15 Best Types of Firewood for Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to staying warm during Colorado’s chilly winters, choosing the right firewood is crucial. The 15 best types of firewood for Colorado offer a combination of high heat output, long burn times, and availability that make them ideal for the state’s unique climate and heating needs. Whether you’re heating your home, enjoying a campfire, or gathering around an outdoor fire pit, selecting the appropriate firewood can make all the difference in your comfort and efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top choices for firewood in Colorado, considering factors such as heat production, smoke levels, ease of splitting, and local availability. By understanding the characteristics of each wood type, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions for your heating and recreational fire needs in the Centennial State.

1. Oak: The Gold Standard of Firewood

Oak is often considered the gold standard of firewood, and for good reason. Its dense structure and high heat output make it an excellent choice for Colorado’s cold winters.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Oak produces a substantial amount of heat, with a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of 24-28 million BTUs per cord. This high heat output means that oak can efficiently warm even larger spaces. Additionally, oak burns slowly, providing long-lasting warmth that can keep your home cozy throughout the night.

Availability in Colorado

While oak is not as abundant in Colorado as in some other states, it can still be found, particularly in the eastern parts of the state. Red oak and white oak are the most common varieties you’ll encounter.

Splitting and Seasoning

Oak can be challenging to split due to its density, so it’s often best to split it when it’s fresh or use a hydraulic splitter. It also requires a long seasoning time, typically 1-2 years, to dry properly and burn efficiently.

2. Hickory: High Heat and Pleasant Aroma

Hickory is another top-tier firewood choice for Colorado residents, known for its high heat output and pleasant, subtle aroma.

Heat Output and Burn Time

With a BTU rating of 27-28 million BTUs per cord, hickory is one of the hottest-burning woods available. It burns slowly and steadily, providing consistent heat for extended periods.

Availability in Colorado

Hickory is less common in Colorado compared to some other firewood types, but it can be found in certain areas, particularly in the eastern part of the state.

Splitting and Seasoning

Hickory is dense and can be difficult to split, especially when seasoned. It’s best to split hickory when it’s green or use a hydraulic splitter. Hickory typically requires 1-2 years of seasoning for optimal burning.

3. Maple: Versatile and Reliable

Maple is a versatile firewood option that offers a good balance of heat output and availability in Colorado.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Maple provides a solid heat output, with sugar maple offering about 24 million BTUs per cord and red maple around 18-19 million BTUs per cord. It burns at a medium rate, providing steady heat for a reasonable duration.

Availability in Colorado

Various maple species can be found throughout Colorado, making it a readily available option for many residents.

Splitting and Seasoning

Maple is generally easier to split than oak or hickory, especially when green. It typically requires 6-12 months of seasoning to dry properly for efficient burning.

4. Ash: Quick-Burning and Easy to Split

Ash is known for its quick-burning properties and ease of use, making it a popular choice among Colorado firewood enthusiasts.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Ash produces a good amount of heat, with a BTU rating of about 20-23 million BTUs per cord. While it doesn’t burn as long as oak or hickory, it ignites easily and produces a steady flame.

Availability in Colorado

Ash trees are relatively common in Colorado, particularly in urban and suburban areas. However, the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer has affected ash populations in some regions.

Splitting and Seasoning

One of ash’s biggest advantages is its ease of splitting, even when seasoned. It also has a relatively short seasoning time of 6-12 months, making it a convenient option for those who don’t want to wait too long to use their firewood.

5. Pine: Readily Available and Quick-Burning

While softwoods like pine are often overlooked for firewood, they can be a useful option in Colorado, especially for kindling and quick fires.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Pine has a lower heat output compared to hardwoods, typically around 15-17 million BTUs per cord. It burns quickly and produces a lot of flame, making it excellent for starting fires or for use in milder weather.

Availability in Colorado

Pine is extremely abundant in Colorado, with various species found throughout the state’s forests.

Splitting and Seasoning

Pine is generally easy to split due to its straight grain. It seasons relatively quickly, usually in 6-12 months. However, it’s important to note that pine contains a lot of sap and can produce more creosote than hardwoods, so regular chimney cleaning is essential when burning pine regularly.

[Table to be inserted here comparing the first 5 types of firewood]

Part 2: Types 6-10

6. Douglas Fir: A Softwood with Hardwood Qualities

Douglas Fir, while technically a softwood, offers some characteristics that make it a popular firewood choice in Colorado.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Douglas Fir produces a moderate amount of heat, with a BTU rating of about 20-23 million BTUs per cord. This puts it on par with some hardwoods, making it an efficient choice for heating.

Availability in Colorado

Douglas Fir is widely available in Colorado, particularly in the mountainous regions of the state.

Splitting and Seasoning

Douglas Fir is relatively easy to split, especially when green. It has a straight grain that makes the task manageable even for those with less experience. The wood typically requires 6-12 months of seasoning to dry properly for efficient burning.

7. Birch: Quick-Igniting and Aromatic

Birch is known for its ability to ignite quickly and its pleasant, subtle aroma when burned.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Birch provides a moderate heat output, with a BTU rating of about 20-21 million BTUs per cord. It burns relatively quickly compared to denser hardwoods, making it ideal for shorter fires or milder days.

Availability in Colorado

Various birch species can be found in Colorado, particularly in the state’s mountainous regions and along waterways.

Splitting and Seasoning

Birch is generally easy to split, especially when green. However, it’s important to note that birch can decay quickly if left unsplit, so it’s best to process it soon after cutting. Birch typically requires 6-12 months of seasoning for optimal burning.

8. Cottonwood: Readily Available but Low Heat

Cottonwood is a common tree in Colorado, particularly along rivers and in lowland areas. While not the best firewood in terms of heat output, its availability makes it a practical option for many Coloradans.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Cottonwood has a relatively low heat output, with a BTU rating of about 15-17 million BTUs per cord. It burns quickly and doesn’t produce long-lasting coals.

Availability in Colorado

Cottonwood is extremely abundant in Colorado, especially in riparian areas and along the Front Range.

Splitting and Seasoning

Cottonwood can be challenging to split due to its stringy nature. It’s often easier to split when green. The wood seasons relatively quickly, usually in 6-12 months, but it’s important to keep it dry as it can absorb moisture easily.

9. Juniper: Aromatic and Hot-Burning

Juniper, while not as common as some other options, can be an excellent firewood choice in Colorado, particularly in the western part of the state.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Juniper produces a good amount of heat, with a BTU rating of about 21-23 million BTUs per cord. It burns hot and relatively quickly.

Availability in Colorado

Juniper is more common in the western and southwestern parts of Colorado, particularly in drier, high-desert areas.

Splitting and Seasoning

Juniper can be challenging to split due to its gnarly grain structure. It’s often easier to split when green. The wood seasons relatively quickly, usually in 6-12 months. When burned, juniper produces a strong, pleasant aroma that many people enjoy.

10. Aspen: Light and Easy to Handle

Aspen is a common tree in Colorado’s mountains and can be a good firewood option, especially for those who prioritize ease of handling over high heat output.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Aspen has a relatively low heat output, with a BTU rating of about 16-18 million BTUs per cord. It burns quickly and doesn’t produce long-lasting coals.

Availability in Colorado

Aspen is very abundant in Colorado, particularly in the state’s mountainous regions.

Splitting and Seasoning

Aspen is generally easy to split due to its straight grain and light weight. It seasons relatively quickly, usually in 6-12 months. While not the best choice for overnight heating, aspen can be excellent for quick fires or as kindling.

[Table to be inserted here comparing types 6-10 of firewood]

Part 3: Types 11-15, FAQ, and Conclusion

11. Elm: Dense and Long-Burning

Elm can be a good firewood choice for those looking for a long-burning option, though it has some challenges.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Elm produces a good amount of heat, with a BTU rating of about 20-23 million BTUs per cord. It burns slowly and can provide heat for extended periods.

Availability in Colorado

Various elm species can be found in Colorado, particularly in urban and suburban areas. However, Dutch Elm Disease has affected elm populations in some regions.

Splitting and Seasoning

Elm can be notoriously difficult to split due to its interlocking grain structure. It’s often easier to split when green or with a hydraulic splitter. Elm typically requires 1-2 years of seasoning for optimal burning.

12. Locust: High Heat and Slow-Burning

Locust, particularly Black Locust, is known for its high heat output and slow burn rate, making it an excellent firewood choice.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Locust produces a very high amount of heat, with a BTU rating of about 26-28 million BTUs per cord. It burns slowly and can provide heat for extended periods.

Availability in Colorado

While not as common as some other species, locust can be found in various parts of Colorado, particularly in the eastern regions of the state.

Splitting and Seasoning

Locust can be challenging to split due to its density and sometimes twisted grain. It’s often easier to split when green. The wood typically requires 1-2 years of seasoning for optimal burning.

13. Gambel Oak: A Colorado Native

Gambel Oak, also known as Scrub Oak, is a native species to Colorado and can be an excellent firewood choice.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Gambel Oak produces a good amount of heat, with a BTU rating similar to other oak species, around 24-26 million BTUs per cord. It burns slowly and can provide heat for extended periods.

Availability in Colorado

Gambel Oak is native to Colorado and is particularly common in the foothills and lower mountain areas of the state.

Splitting and Seasoning

Gambel Oak can be challenging to split due to its often twisted growth pattern. It’s typically easier to split when green. The wood requires 1-2 years of seasoning for optimal burning.

14. Spruce: Readily Available but Quick-Burning

Spruce, like pine, is a softwood that’s abundant in Colorado but has some limitations as firewood.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Spruce has a relatively low heat output, with a BTU rating of about 15-17 million BTUs per cord. It burns quickly and doesn’t produce long-lasting coals.

Availability in Colorado

Various spruce species are very abundant in Colorado, particularly in the state’s mountainous regions.

Splitting and Seasoning

Spruce is generally easy to split due to its straight grain. It seasons relatively quickly, usually in 6-12 months. Like pine, spruce can produce more creosote than hardwoods, so regular chimney cleaning is important when burning spruce regularly.

15. Apple: Aromatic and Moderate Heat

While not as common as some other options, apple wood can be an excellent choice for those who appreciate its aroma and moderate heat output.

Heat Output and Burn Time

Apple wood produces a moderate amount of heat, with a BTU rating of about 20-23 million BTUs per cord. It burns at a medium rate and produces pleasant, fragrant smoke.

Availability in Colorado

Apple trees are less common than many other species in Colorado, but they can be found in orchards and some residential areas.

Splitting and Seasoning

Apple wood can be moderately difficult to split due to its dense, twisted grain. It typically requires 6-12 months of seasoning for optimal burning.

[Table to be inserted here comparing types 11-15 of firewood]

FAQ

What is the best overall firewood for Colorado?

Oak and hickory are generally considered the best overall firewood options for Colorado due to their high heat output and long burn times. However, the “best” firewood can depend on factors such as availability in your specific area and your particular heating needs.

How long should I season firewood in Colorado?

The seasoning time for firewood in Colorado can vary depending on the wood species and local climate conditions. Generally, hardwoods like oak and hickory require 1-2 years of seasoning, while softwoods like pine and spruce can be ready in 6-12 months. It’s important to ensure the wood’s moisture content is below 20% for efficient burning.

Can I burn pine in my fireplace or wood stove?

Yes, you can burn pine in your fireplace or wood stove, but with some precautions. Pine burns quickly and hot, making it good for starting fires or for use in milder weather. However, it produces more creosote than hardwoods, so it’s important to have your chimney cleaned more frequently if you burn a lot of pine. It’s often best to mix pine with hardwoods for optimal burning.

Conclusion

Choosing the right firewood is crucial for efficient heating and enjoyable fires in Colorado’s diverse climate. From the high heat output of oak and hickory to the aromatic burns of juniper and apple, each wood type offers unique characteristics to suit different needs and preferences. While hardwoods generally provide longer-lasting heat, softwoods like pine and spruce have their place, especially for quick fires and kindling. Consider factors such as availability, heat output, burn time, and ease of splitting when selecting your firewood. Remember to properly season your wood and maintain your burning appliance for safe and efficient use. By understanding the properties of these 15 best types of firewood for Colorado, you can make informed choices to keep your home warm and your fires burning bright throughout the year.

External resources

1. Colorado State Forest Service – Firewood and Forest Products: https://csfs.colostate.edu/forest-management/firewood-forest-products/
2. Colorado State University Extension – Firewood and Wood Heating: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/firewood-and-wood-heating-6-310/
3. U.S. Forest Service – Firewood Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/home/?cid=stelprdb5326113
4. Chimney Safety Institute of America – Firewood Facts: https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/firewood-facts/
5. Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Firewood & Campfires: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Eldorado/Pages/Firewood-Campfires.aspx