New Jersey takes firewood seriously, and for a good reason. Firewood is one of the easiest ways for tree-killing pests to hitch a ride to a new place. Here is what the state asks, what the spotted lanternfly quarantine is about, and how to buy and move firewood responsibly in Morris County.
Why does it matter where firewood comes from?
Invasive pests like the spotted lanternfly, emerald ash borer and spongy moth spread when infested wood gets moved. To slow that down, New Jersey asks people to burn firewood that was cut within 50 miles of where it is burned, according to the Don’t Move Firewood program.
My wood comes from local tree work in Morris County and gets delivered in Morris County. It does not travel far.
What is the spotted lanternfly quarantine?
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia that feeds on trees, vines and crops. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture runs a quarantine to slow its spread. Firewood of any species is one of the regulated items, along with logs, yard waste and outdoor gear that sits outside, because lanternflies lay their egg masses on just about any hard outdoor surface.
For businesses that move regulated items, the state has permit and training rules. The Department of Agriculture’s business resources page has the details. Rules can change, so check the state’s pages for the current version.
What do spotted lanternfly egg masses look like?
Fresh egg masses look like a smear of gray mud or putty about an inch or two long. Older ones look like rows of small seeds. Lanternflies lay eggs in the fall and they hatch in spring, so fall and winter are when to look. If you find one on your woodpile, scrape it into a bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Can I take firewood to a cabin or campground?
Do not take firewood from home to a campground, cabin or another state. Many parks and campgrounds ban outside wood, and several neighboring states restrict firewood coming from New Jersey unless it is certified heat-treated. Buy wood where you burn it. New Jersey’s state parks encourage campers to buy wood at the park.
Is kiln-dried firewood better for the pest problem?
Certified heat-treated or kiln-dried wood is the option when wood has to cross county or state lines, because the heat kills pests. For burning at home, local seasoned wood that never leaves the area is the simpler answer, and it costs a lot less.
Buying firewood in Morris County, the short version
- Buy from someone local who cuts and seasons wood nearby.
- Burn it at home. Do not haul it to the shore, the mountains or out of state.
- Check your woodpile for egg masses in fall and winter and destroy any you find.
- Questions about the rules go to the NJ Department of Agriculture.
Full cord $350, half cord $250, cut and delivered right here in Morris County. Call (973) 590-4899. Want to know what dry wood looks like? Read how to tell if firewood is seasoned.