In any case, you want all the firewood you think you will need cut and put away before the start of the season. IMHO, once the season starts you will be too busy or too tired to want to fool around with a wood cutting detail.

Be mentally prepared to tend the fire every two hours if burning softwood. If you are damping it down, then be ABSOLUTELY sure to undamp it and wait a few seconds before opening the door or your tent will fill with smoke

EKM