Is Cherry Firewood Good to Burn? A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to selecting the perfect firewood for your hearth, fireplace, or wood-burning stove, cherry wood often emerges as a popular choice among experienced fire enthusiasts. But is cherry firewood good to burn? This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the characteristics, benefits, and potential drawbacks of using cherry wood as fuel. We’ll explore its heat output, burning qualities, and environmental impact, while also providing practical tips for sourcing, seasoning, and using cherry firewood effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned wood burner or new to the world of firewood, this article will equip you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about cherry firewood.

Understanding Cherry Firewood

What is Cherry Firewood?

Cherry firewood comes from various species of cherry trees, primarily from the Prunus genus. These trees are widely distributed across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The most common types of cherry trees used for firewood include:

1. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
2. Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)
3. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
4. Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium)

Cherry trees are known for their beautiful spring blossoms and delicious fruits. However, when these trees reach the end of their productive life or are removed for other reasons, they often find a second purpose as firewood.

Properties of Cherry Firewood

Cherry firewood possesses several unique properties that make it a popular choice among wood burners:

1. Density: Cherry wood has a medium density, falling between softer woods like pine and denser hardwoods like oak.
2. Color: Freshly cut cherry wood has a distinct reddish-brown color that darkens with age and exposure to air.
3. Grain: Cherry wood typically has a straight, fine grain pattern, which contributes to its even burning characteristics.
4. Aroma: When burned, cherry wood releases a pleasant, sweet fragrance that many find appealing.
5. Moisture Content: Like all firewood, cherry needs to be properly seasoned to reduce its moisture content before burning.

Understanding these properties is crucial in determining whether cherry firewood is suitable for your specific burning needs.

The Benefits of Burning Cherry Firewood

Heat Output and Efficiency

One of the primary considerations when choosing firewood is its heat output. Cherry firewood performs admirably in this regard:

1. BTU Rating: Cherry wood has a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of around 20.0 million BTUs per cord. This places it in the medium-high range for heat output among common firewood types.
2. Steady Burn: Cherry wood tends to burn at a consistent rate, providing a steady source of heat over time.
3. Long-lasting Coals: After the flames die down, cherry wood leaves behind long-lasting coals that continue to radiate heat.
4. Efficiency: Due to its medium density, cherry wood burns efficiently, offering a good balance between burn time and heat output.

Heat Output Comparison of Common Firewood Types

Wood Type	BTU per Cord (million)
Oak	24.0 – 28.0
Maple	18.0 – 24.0
Cherry	20.0
Birch	18.0 – 21.0
Pine	14.0 – 16.0

As the table illustrates, cherry firewood holds its own against other popular firewood choices in terms of heat output.

Pleasant Aroma and Aesthetic Appeal

Beyond its heating capabilities, cherry firewood offers additional benefits that enhance the overall burning experience:

1. Sweet Fragrance: When burned, cherry wood emits a subtle, sweet aroma that many find pleasant and comforting.
2. Minimal Smoke: Properly seasoned cherry wood produces relatively little smoke compared to some other wood types.
3. Attractive Flames: Cherry wood tends to produce bright, lively flames that add to the visual appeal of a fire.
4. Low Sparking: Unlike some woods that tend to pop and spark excessively, cherry wood burns more calmly, reducing the risk of flying embers.

These characteristics make cherry firewood an excellent choice for both indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, where the sensory experience is as important as the heat output.

Versatility and Availability

Cherry firewood’s versatility and widespread availability contribute to its popularity:

1. Multiple Uses: Cherry wood is suitable for various burning applications, including fireplaces, wood stoves, campfires, and even cooking.
2. Widespread Growth: Cherry trees are common in many regions, making the wood relatively easy to source in many areas.
3. Sustainable Option: When harvested responsibly, cherry firewood can be a sustainable heating choice, especially if sourced from pruned orchard trees or managed forests.
4. Mixing Potential: Cherry wood burns well on its own but can also be mixed with other hardwoods to create an optimal burning experience.

Potential Drawbacks of Cherry Firewood

While cherry firewood offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks:

Seasoning Time

Like all firewood, cherry needs to be properly seasoned before use:

1. Length of Seasoning: Cherry wood typically requires 6-12 months of seasoning to reach optimal moisture content for burning.
2. Moisture Content: Ideally, cherry firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.
3. Storage Needs: Proper storage is crucial during the seasoning process to prevent decay and ensure efficient drying.

Availability and Cost

Depending on your location, cherry firewood may have some availability and cost considerations:

1. Regional Variations: Cherry trees are not equally abundant in all areas, which can affect local availability.
2. Price: Due to its desirable burning qualities, cherry firewood may be priced higher than some other wood types in certain markets.
3. Competition with Lumber: High-quality cherry wood is also prized for furniture making, which can impact its availability as firewood.

Potential for Creosote Buildup

While cherry wood is generally clean-burning, there are some considerations regarding creosote:

1. Proper Seasoning: Insufficiently seasoned cherry wood can lead to increased creosote buildup in chimneys and flues.
2. Burning Temperature: Cherry wood burns at a moderate temperature, which may contribute to creosote formation if not burned hot enough.
3. Regular Maintenance: As with any wood-burning setup, regular chimney cleaning and maintenance are essential when using cherry firewood.

Best Practices for Using Cherry Firewood

To maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of cherry firewood, follow these best practices:

Proper Seasoning Techniques

Ensuring your cherry firewood is adequately seasoned is crucial for optimal burning:

1. Split Wood: Split cherry logs into manageable sizes soon after cutting to speed up the drying process.
2. Stacking: Stack the wood in a way that allows for good airflow, preferably in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
3. Covering: Protect the woodpile from rain and snow with a cover, but allow for air circulation to prevent mold growth.
4. Moisture Testing: Use a moisture meter to check the wood’s moisture content before burning. Aim for 20% or less.

Optimal Burning Techniques

To get the most out of your cherry firewood:

1. Start Hot: Begin with a hot fire using smaller, drier pieces of wood before adding larger cherry logs.
2. Proper Airflow: Ensure your fireplace or wood stove has adequate airflow to promote efficient combustion.
3. Full Loads: For overnight burns in a wood stove, load it full of cherry logs for a long-lasting heat source.
4. Mixed Burning: Consider mixing cherry with other hardwoods like oak or maple for extended burn times and higher heat output.

Safety Considerations

Always prioritize safety when burning any type of firewood:

1. Chimney Maintenance: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup.
2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure your burning area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
3. Fire Safety: Always use a fireplace screen or closed wood stove door to prevent sparks and embers from escaping.
4. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home when using any wood-burning appliance.

Environmental Impact of Using Cherry Firewood

Understanding the environmental implications of burning cherry firewood is important for making sustainable choices:

Carbon Footprint

Consider the following points regarding the carbon impact of cherry firewood:

1. Carbon Neutral: When sourced sustainably, burning cherry wood is considered carbon neutral, as the carbon released was previously absorbed by the tree during its lifetime.
2. Local Sourcing: Using locally sourced cherry wood reduces transportation emissions associated with fuel delivery.
3. Renewable Resource: Cherry trees can be replanted and regrown, making them a renewable energy source when managed responsibly.

Sustainable Harvesting

Promoting sustainable harvesting practices ensures the long-term availability of cherry firewood:

1. Selective Cutting: Harvesting cherry trees selectively rather than clear-cutting helps maintain forest health.
2. Orchard Prunings: Utilizing wood from orchard prunings or removed fruit trees is an excellent way to source cherry firewood sustainably.
3. Forest Management: Supporting well-managed forests and tree farms helps ensure a sustainable supply of cherry and other firewood types.

Air Quality Considerations

While cherry wood is generally clean-burning, it’s essential to consider its impact on air quality:

1. Particulate Emissions: Like all wood burning, cherry firewood produces some particulate matter. However, it’s generally lower than some other wood types.
2. EPA Certification: Using an EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert can significantly reduce emissions when burning cherry wood.
3. Local Regulations: Be aware of and comply with local air quality regulations regarding wood burning in your area.

Comparing Cherry Firewood to Other Wood Types

To fully appreciate the qualities of cherry firewood, it’s helpful to compare it to other common firewood types:

Cherry vs. Oak

1. Heat Output: Oak produces slightly more heat than cherry, with a BTU rating of 24.0-28.0 million per cord compared to cherry’s 20.0 million.
2. Burn Time: Oak tends to burn longer than cherry due to its higher density.
3. Ease of Splitting: Cherry is generally easier to split than oak, especially when seasoned.
4. Aroma: Cherry produces a sweeter aroma compared to oak’s more subtle scent.

Cherry vs. Pine

1. Heat Output: Cherry provides significantly more heat than pine, which typically rates around 14.0-16.0 million BTUs per cord.
2. Smoke Production: Properly seasoned cherry produces less smoke and creosote than pine.
3. Burn Speed: Pine burns faster and hotter than cherry but doesn’t last as long.
4. Resin Content: Unlike pine, cherry doesn’t contain high levels of resin, making it cleaner to handle.

Cherry vs. Maple

1. Heat Output: Maple and cherry have similar heat outputs, with maple ranging from 18.0-24.0 million BTUs per cord.
2. Coaling Properties: Both cherry and maple produce good coals, but maple’s may last slightly longer.
3. Aroma: Cherry offers a more distinct, sweet aroma compared to maple’s mild scent.
4. Availability: Depending on the region, maple may be more readily available than cherry.

Sourcing and Storing Cherry Firewood

Knowing where to find cherry firewood and how to store it properly is crucial for ensuring a good burning experience:

Where to Find Cherry Firewood

1. Local Firewood Suppliers: Many firewood vendors offer cherry wood, often mixed with other hardwoods.
2. Tree Services: Arborists and tree removal services may have cherry wood available from recent jobs.
3. Orchards: Fruit orchards often sell or give away wood from pruned or removed cherry trees.
4. Online Marketplaces: Websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have listings for cherry firewood.
5. U.S. Forest Service: In some areas, you can obtain permits to harvest firewood, including cherry, from national forests.

Proper Storage Techniques

Storing cherry firewood correctly is essential for proper seasoning and maintaining wood quality:

1. Elevation: Store wood off the ground using pallets or a purpose-built rack to prevent moisture absorption and decay.
2. Air Circulation: Stack wood in a way that allows air to flow through the pile, speeding up the drying process.
3. Sun Exposure: If possible, place the woodpile in a sunny location to aid in drying.
4. Cover: Use a waterproof cover or shelter to protect the wood from rain and snow, but allow for ventilation on the sides.
5. Rotation: Practice a “first in, first out” approach, using older wood first to ensure proper seasoning.

Seasoning Indicators

Knowing when your cherry firewood is properly seasoned is crucial for optimal burning:

1. Color Changes: Properly seasoned cherry wood will be darker in color and may have small cracks at the ends.
2. Weight: Seasoned wood feels noticeably lighter than freshly cut wood.
3. Sound: When knocked together, seasoned cherry logs produce a sharp, ringing sound rather than a dull thud.
4. Bark: The bark on well-seasoned cherry wood may begin to loosen or fall off.
5. Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to confirm that the wood has reached 20% moisture content or less.

Common Questions About Cherry Firewood

Is cherry wood safe to burn indoors?

Yes, properly seasoned cherry wood is safe to burn indoors. It produces relatively little smoke and creosote compared to some other wood types. However, always ensure proper ventilation and maintain your chimney or flue system regularly.

How long does it take to season cherry firewood?

Cherry firewood typically requires 6-12 months to season properly. The exact time depends on factors such as climate, storage conditions, and how the wood is split and stacked. Always check the moisture content before burning.

Can I use cherry wood for smoking or cooking?

Absolutely! Cherry wood is popular for smoking and cooking due to its sweet, mild flavor. It pairs well with poultry, pork, and even some fish. However, ensure you’re using untreated, food-safe cherry wood for these purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cherry firewood is indeed an excellent choice for burning, offering a balanced combination of heat output, pleasant aroma, and visual appeal. Its medium density provides efficient burning with good heat production, making it suitable for various applications from home heating to outdoor enjoyment. While it requires proper seasoning and may have some availability limitations depending on your location, the benefits of cherry firewood often outweigh these minor drawbacks.

For those seeking a firewood that offers more than just heat, cherry wood’s sweet fragrance and attractive flames enhance the overall burning experience. Its versatility in different burning scenarios, from fireplaces to wood stoves and even for cooking, adds to its appeal. When sourced responsibly and used correctly, cherry firewood can be a sustainable and enjoyable heating option.

Ultimately, whether cherry firewood is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs, local availability, and personal preferences. However, for many wood burners, the unique qualities of cherry wood make it a top contender among firewood options.

External Resources:

1. U.S. Forest Service – Firewood Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/firewood
2. Environmental Protection Agency – Burn Wise Program: https://www.epa.gov/burnwise
3. Chimney Safety Institute of America: https://www.csia.org/
4. National Firewood Association: https://nationalfirewoodassociation.org/