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is it safe to burn cherry wood

by Merritt Douglas PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Is cherry good for firewood?

  • Easy to split wood with any type of axe.
  • Produces excellent coals and burns clean.
  • Perfect for smoking meat and other food.
  • Lower heat output than most common hardwoods.

It is better to mix it into your firewood supply and use in combination with other types. Cherry—Cherry wood is one of the most popular woods to burn in fireplaces due to its pleasant, non-smoky aroma. It is very east to split, tends to burn at a medium heat, and does not produce much smoke.

Full Answer

Can I Burn cherry wood in my fireplace?

The firewood is known for its pleasant aroma when burned making it a popular choice for a fireplace or campfire. I love the smell of cherry in a fireplace. It has a smell that just can't be recreated by other common hardwoods. Cherry does seem to spark more than other hardwoods which could lead to some concerns when burned in an open fireplace.

Is it worth it to split and burn cherry wood?

Not to mention the cherry aroma that comes off the wood after you split it and while your burning it in your fireplace makes it super worthwhile. Great smell to firewood is always a nice bonus to have. Hope this was helpful!

Is Cherry firewood worth the time and effort?

Cherry firewood is worth the time an effort in my opinion. They are very plentiful around my part of the world (Eastern PA). Not to mention the cherry aroma that comes off the wood after you split it and while your burning it in your fireplace makes it super worthwhile. Great smell to firewood is always a nice bonus to have. Hope this was helpful!

Is Cherry a good wood for heating?

However, Cherry has a relatively low heat output of 20.4 million BTUs per cord and is not as good for heating compared to heavier woods like Hickory and Oak. That’s the quick answer, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

What is cherry wood?

Why is cherrywood a favorite?

What does cherry smoke smell like?

What is the heat output of firewood?

Why is cherry used for BBQ?

Which woods are better for coal production?

Does cherrywood smoke?

See 2 more

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Is Cherry Wood toxic when burned?

Black Cherry (Wild Cherry) Black Cherry seems like it would be non-dangerous but is actually toxic, and according to Victor Lewitus in an article entitled called Poisonous Plants, says that it's especially dangerous when burned.

What wood is toxic burning?

Watch out for any wood covered with vines. Burning poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, or pretty much anything else with "poison" in the name releases the irritant oil urushiol into the smoke. Breathing it in can cause lung irritation and severe allergic respiratory problems, the Centers for Disease Control state.

How long should you season cherry wood for firewood?

While oak can take up to 2 full years to fully season, cherry only takes about 6-12 months depending on how, and where it's stored. This is very beneficial for those who heat with firewood throughout the winter because you can cut cherry in the early spring and it will be dry enough to burn in the winter.

Can you use cherry wood in a fireplace?

Cherry. Cherry wood burns slowly with a good heat output in a fire or wood burning stove and gives off a lovely aroma. The logs need to be well seasoned, although strips of the bark can also be used as natural firelighters for your log burner or fire.

Which woods are toxic?

At the other end of the spectrum, contact with the actual wood of some species can cause extreme reactions. Those woods are usually the more exotic tropical hardwoods, such as rosewood, padauk, and teak, but sassafras (a relatively common found wood) can cause breathing problems, nausea, or even cancer.

What tree makes the best firewood?

The best-known firewoods are white and red oak trees. The wood from these oak trees is prized for its strength and density, and that density makes it one of the best at producing heat.

What kind of wood should not be burned in a fireplace?

Don't burn treated, painted, or sealed wood in your fireplace. Treated/painted/sealed wood will release chemicals during burning, many of which are cancer-causing chemicals. Don't burn green/wet wood in your fireplace.

What if my firewood gets rained on?

Once wood has properly seasoned, does it matter whether rain gets on seasoned firewood? Seasoned firewood should be stored out of the rain to help prolong how well it keeps for. If seasoned firewood gets rained on it can dry out within a few days, but constant contact with moisture will lead to the wood going bad.

Is Cherry Wood valuable?

Cherry tree wood is not valuable, but it is the most popular type used for furniture. Cherry tree wood should never be confused with cherry wood furniture.

How much is a cord of cherry wood worth?

While many factors can change the price, the average cost of a cord of wood is about $300.

How can you tell if firewood is cherry?

0:476:00Cherry Firewood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis light reddish tone kind of throughout the the wood. And so that's one thing that you can lookMoreThis light reddish tone kind of throughout the the wood. And so that's one thing that you can look for and find pretty easily the second thing is just by looking at the bark.

What's the best wood to burn in a fireplace?

The best kind of wood to burn is one of the hard woods, such as oak, hard maple and birch because they release more heat and produce less creosote deposits.

What wood should not be used for smoking?

Never, under any circumstances, use EASTERN CEDAR, CYPRESS, ELM, EUCALYPTUS, SASSAFRAS, LIQUID AMBER, PINE, REDWOOD, FIR, SPRUCE, or SYCAMORE for smoking meats or other types of food.

Is hickory wood toxic?

Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Shagbark Hickory.

What should you not burn in a wood stove?

What NOT to Burn in your Fireplace or Wood Burning StovePainted or varnished wood, trim or other wood by-products.Pressure-treated lumber – due to the treatment compounds.Driftwood – salt water driftwood contains some amount of salt which is corrosive.More items...

Can burning rotten wood make you sick?

Just as you shouldn't burn firewood that was ever treated with paint, stain, or glues, you also should not burn wood that has rotted. That's because it can produce a horrible odor and can also release fungus, mildew, mold, and bacteria that is not only repugnant to inhale but also bad for your respiratory tract.

Firewood Best to Worst: Chart Ranking 15 Common Species

The information in this image is based largely off of data from the following sources: Utah State University Forestry Extension, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois Extension, University of Missouri Extension, South Dakota State University Extension.In addition, where there was missing data (only a few occasions), I’ve used my own experience to round out the data.

16 best firewood to burn charts (2022) - Firefighter Garage

Type of Firewood: Weight (Lbs per cord – Seasoned) Heat per cord (million BTUs) Sparks & Pop: Amount of Smoke: Ease of Splitting 1: Black Locust: 4,192 Lbs

How to stack firewood?

Some quick tips about stacking firewood of all kinds. Keep it off the ground. That way moisture can’t soak up into the wood and rot it. Keep it in the sun. The extra heat from the sun will speed up the seasoning process. Make sure the wind can hit the stack. Only tarp the top of the pile, not the sides.

Can cherry wood burn overnight?

One thing I have noticed about burning cherry is it doesn’t last as long in the fire as oak or ash. It’s not the best for burning overnight. But during the time your awake, it’s great to have.

Is cherry wood worth it?

Cherry firewood is worth the time an effort in my opinion. They are very plentiful around my part of the world (Eastern PA). Not to mention the cherry aroma that comes off the wood after you split it and while your burning it in your fireplace makes it super worthwhile. Great smell to firewood is always a nice bonus to have. Hope this was helpful!

Can you burn cherry trees in an open fireplace?

A fireplace screen would be a good idea when using cherry for heating your home. You may wonder about the different kinds of cherry trees and how they’ll burn.

Is Cherry Good Firewood?

Yep! Cherry has a very nice smell to it when being burned. It’s a preferred wood to burn by a lot of people I read about online. The one negative about burning in an open fireplace is that it “pops” or sparks a lot. A fireplace screen would be a good idea when using cherry for heating your home.

Why do I use cherry firewood?

I like to use cherry firewood to start a morning fire because it lights really easy creating a quick, hot fire.

How to tell if a cherry tree is mature?

The bark of a young cherry tree is smooth. As the tree matures, the bark turns to a distinctive scaly texture which is usually the easiest way to identify a mature cherry tree. An adult cherry tree can grow up to 80 feet tall.

What is the color of cherry trees?

The cherry tree is known for its beautiful white fragrant blooms in the spring followed by large amounts of red berries that eventually ripen to a darker color.

What is the best firewood for a home?

Cherry firewood is a popular choice for many homeowners. Although not as popular as oak, maple and beech, cherry can provide sufficient heat for your entire home. The black cherry (also referred to as wild cherry) is a common tree found throughout the eastern and central United States.

What is firewood used for?

The firewood is known for its pleasant aroma when burned making it a popular choice for a fireplace or campfire.

What to use to cover firewood stack?

Also, if you don't have access to a covered firewood shed, use a tarp to cover the top 1/3 of the firewood stack.

Why do I love split cherry?

I love to split cherry because the color of the wood is so unique.

What Wood is Toxic to Burn in North America?

A campfire is one of the best ways to spend a few hours on an evening, but not everyone knows what wood is toxic to burn. Toxic wood can cause both short and long-term health issues, whether you cook over it or simply sit around the campfire.

Types of Wood That Are Toxic to Burn

Before we worry about the specifics, if you’re going to make a campfire you need to find wood that is not living and is also not rotten. These harbor far more toxins and moisture than dry, deadwood. These toxins can cause allergic reactions as well as make the wood smoke and unsafe to cook over or make coffee with.

Types of Wood To Avoid Burning in a Fireplace Indoors

When you are making your fire indoors, it’s even more important to think about avoiding toxic wood burning. Indoors you have much less ventilation and a higher risk of breathing in fumes and smoke. You also have other issues, such as chimneys, to consider.

What is Hardwood

Hardwood is a denser form of wood, such as oak and cherry. These trees usually grow far more slowly than softwood alternatives. Likewise, dense wood burns slower and hotter than softwood.

What is Softwood

Softwood is much less dense than hardwood. These trees, such as pines, and spruces, tend to grow far more quickly than hardwoods and are often far more abundant.

Common Questions About Burning Toxic Wood

Now that we’ve talked about what wood is toxic to burn and the dangers, it’s time to cover what we can and should burn. The good news is that all hardwoods and most softwoods in the US are perfectly safe to burn and to cook on.

What is the best firewood to burn?

The top tier (top of the pyramid) is the absolute best firewood you can burn, whereas the bottom of the pyramid is the firewood that will still produce heat, but is not ideal because of low heat output, excessive smoke, difficulty splitting, or some other reason.

Why do you need to dry firewood before burning?

In addition to risks of creosote build-up ( see #6 below ), high smoke production is one of the reasons you should always make sure your firewood is properly dried before you burn it.

How long does it take to season cherry wood?

Seasoning Cherry Firewood. In general, firewood will take at least 6-8 months to fully season and for denser hardwoods, this process can take even longer. You should expect it to take 8 months or more to season Cherry firewood. For wood to be “seasoned” basically just means that it’s thoroughly dried.

What kind of wood smells good for a campfire?

Cherry is a big winner in this category, and its smell is a favorite for campfires. When it comes to aroma, the best choices mentioned in the list above are Cherry, Hickory, Pine, and Oak. Each of these types of firewood have a very different smell, but Cherry ’s is a rich and fruity smell.

Why does firewood dry faster?

Think about it, when the wood is split more surface area is exposed to the wind and sunshine , which are the primary contributors to dry wood.

What is the factor used to determine the fire rating?

Another factor that is commonly used for rating firewood is “coaling”. When any kind of firewood burns it produces coals, and the quality of the coals produced has a big impact on how long (and how well) the fire will continue burning.

What to consider when using a wood stove?

If you’re using a fireplace or wood stove in your home, another important thing to consider is the maintenance of your chimney, and specifically preventing creosote build-up.

How long does it take for a tree to burn?

When a living tree is cut down, the timber needs to age or "season" for a minimum of six to nine months before burning. Freshly cut wood, called green wood, is loaded with sap (mostly water) and needs to dry out first. It’s hard to light and once you get it going, it burns very efficiently and smokes horribly.

What kind of wood is good for a chimney?

Ask the seller what kind of wood it is. Trees like pines, firs, or cypress have "soft" wood, which burns fast, leaves few coals, and makes a lot of smoke that can coat your chimney with soot (not a safe thing in the long run).

What happens if you burn poison oak?

Burning poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, or pretty much anything else with "poison" in the name releases the irritant oil urushiol into the smoke. Breathing it in can cause lung irritation and severe allergic respiratory problems, the Centers for Disease Control state.

Can you leave firewood where it was cut?

If you live in, or are visiting an area currently affected by invasive wood pests, ask the seller where the wood was cut. If it was cut or stored more than even a few miles away, you should leave the firewood where it is and keep looking.

Is oleander toxic to marshmallows?

Oleander shrubs thrive in frost-free climates and every part of it is toxic. Definitely don’t burn it, and don’t even use a branch to toast your marshmallow on.

Can moving a log hurt the forest?

Though the pests travel slowly on their own, moving an infected log can put new forests at risk and undermine conservation efforts. Millions of trees and thousands of acres of forest have been seriously damaged or even killed by these non-native pests.

Is burning salt saturated driftwood dangerous?

Burning salt-saturated driftwood is a bad idea as it can release toxic or harmful chemicals when burned, according to the EPA. It’s probably safer to use your beach finds for decor and mounted planters instead.

What is cherry wood?

Cherrywood has a reddish-brown color with a golden hue that makes it easy to discern from other wood varieties. When freshly cut, the shade is a little paler, but, in time, the wood will oxidize to the color you’re most likely familiar with by now.

Why is cherrywood a favorite?

Even when you ignite it inside a fireplace or a stove, Cherry will emit a very specific smell which can be felt even if it’s not burning outdoors.

What does cherry smoke smell like?

Cherry has about the same level of pleasant scent as pine or hickory. Even when you ignite it inside a fireplace or a stove, Cherry will emit a very specific smell which can be felt even if it’s not burning outdoors. Because it smells so good, Cherry is often used for BBQ fires, but also for smoking meats.

What is the heat output of firewood?

The heat output of firewood is measured in BTU, which is short for British Thermal Unit. In fact, if you were to analyze the position that Cherry occupies in the list of best firewood types, it ranks pretty low. Black Cherry, which is the most common type of Cherry used for burning, has 20.4 BTUs.

Why is cherry used for BBQ?

Because it smells so good, Cherry is often used for BBQ fires, but also for smoking meats.

Which woods are better for coal production?

As a general rule, woods that have high heat outputs perform better in the coal production chapter. Even if Cherry isn’t one to give a lot of heat, it does produce coals that keep the fire burning for a long time. There are indeed better woods in this chapter, like hickory, but we can’t neglect Cherry’s performance.

Does cherrywood smoke?

Cherrywood performs well in this regard. It is a hardwood type that produces very little smoke, provided that you don’t burn it when wet (wet wood is known for making significant amounts of smoke). When wood is seasoned correctly, it will significantly reduce both the creosote production and the amount of smoke the wood eliminates when burning.

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