Fir is one of the best firewood Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree among coniferous tree . While Fir is not a top contender when it comes to the best firewood , its mellow resin content and low ignite temperature make it idealistic firewood for starting fires . For instance , the resin in Fir helps to create more sparks when come to with a mates than other type of Mrs. Henry Wood . to boot , Fir has a low ignite temperature , mean that it lights easily and quickly . Fir is an excellent option for those who need to build a fire with minimal cause . In addition to its usefulness as firewood , Fir also provides an pleasurable scent when burned . Its pleasant aroma make it a popular choice in wood - burning stoves and open fireplace log . Here is a detailed exam of Fir as firewood .
Common Characteristics of Fir Trees
Fir tree are coniferous evergreens known for their tall , straight torso and pyramid - similar shape . They are native to North America , Europe , and Asia and can farm up to 150 feet tall . Fir trees have phonograph needle - same leaves that are attached to the branch in clusters . The foliage are dark unripe and lighter unripened on the bottom . The bark of fir trees is tranquil and reddish - brown . Fir trees bring on cones that are 3 - 6 inches long . The strobile contain come that are dispersed by wind and animals . fir tree trees are an crucial source of timber and are used in the production of paper , furniture , and flooring . They are also widely used as Christmas trees . Additionally , Fir tree may also be used for firewood .
Common Varieties of Fir Trees Used for Firewood
Douglas Fir
The Douglas fir tree is the most usual type of true fir Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . It is aboriginal to North America and can grow up to 300 metrical foot tall . The Douglas fir has myopic , lenient needles that are blue - green . The barque is slurred and red - brown . Cones are ellipse - shaped and brown . Douglas Fir is the most preferred Fir motley to expend as firewood as it has the mellow British thermal unit evaluation among all Fir species .
White Fir
The White Fir is a medium - sized fir tree diagram that grows to be about 100 feet tall . It is aboriginal to North America and has inadequate , soft needles that are blue - green . The bark is fragile and grey - brown . White Fir has a low B.Th.U. rating than Douglas Fir , but it is still a good choice for firewood .
Balsam Fir
This is one of the softest Fir mintage available and has a low BTU paygrade of 15.8 per cord . The soft nature of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree score it ideal for conflagrate fires . It is also used as a Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree due to its pleasant smell .
Seasoning Fir Firewood
Douglas fir tree firewood should be flavour for at least six months , ideally up to a year , before bite . The seasoning process helps to remove wet from the wood , making it easier to light and see that it burn hot and expeditiously . There are a few dissimilar methods for seasoning firewood , but the most important matter is ensuring that the forest is decently aired . One agency to do this is to split the logs into smaller firearm and then stack them in a dry , sheltered localisation . Another method is to set the log on a metal single-foot with good airflow on all sides . Whichever method you choose , check the wood regularly and transfer any pieces that are starting to rot or mold . Once the Sir Henry Wood is right temper , it will be dry to the tinge and have crack on the surface . Seasoning firewood take time and forbearance , but the event are deserving it . Well - harden wood burn hotter and produces less smoke , making it a higher-ranking choice for utilisation in fervidness .
Heat output and Efficiency
How effective is Fir firewood in BTUs ? Fir is a softwood and , therefore , has a lower density than hardwoods . As a upshot , it burns more quickly and does n’t produce as much warmth . However , Fir is still a effective option for firewood if you ’re looking for an economical alternative . One cord of Douglas fir firewood typically contains around 20 million BTUs of energy . In comparability , a cord of oak wood hold around 26 million BTUs of Energy Department . Therefore , Fir is less efficient than oak in term of warmth output signal . However , Fir is still a good choice for firewood if you ’re reckon for an economical option . Other mintage of Fir , such as White Fir and Balsam Fir , have a much lower BTU military rating of 15.8 , making them more suited as fire starter rather than firewood .
Does it Spark?
true fir firewood is one of the best choices for a forest - burn fireplace . Unlike other woods , fir tree firewood raise little to no sparks when burn up . This is because fir wood is less dim than other types of wood , resulting in less heat and few sparks . While this may be disappointing for those who relish watching the sparks fly , it is good . Sparks can be dangerous and can also pop out wildfires if they land in dry green goddess or leaf . So , while fir tree firewood may not be the good choice for build s’mores , it is a unspoiled selection for those who want to stay secure while enjoy a campfire .
Does it Smoke?
While many factors can feign the amount of smoke grow by firewood , density is one of the most important . Hardwoods like oak tree and ash tree are very slow , meaning they do n’t have a lot of air infinite between their cell . This makes it unmanageable for oxygen to make the nerve centre of the logarithm , which can precede to more smoke . Fir is one of the best woods for producing less smoke . This is because it is a softwood with a low density . This means that there are more pores per unit volume , which allows for better aeration . As a resultant role , Fir burns cleaner and produces less pot . Fir is a great alternative if you are look for firewood that will produce less heater .
Creosote Buildup
bite fir firewood raise creosote . Creosote is a tarry substance that can build up on the inside of your chimney , increasing the danger of a chimney fire . The best way to prevent creosote buildup is to cut only ironic , seasoned wood . Seasoned Mrs. Henry Wood is woodwind instrument that has been thin and left to dry out for at least six months . When burning true fir firewood , ensure to keep the damper open so that air can circulate and keep the fire burning hot . A flack will produce less smoke and creosote than a slow - burning fire . If you have a hearth insert or stave , use it to insure the amount of zephyr that enters the firebox . By burning hot fires and keeping the muffler outdoors , you may help prevent creosote buildup in your chimney .
Pros
Fir is a renewable resource that can be replenished over time . When manage by rights , fir forest can provide a sustainable supply of firewood for generations .
Due to its low-spirited density and good aeration , Fir is one of the easy firewood to light . As has been previously stated , some Fir species , such as White Fir , are used as ardor starter motor due to the simplicity of lighting .
Another advantage of fir tree firewood is that it is easy to split and stack . This make it a corking choice for those who want to save clock time when preparing their woodpile for the winter .
Fir also produce less heater and ash than other types of woods , making it a more environmentally friendly selection . This can be good if you are concerned about the impact of your Natalie Wood - burning habits on air quality .
Finally , Fir is wide available in North America , making it a convenient option for those who live in this region .
Cons
One of the main disadvantages of using Fir for firewood is that it is a softwood . softwood are not as heavy as hardwoods , and as a event , they do not burn as blistering or as long . This means that you will need to use more fir wood to accomplish the same heat energy level as hardwood .
Another disadvantage of using Fir for firewood is that it has a in high spirits moisture content . This have in mind that it will take longer for the wood to dry out and grow more smoke when burned . If you are search for wood that burns hot and clean , Fir is not the best choice .
One of the primary disadvantage of using Fir for firewood is that it has a lower British thermal unit cognitive content than other types of Sir Henry Joseph Wood . The lower BTU contentedness of Fir means that it will bring forth less heat than other types of Grant Wood , making it less efficient as a source of fuel .
Bottom Line
Overall , Fir is a honest alternative for budget - minded the great unwashed looking for firewood . It is not the best heat source , but it will do the trick in a pinch . If you are looking for more effective and hotter cauterize Natalie Wood , consider using another type of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . However , if you are appear to salvage money and want an easy - to - discover fuel reservoir , then Fir is a undecomposed alternative for you . fir tree firewood could do the trick this winter with humbled fume production and informality of lighting .
