When and how quickly should you split the wood?

Wood usually needs to be split at the right time for optimal drying and burning.
Here are a few guidelines:

Immediately After Felling
It is best to split wood right after felling, especially when it is fresh. Fresh wood is softer and easier to split than dry wood
In Winter or Early Spring
Cutting and splitting wood in winter or early spring is ideal. The moisture content in the wood is lower because the tree’s sap flow is minimal at that time
Before Drying
Wood dries faster and more efficiently once it has been split. By splitting the wood into smaller pieces, you increase the surface area, allowing moisture to escape more easily
Timing for Use
Wood generally needs 1 to 2 years to dry properly (depending on the type of wood and storage conditions). Make sure to split it with enough time to dry before using it as firewood
Additional Tips:

Store split wood in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Stack the wood so that air can flow through it.
Cover it to protect it from rain, but leave the sides open for ventilation.