Moss Man
Addicted to ArboristSite
will always check annually if chimney needs cleaning. but it hasn't needed it for years.
finally cleaned it anyways... not much came down ...
so it really depends upon how hot/clean your wood burns.
if there's constantly smoke after reaching operating temps... then your chimney will probably need more attention, then the wood stove that's putting out barely a wisp of smoke at full steam.
I have not cleaned mine in the 4 years that I've been living here. We burn 6 cords a year and heat pretty much with wood only. I check the chimney every few weeks with a mirror and there is no build up. Maybe it's because we keep the flue temps above 300 degrees at all times...not sure. We also burn well seasoned wood.