Is Hickory Good Firewood? The Ultimate Guide to Burning Hickory

When it comes to selecting the best firewood for your home heating needs, one question often arises: is hickory good firewood? The answer is a resounding yes. Hickory is widely regarded as one of the premier firewood options available, prized for its exceptional burning qualities and versatility. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the numerous reasons why hickory stands out as an excellent choice for firewood, delving into its characteristics, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Whether you’re a seasoned wood-burning enthusiast or new to the world of firewood, this article will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about using hickory in your fireplace, wood stove, or outdoor fire pit.

The Characteristics of Hickory as Firewood

Hickory is renowned for its outstanding properties as firewood, making it a top choice for many homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s examine the key characteristics that set hickory apart from other wood types.

Density and Weight

Hickory is one of the densest hardwoods available in North America. This high density translates to a heavier weight per cord compared to many other wood species. The dense structure of hickory contributes significantly to its excellent burning properties.

• Average weight per cord: 4,200 to 5,000 pounds (green weight)
• Density: Approximately 50-55 lbs per cubic foot (air-dried)

Heat Output

One of the most crucial factors in determining good firewood is its heat output, and hickory excels in this area. The heat value of wood is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord.

• Hickory BTU rating: 27.7 million BTUs per cord

This high BTU rating places hickory among the top heat-producing woods, surpassing many other popular firewood options like oak, maple, and ash.

Burn Time and Coal Production

Hickory is known for its long burn time, which is a highly desirable trait for firewood. It produces a steady, consistent heat over an extended period, reducing the frequency of refueling.

• Average burn time: 6-8 hours per load (depending on stove efficiency and log size)

Additionally, hickory produces excellent coals that continue to radiate heat long after the flames have subsided. These hot coals make it easier to restart the fire and maintain warmth throughout the night.

Smoke Production and Aroma

When properly seasoned, hickory produces relatively little smoke compared to softer woods. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves, as it minimizes creosote buildup in chimneys.

Hickory is also prized for its pleasant, distinctive aroma when burned. The scent is often described as:

• Sweet
• Bacon-like
• Earthy
• Slightly nutty

This appealing fragrance adds to the overall ambiance and enjoyment of a hickory fire.

Types of Hickory for Firewood

There are several species of hickory trees, each with slightly different characteristics. The most common types used for firewood include:

1. Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
2. Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra)
3. Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa)
4. Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa)

While all hickory species make excellent firewood, some subtle differences exist:

Shagbark Hickory

• Easily identifiable by its shaggy bark
• One of the most common and widely used hickory species for firewood
• Excellent heat output and coal production

Pignut Hickory

• Slightly lower density than shagbark, but still an excellent firewood
• May be more readily available in some regions
• Burns hot and produces good coals

Mockernut Hickory

• One of the densest hickory species
• Exceptional heat output and long burn time
• Can be more challenging to split due to its density

Shellbark Hickory

• Similar characteristics to shagbark hickory
• Less common but equally good as firewood
• Known for its sweet aroma when burned

Comparing Hickory to Other Firewood Types

To truly appreciate hickory’s qualities as firewood, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular wood types. The following table provides a comparison of hickory with other common firewood options:

Wood Type	BTUs per Cord (millions)	Ease of Splitting	Smoke Production	Coaling Quality	Aroma
Hickory	27.7	Moderate	Low	Excellent	Strong, pleasant
Oak	24.6	Moderate	Low	Excellent	Mild
Maple	24.0	Easy	Low	Good	Mild
Ash	23.6	Easy	Very Low	Good	Mild
Cherry	20.4	Easy	Low	Good	Sweet
Pine	15.9	Easy	High	Poor	Strong, resinous

As the table illustrates, hickory outperforms most other wood types in terms of heat output (BTUs) and coaling quality. Its moderate ease of splitting and low smoke production make it a well-rounded choice for various burning applications.

Preparing Hickory for Use as Firewood

To maximize the benefits of hickory as firewood, proper preparation is essential. Follow these steps to ensure your hickory burns efficiently and safely:

1. Harvesting

The best time to harvest hickory for firewood is during the dormant season (late fall to early spring). This timing allows for easier splitting and faster seasoning.

• Use proper safety equipment when felling trees
• Obtain necessary permits if harvesting from public lands
• Consider purchasing pre-cut hickory logs if you’re not comfortable with harvesting

2. Splitting

Hickory can be challenging to split due to its density and sometimes interlocked grain. However, splitting is crucial for proper seasoning and efficient burning.

Tips for splitting hickory:

• Use a maul or hydraulic splitter for best results
• Split logs when they’re fresh and haven’t dried out
• Aim for splits that are 3-6 inches in diameter for optimal burning

3. Seasoning

Proper seasoning is critical for any firewood, and hickory is no exception. Seasoning reduces moisture content, improving burn efficiency and reducing smoke production.

Seasoning process for hickory:

• Stack split wood in a sunny, well-ventilated area
• Keep wood off the ground using pallets or logs
• Cover the top of the stack to protect from rain, but leave sides open for airflow
• Allow at least 12-18 months for thorough seasoning
• Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less before burning

4. Storing

Proper storage ensures your seasoned hickory remains dry and ready for use.

Storage guidelines:

• Keep wood elevated and away from walls to prevent moisture accumulation
• Store indoors if possible (e.g., in a woodshed or garage)
• If storing outdoors, use a waterproof cover that allows for ventilation
• Rotate your stock, using the oldest wood first

By following these preparation steps, you’ll ensure that your hickory firewood burns efficiently, producing maximum heat with minimal smoke.

Benefits of Using Hickory as Firewood

Hickory offers numerous advantages as a firewood choice, making it a favorite among experienced wood burners. Let’s explore the key benefits in detail:

1. High Heat Output

As previously mentioned, hickory’s high BTU rating (27.7 million BTUs per cord) makes it one of the hottest-burning woods available. This high heat output offers several advantages:

• Efficient home heating
• Fewer logs needed to maintain desired temperature
• Ideal for cold climates or during severe winter weather
• Excellent for cooking and grilling

2. Long Burn Time

Hickory’s density contributes to its long burn time, providing sustained heat over extended periods. Benefits of this long burn time include:

• Reduced frequency of refueling
• Consistent heat throughout the night
• Lower overall wood consumption

3. Excellent Coaling Properties

The quality of coals produced by burning wood is crucial for maintaining heat and easily restarting fires. Hickory excels in this area, offering:

• Long-lasting, hot coals
• Easier fire maintenance and rekindling
• Continued heat radiation even after flames have subsided

4. Low Smoke Production

When properly seasoned, hickory produces relatively little smoke compared to many other wood types. This characteristic offers several benefits:

• Reduced creosote buildup in chimneys
• Cleaner burning for indoor use
• Less eye and respiratory irritation
• Minimized environmental impact

5. Pleasant Aroma

The distinctive, pleasant scent of burning hickory adds to the overall experience of using a wood fire. Benefits of hickory’s aroma include:

• Enhanced ambiance for indoor fireplaces
• Popular choice for smoking meats and other foods
• Natural air freshener for your home

6. Versatility

Hickory’s combination of high heat output, long burn time, and pleasant aroma makes it suitable for various applications:

• Indoor heating (fireplaces and wood stoves)
• Outdoor fire pits and campfires
• Cooking and grilling
• Smokehouses and meat smoking

7. Availability

While not as common as some other hardwoods, hickory is widely available in many parts of North America. This availability offers:

• Consistent supply for regular use
• Often locally sourced, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact
• Opportunity to support local forestry and firewood businesses

8. Pest Resistance

Hickory’s dense structure and natural compounds make it naturally resistant to many pests and decay organisms. This resistance provides:

• Longer storage life without degradation
• Reduced risk of introducing pests into your home
• Less waste due to insect damage or rot

Potential Drawbacks of Using Hickory as Firewood

While hickory is an excellent firewood choice, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks:

1. Difficulty in Splitting

Hickory’s density and sometimes interlocked grain can make it challenging to split, especially when compared to softer hardwoods. This difficulty may result in:

• Increased time and effort required for preparation
• Potential need for mechanical splitters or professional splitting services
• Higher risk of injury if proper techniques and tools are not used

2. Longer Seasoning Time

Due to its density, hickory typically requires a longer seasoning time compared to some other wood types. This extended seasoning period means:

• Need for advance planning and larger storage areas
• Potential for impatience leading to burning under-seasoned wood
• Higher initial investment in wood supply

3. Higher Cost

The superior burning qualities of hickory often come with a higher price tag. Factors contributing to the cost include:

• Slower growth rate of hickory trees
• Increased labor for harvesting and processing
• High demand for hickory in various industries (e.g., tool handles, smoking woods)

4. Potential for Overfiring

Hickory’s high heat output, while generally beneficial, can lead to overfiring in some situations:

• Risk of damaging stoves or fireplaces if not properly managed
• Potential for creating uncomfortably high temperatures in small or well-insulated spaces
• Need for careful fire management and monitoring

5. Limited Availability in Some Regions

While hickory is common in many parts of North America, it may not be readily available in all regions. This limited availability could result in:

• Higher transportation costs if sourced from distant locations
• Difficulty in maintaining a consistent supply
• Potential need to supplement with or switch to alternative wood types

Best Practices for Burning Hickory Firewood

To maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of using hickory as firewood, follow these best practices:

1. Ensure proper seasoning (12-18 months minimum)
2. Use a moisture meter to verify wood is below 20% moisture content
3. Start fires with smaller pieces of hickory or softer woods for easier ignition
4. Mix hickory with other hardwoods to balance heat output and burn time
5. Regularly clean and maintain your chimney or flue to prevent creosote buildup
6. Monitor fire temperature to prevent overfiring, especially in airtight stoves
7. Store a sufficient supply of seasoned hickory to last through the burning season

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the full benefits of hickory firewood while minimizing potential issues.

Environmental Considerations

When using any type of firewood, including hickory, it’s important to consider the environmental impact. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Sustainability

Hickory trees are generally slow-growing, which can raise concerns about sustainability. To address this:

• Source hickory from responsibly managed forests
• Consider mixing hickory with faster-growing hardwoods
• Plant hickory trees if you have suitable land, contributing to future supplies

Carbon Footprint

While burning wood releases carbon dioxide, it’s generally considered carbon-neutral if harvested sustainably. Hickory’s high heat output and long burn time can contribute to overall efficiency, potentially reducing the total amount of wood burned.

Local Ecosystems

Hickory trees play important roles in local ecosystems, providing food and habitat for wildlife. When harvesting:

• Leave some mature hickory trees standing
• Follow local regulations and best practices for timber harvesting
• Consider the impact on local wildlife populations

Air Quality

Although hickory produces relatively little smoke when properly seasoned, all wood burning can impact air quality. To minimize this impact:

• Burn only well-seasoned hickory
• Use efficient, EPA-certified stoves or fireplaces
• Avoid burning during air quality alert days

By considering these environmental factors, you can enjoy the benefits of hickory firewood while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

FAQs About Hickory Firewood

To address some common questions about using hickory as firewood, here’s a brief FAQ section:

Is hickory the best firewood?

While “best” can be subjective, hickory is certainly among the top choices for firewood due to its high heat output, long burn time, and excellent coaling properties. It consistently ranks as one of the best options for those seeking high-performance firewood.

How long does it take to season hickory firewood?

Hickory typically requires 12-18 months to properly season. This is longer than some other hardwoods due to its density. Proper splitting and storage can help optimize the seasoning process.

Can you burn hickory in a fireplace?

Yes, hickory is excellent for use in fireplaces. Its high heat output, low smoke production (when properly seasoned), and pleasant aroma make it a popular choice for indoor burning. However, be mindful of its intense heat, which may require careful fire management in smaller fireplaces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question “Is hickory good firewood?” can be answered with a resounding yes. Hickory’s exceptional heat output, long burn time, excellent coaling properties, and pleasant aroma make it one of the best firewood options available. While it does present some challenges, such as difficulty in splitting and longer seasoning times, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks for most users.

By following proper harvesting, preparation, and burning practices, you can maximize the advantages of hickory firewood while minimizing potential issues. Whether you’re heating your home, cooking over an open flame, or simply enjoying a cozy fire, hickory provides a superior burning experience that’s hard to match.

As with any natural resource, it’s important to use hickory responsibly, considering its environmental impact and ensuring sustainable harvesting practices. By doing so, we can continue to enjoy the warmth and comfort of hickory fires for generations to come.

External Resources:

1. U.S. Forest Service – Hickory Trees: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/carspp/all.html
2. Chimney Safety Institute of America – Wood Burning Safety: https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/wood-burning-safety/
3. Environmental Protection Agency – Burn Wise Program: https://www.epa.gov/burnwise