I absolutely love wood burning fireplaces, and probably one reason I look forward to colder weather this time of year. Of course you could ask me how I feel in late February and I will most certainly answer, I am looking forward to warmer weather..... But not yet!

It’s the time of year I burn my first fire at home (tonight actually), and it also reminds me it’s time to order my annual cord of wood to get me through the winter. I have recently been made aware that when I order my firewood I need to make sure it is from trees that were in Fairfax County. Why is this?

After a little due diligence on my part, I learned that many tree diseases/insects travel from area to area via firewood. They can also travel by mulch and Christmas trees!

For example, The Pine Shoot Beetle can harm and even kill pine trees when there are enough of them breeding under the bark. These beetles are currently quarantined in Clarke and Loudoun Counties to keep them from spreading. Here is a link with more information on the pine shoot beetle. Since I have several large pine trees in my yard and I also keep my wood pile in close proximity, I need to make sure I know where my firewood is from.

Here is a helpful link if you would like further information. http://www.dontmovefirewood.org