12 Best Types of Firewood for Wisconsin

When winter’s icy grip tightens around Wisconsin, a well-stocked woodpile becomes your best friend. Choosing the right firewood can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and cozy during those long, cold months. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 12 best types of firewood for Wisconsin, considering factors such as heat output, smoke production, and local availability. Whether you’re a seasoned woodburner or just starting to explore the world of firewood, this article will help you make informed decisions about the best fuel for your fireplace or wood stove. Let’s dive into the world of “12 best types of firewood for Wisconsin” and discover which options will keep you toasty all winter long.

Understanding Firewood Characteristics

Before we delve into the specific types of firewood, it’s essential to understand the key characteristics that make certain woods better for burning than others.

Heat Output

Heat output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord. A cord is a standard measurement of firewood, measuring 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long (128 cubic feet). Woods with higher BTU ratings produce more heat, making them more efficient for heating your home.

Seasoning Time

Seasoning refers to the process of drying out wood to reduce its moisture content. Properly seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke. Different types of wood require varying seasoning times, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

Smoke Production

Some woods produce more smoke than others when burned. Low-smoke woods are preferable, especially if you’re using a fireplace or wood stove in a residential area.

Availability in Wisconsin

While some woods are excellent for burning, they may not be readily available in Wisconsin. We’ll focus on species that are common in the state or easily obtainable.

Now, let’s explore the 12 best types of firewood for Wisconsin, keeping these characteristics in mind.

1. Oak (Red and White)

Oak is widely considered one of the best firewood options, and for good reason. Both red and white oak are abundant in Wisconsin, making them excellent choices for local wood burners.

Heat Output

Oak boasts an impressive heat output, with white oak producing around 26.4 million BTUs per cord and red oak slightly less at 24.6 million BTUs per cord. This high heat production makes oak ideal for keeping your home warm during Wisconsin’s harsh winters.

Seasoning Time

One drawback of oak is its long seasoning time. It typically requires 1-2 years to properly season due to its density. However, the wait is worth it for the excellent burn quality.

Smoke Production

Properly seasoned oak produces relatively little smoke, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Availability

Oak is abundant in Wisconsin’s forests, making it readily available for most residents. Many local firewood suppliers offer oak as a primary option.

2. Sugar Maple

Sugar maple, also known as hard maple, is another top-tier firewood option for Wisconsin residents.

Heat Output

With a heat output of approximately 24.0 million BTUs per cord, sugar maple provides excellent warmth. It burns hot and long, making it efficient for overnight heating.

Seasoning Time

Sugar maple typically requires about 12 months to season properly. While not as long as oak, it still needs considerable time to dry out for optimal burning.

Smoke Production

When properly seasoned, sugar maple burns cleanly with minimal smoke production. It also produces pleasant-smelling smoke, which some people find appealing.

Availability

Sugar maple is common throughout Wisconsin, particularly in the northern and central parts of the state. It’s often available from local firewood suppliers and can be found in many Wisconsin forests.

3. Hickory

Hickory is renowned for its excellent burning qualities and is a favorite among Wisconsin wood burners.

Heat Output

Hickory produces an impressive 27.7 million BTUs per cord, making it one of the hottest-burning woods available. This high heat output is perfect for those extra cold Wisconsin nights.

Seasoning Time

Like oak, hickory requires a significant seasoning time of 1-2 years due to its density. However, the resulting burn quality is worth the wait.

Smoke Production

Seasoned hickory produces minimal smoke and burns cleanly. It also imparts a pleasant aroma, which is why it’s often used for smoking meats.

Availability

While not as abundant as oak or maple, hickory is still relatively common in Wisconsin, particularly in the southern part of the state. It may be slightly more expensive than other options due to its superior burning qualities.

4. Ash

Ash is another excellent firewood choice for Wisconsin residents, known for its ease of use and good burning qualities.

Heat Output

Ash produces about 23.6 million BTUs per cord, placing it in the upper tier of heat-producing woods. While not as hot as hickory or oak, it still provides ample warmth for most home heating needs.

Seasoning Time

One of the advantages of ash is its relatively short seasoning time. It can be ready to burn in as little as 6 months, making it a good option if you need firewood more quickly.

Smoke Production

Ash burns cleanly with little smoke, even when it’s not fully seasoned. This characteristic makes it popular for both indoor and outdoor use.

Availability

Ash trees are common throughout Wisconsin, although their numbers have been declining due to the emerald ash borer infestation. Despite this, ash firewood is still readily available from many suppliers.

5. Black Locust

Black locust is less common than some other options but is highly prized for its excellent burning qualities.

Heat Output

With a heat output of approximately 26.8 million BTUs per cord, black locust is one of the hottest-burning woods available. It’s excellent for providing long-lasting heat.

Seasoning Time

Black locust seasons relatively quickly, usually taking about 12 months. This is faster than many other hardwoods of similar density.

Smoke Production

When properly seasoned, black locust burns very cleanly with minimal smoke production. It also produces a pleasant aroma when burned.

Availability

Black locust is less common in Wisconsin than some other options on this list. It’s primarily found in the southern part of the state. Due to its excellent burning qualities, it may be more expensive when available.

6. Beech

Beech is another hardwood that makes excellent firewood for Wisconsin winters.

Heat Output

Beech produces about 27.5 million BTUs per cord, putting it near the top of the list for heat output. This high heat production makes it excellent for keeping your home warm during the coldest months.

Seasoning Time

Beech typically requires about 1-2 years to season properly. While this is a significant time investment, the resulting burn quality is worth the wait.

Smoke Production

Properly seasoned beech burns cleanly with minimal smoke. It also produces a pleasant aroma when burned.

Availability

Beech trees are relatively common in Wisconsin, particularly in the eastern part of the state. However, they’re not as abundant as oak or maple, so beech firewood may be slightly less available or more expensive.H2: 7. Cherry

Cherry wood, while not the hottest-burning option, is prized for its pleasant aroma and easy-to-start fires.H3: Heat Output

Cherry produces about 20.4 million BTUs per cord. While this is lower than some other hardwoods, it still provides good heat for most home heating needs.

Seasoning Time

Cherry seasons relatively quickly, usually taking about 6-12 months. This shorter seasoning time can be advantageous if you need firewood more quickly.

Smoke Production

Cherry burns cleanly and produces a pleasant, sweet-smelling smoke. This characteristic makes it popular for both heating and cooking.

Availability

Cherry trees are fairly common in Wisconsin, particularly black cherry. The wood is often available from local suppliers, although it may be slightly more expensive due to its popularity for furniture making.

8. Birch

Birch, particularly yellow birch, is another good firewood option for Wisconsin residents.

Heat Output

Yellow birch produces about 23.6 million BTUs per cord, providing good heat output. White birch, while not as hot-burning, is still a decent option at 20.8 million BTUs per cord.

Seasoning Time

Birch seasons relatively quickly, usually taking about 6-12 months. However, it’s important to store birch properly during seasoning as it can rot quickly if left exposed to the elements.

Smoke Production

Properly seasoned birch burns cleanly with minimal smoke. It also has a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma when burned.

Availability

Birch trees are common throughout Wisconsin, particularly in the northern part of the state. Both yellow and white birch are often available from local firewood suppliers.

9. Elm

Elm, while not the most popular firewood, can be a good option for Wisconsin residents, especially given its availability due to Dutch elm disease.

Heat Output

Elm produces about 20.0 million BTUs per cord. While this is lower than some other hardwoods, it still provides adequate heat for most home heating needs.

Seasoning Time

Elm typically requires about 1-2 years to season properly. It’s important to split elm wood soon after cutting to aid in the seasoning process.

Smoke Production

Elm can be somewhat smoky if not properly seasoned. However, well-seasoned elm burns relatively cleanly.

Availability

Due to the prevalence of Dutch elm disease, elm wood is often readily available in Wisconsin. Many municipalities offer elm wood from removed trees, sometimes at reduced prices or even for free.

10. Pine

While softwoods like pine are not typically recommended as primary heating woods, they can be useful in certain situations.

Heat Output

Pine produces about 15.0 million BTUs per cord, significantly less than hardwoods. However, it ignites easily and burns hot, making it good for starting fires or for use on milder days.

Seasoning Time

Pine seasons relatively quickly, usually taking about 6-12 months. This shorter seasoning time can be advantageous if you need firewood more quickly.

Smoke Production

Pine tends to produce more smoke and creosote than hardwoods. It’s important to burn pine in a well-maintained chimney or stove to prevent creosote buildup.

Availability

Pine is abundant in Wisconsin, particularly in the northern part of the state. It’s often one of the least expensive firewood options available.

11. Tamarack (Eastern Larch)

Tamarack, also known as Eastern Larch, is a unique option that combines some of the best qualities of both hardwoods and softwoods.

Heat Output

Tamarack produces about 21.8 million BTUs per cord, which is impressive for a softwood. It burns hot and long, similar to many hardwoods.

Seasoning Time

Tamarack typically seasons in about 6-12 months, faster than many hardwoods. This makes it a good option if you need firewood relatively quickly.

Smoke Production

When properly seasoned, tamarack burns cleanly with minimal smoke. It also produces a pleasant aroma when burned.

Availability

Tamarack is primarily found in the northern part of Wisconsin. While not as common as some other options, it’s worth seeking out for its excellent burning qualities.

12. Mulberry

Mulberry rounds out our list as a less common but excellent firewood option for Wisconsin.

Heat Output

Mulberry produces about 25.8 million BTUs per cord, putting it on par with oak and hickory for heat output. This high heat production makes it excellent for keeping your home warm during cold Wisconsin winters.

Seasoning Time

Mulberry typically requires about 12-18 months to season properly. While this is a significant time investment, the resulting burn quality is worth the wait.

Smoke Production

Properly seasoned mulberry burns cleanly with minimal smoke. It also produces a sweet aroma when burned, similar to apple wood.

Availability

Mulberry trees are less common in Wisconsin than some other options on this list. They’re primarily found in the southern part of the state. Due to its excellent burning qualities and relative scarcity, mulberry firewood may be more expensive when available.

Comparison Table of Firewood Types

To help you compare these different types of firewood, here’s a table summarizing their key characteristics:

Wood Type	Heat Output (million BTUs/cord)	Seasoning Time	Smoke Production	Availability in Wisconsin
Oak (White)	26.4	1-2 years	Low	High
Oak (Red)	24.6	1-2 years	Low	High
Sugar Maple	24.0	12 months	Low	High
Hickory	27.7	1-2 years	Low	Medium
Ash	23.6	6-12 months	Low	Medium-High
Black Locust	26.8	12 months	Low	Low-Medium
Beech	27.5	1-2 years	Low	Medium
Cherry	20.4	6-12 months	Low	Medium
Birch (Yellow)	23.6	6-12 months	Low	High
Elm	20.0	1-2 years	Medium	High
Pine	15.0	6-12 months	High	High
Tamarack	21.8	6-12 months	Low	Medium (North)
Mulberry	25.8	12-18 months	Low	Low-Medium (South)

Tips for Selecting and Using Firewood in Wisconsin

Now that we’ve explored the 12 best types of firewood for Wisconsin, here are some additional tips to help you select and use your firewood effectively:

1. Mix your woods: Consider using a combination of different wood types. For example, use softwoods like pine for starting fires and hardwoods like oak or maple for sustained heat.
2. Buy or cut wood early: Given the long seasoning times for many hardwoods, it’s best to acquire your firewood well in advance of when you’ll need it.
3. Store wood properly: Keep your firewood off the ground and protected from rain and snow to ensure it seasons properly and stays dry.
4. Check for pests: Inspect your firewood for signs of insect infestation, particularly if you’re bringing wood from other areas.
5. Consider local regulations: Some areas have restrictions on transporting firewood to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Always check local regulations before moving firewood long distances.
6. Use a moisture meter: A moisture meter can help you determine if your wood is properly seasoned. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning.
7. Maintain your chimney or stove: Regular maintenance of your wood-burning appliance is crucial for safety and efficiency, regardless of the type of wood you’re burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about firewood in Wisconsin:

What is the best overall firewood for Wisconsin?

Oak is generally considered the best overall firewood for Wisconsin due to its high heat output, clean burn, and wide availability. Both red and white oak are excellent choices.

How long does firewood need to season in Wisconsin’s climate?

Seasoning time varies depending on the type of wood, but most hardwoods need 1-2 years to properly season in Wisconsin’s climate. Some faster-seasoning woods like ash or cherry may be ready in 6-12 months.

Can I burn green (unseasoned) wood?

It’s not recommended to burn green wood. Unseasoned wood burns inefficiently, produces more smoke and creosote, and can lead to chimney fires. Always ensure your firewood is properly seasoned before burning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right firewood is essential for efficient home heating in Wisconsin’s harsh winters. While oak, maple, and hickory stand out for their superior burning qualities, each of the 12 types discussed offers unique benefits. Consider factors like availability, seasoning time, and your specific heating needs when choosing firewood. Remember to properly season and store your wood, and maintain your wood-burning appliance for optimal performance and safety. By making informed choices about your firewood, you can ensure a warm, cozy home throughout Wisconsin’s long winter season, while also potentially reducing your heating costs and environmental impact.

External Resources:

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension: Heating Your Home with Wood https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/heating-your-home-wood/
2. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Firewood Regulations https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/foresthealth/firewood
3. U.S. Forest Service: Heating with Wood https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation/heating-with-wood