Well, it's easy to note the time of year: watch the small trucks throughout the West Shore delivering split logs for the stove/fireplace.
Let's review:
How is firewood sold? In a cord. What is a cord of wood? It is a measurement of the dimensions. And what are they? 4' X 4' X 8'= 128 CUBIC FEET. Seems simple enough, but wait: it's more complicated. The words "tightly packed" come into play. The cut and split pieces are not stacked cross-wised, but parallel, leaving very small spaces in between.
Most dealers/sellers cut pieces in 16" lengths, or try to do that. The results vary considerably. Hence there is a necessity to MEASURE that cord upon delivery. That requires stacking, which most customers forego, and most sellers take advantage of that fact.
Tip:
If a seller pulls up with his truck and the wood is in a pile in the bed, nobody knows for certain how much is actually on board-until it is restacked. A random test of pieces taken early is a tip off: are the pieces on average 16" each or less?
With this knowledge, a buyer/homeowner can prevent the rip off(s) which are rampant around the Tahoe basin. Most brokers in the Central Valley sell their wood to dealers who deliver from Truckee or Placerville or Auburn. Yes, they are entitled to a profit, but a legitimate profit only.
Pay attention; get what you pay for.
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