learn from my experience on stacking:

if you stack the wood in several rows, keep the rows tight together. I
thought I would be smart and leave 6" - 8" space between rows of
stacked wood for better ventilation, with a tarp on top of the pile.
Started out good- this allowed the neighbor cats to hunt mice in the
wood pile. It was great for drying wood, bad for providing shelter for
critters- I had racoons take up residence in my pile. Have also had
ground hogs. I ended up having to throw small stuff down between the
rows to keep critters away.