days than we've had in years past.
While it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas all around Texas, it's also time to start gathering some wood for our fireplaces and backyard campfires (time to make some tasty s'mores treats). And to avoid being fined, be careful where you are buying your firewood.
Here's the reason why: Texas regulations clearly state that there are a half-dozen counties now under quarantine due to a destructive invasive emerald ash borer. This means it is prohibited and illegal to move firewood originating from these six counties to any other county in Texas, no questions asked. Those six counties are Bowie, Cass, Denton, Harrison, Marion, and Tarrant.
Taylor County is under a different type of restriction. The Texas Department of Agriculture also has an additional 192 counties shut down because of the Texas invasive imported red fire ant, prohibiting the movement of firewood in or out of these counties.
The Texas Department of Agriculture says, "Firewood users need to help protect the state’s natural resources by slowing the spread of destructive forest pests. Buy your firewood locally in the county where you plan to burn it. Do not transport firewood to any other counties, campgrounds, or parks of any kind."
The new Don'tMoveFirewood.org motto is "Buy It Where You Burn It". Below are a few places where you can find local firewood. Many of these local firewood suppliers are harvesting the wood from in and around Abilene and Taylor County. Fortunately, many of them are also delivering and stacking firewood.