Is Locust Good Firewood? Ultimate Guide to Burning Locust Wood

Is locust good firewood? This question often arises among homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts seeking the best fuel for their fireplaces, wood stoves, or campfires. Locust wood, particularly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), has gained a reputation as an exceptional firewood choice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of locust firewood, exploring its characteristics, benefits, and potential drawbacks. We’ll examine why many consider locust to be among the best firewood options available and how it compares to other popular wood types. Whether you’re a seasoned woodburner or just starting to explore your firewood options, this article will provide you with all the information you need to determine if locust is the right choice for your heating needs.

Understanding Locust Wood

Types of Locust Trees

Before we dive into the firewood qualities of locust, it’s essential to understand the different types of locust trees. There are primarily two species of locust that are commonly used for firewood:

1. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia): This is the most popular and widely used locust species for firewood. Native to the eastern United States, black locust has spread to many parts of North America and Europe.
2. Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos): While less common than black locust, honey locust is also used as firewood in some regions. It shares many characteristics with black locust but has some distinct differences.

Both species are known for their dense wood and high heat output, making them excellent choices for firewood. However, black locust is generally considered superior due to its higher density and BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating.

Characteristics of Locust Wood

Locust wood possesses several unique characteristics that contribute to its reputation as excellent firewood:

1. Density: Locust wood is exceptionally dense, which means it contains more wood fibers per volume compared to many other wood types. This density contributes to its slow-burning properties and high heat output.
2. Hardness: As a hardwood, locust is very tough and resistant to decay. This hardness makes it challenging to split but also ensures that it burns for a long time.
3. Color: Locust heartwood typically has a yellowish-brown to greenish-brown color, while the sapwood is pale yellow. This distinct coloration can help you identify locust wood.
4. Grain: The wood grain of locust is generally straight but can sometimes be wavy or interlocked. This grain structure contributes to its strength and burning characteristics.
5. Rot resistance: Locust wood is naturally resistant to decay and insect infestation, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use and long-term storage.

Understanding these characteristics is crucial in appreciating why locust is often praised as a top-tier firewood option.

Locust as Firewood: Pros and Cons

Advantages of Burning Locust Wood

1. High Heat Output: One of the most significant advantages of locust firewood is its exceptional heat output. Locust has one of the highest BTU ratings among common firewood types, producing intense and long-lasting heat.
2. Long Burn Time: Due to its density, locust wood burns slowly, providing sustained heat for extended periods. This makes it an excellent choice for overnight burning in wood stoves or for maintaining a consistent temperature in fireplaces.
3. Low Smoke Production: When properly seasoned, locust wood burns cleanly with minimal smoke production. This characteristic is beneficial for both indoor and outdoor use, reducing the risk of smoke-related issues.
4. Minimal Sparking: Unlike some other hardwoods, locust tends to produce fewer sparks when burning. This makes it safer for use in open fireplaces and campfires.
5. Coaling Properties: Locust wood forms excellent coals that retain heat for a long time. These coals are perfect for cooking or maintaining warmth in a fireplace or wood stove.
6. Rot Resistance: The natural rot resistance of locust wood means it can be stored for extended periods without significant degradation. This allows you to stockpile firewood for future use with less concern about decay.
7. Availability: In many regions where locust trees are common, the wood is readily available, often at competitive prices compared to other premium firewood types.

Disadvantages of Burning Locust Wood

1. Difficulty in Splitting: Due to its density and sometimes interlocked grain, locust can be challenging to split, especially when compared to softer woods. This may require more effort or specialized tools during preparation.
2. Slow Seasoning Time: The density of locust wood means it takes longer to season properly compared to many other wood types. This can be a disadvantage if you need firewood quickly.
3. Weight: The high density of locust makes it heavier than many other wood types. This can make transportation and handling more difficult, especially for those with physical limitations.
4. Potential for Creosote Buildup: While locust generally burns cleanly, improper burning (such as using unseasoned wood or restricting airflow) can lead to creosote buildup in chimneys, as with any wood.
5. Availability Issues: In some regions, locust may not be as readily available as other firewood types, potentially making it more expensive or difficult to obtain.
6. Rapid Burning When Small: While large pieces of locust burn slowly, smaller pieces can burn quite quickly. This may require more frequent refueling if using small splits.

Understanding these pros and cons can help you decide whether locust is the right firewood choice for your specific needs and circumstances.

Locust Wood Properties for Burning

Heat Output and BTU Rating

One of the most crucial factors in evaluating firewood is its heat output, typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Locust wood, particularly black locust, excels in this area:

1. BTU Rating: Black locust has a BTU rating of approximately 26.8 million BTUs per cord, placing it among the highest heat-producing woods available.
2. Comparison to Other Woods: To put this in perspective, here’s a comparison table of locust with other common firewood types:

Wood Type	BTU per Cord (millions)
Black Locust	26.8
Honey Locust	26.5
Oak (White)	25.7
Maple (Hard)	24.0
Birch	23.6
Pine (White)	14.3

As you can see, locust outperforms many popular firewood choices in terms of heat output.

Burning Characteristics

1. Burn Time: Locust wood burns slowly due to its density. A properly built fire with locust logs can last significantly longer than fires made with less dense woods.
2. Flame Quality: Locust produces a steady, consistent flame. While it may not create the large, dancing flames of some softwoods, its flame is reliable and long-lasting.
3. Coal Production: One of locust’s standout features is its excellent coal production. The coals from locust wood retain heat for extended periods, making it ideal for overnight burning or maintaining a constant temperature.
4. Smoke Level: When properly seasoned, locust burns with minimal smoke. This clean burn is beneficial for both indoor air quality and outdoor enjoyment.
5. Spark Production: Locust tends to produce fewer sparks compared to some other hardwoods, making it safer for open fireplaces and campfires.
6. Aroma: While not as aromatic as some fruit woods, locust has a pleasant, subtle scent when burned, which many find appealing.

Understanding these burning characteristics can help you maximize the benefits of using locust as firewood and properly manage your fires for optimal performance.

Preparing Locust Wood for Burning

Harvesting and Processing

1. Felling: When harvesting locust trees for firewood, it’s best to do so during the dormant season (late fall to early spring). This minimizes the tree’s moisture content and reduces the seasoning time.
2. Safety Considerations: Locust trees often have thorns, especially honey locust. Wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, when harvesting.
3. Cutting: Cut the tree into manageable sections, typically 16-18 inches long for standard fireplaces and wood stoves. Adjust the length based on your specific burning appliance.
4. Splitting: Due to its density and sometimes interlocked grain, splitting locust can be challenging. Consider these tips:
   • Use a hydraulic wood splitter for easier processing
   • If splitting manually, aim for the cracks and use a heavy maul
   • Split when the wood is still green, as it becomes harder when dry
5. Debarking: While not necessary, removing the bark can speed up the drying process. However, locust bark is thin and often falls off naturally during seasoning.

Seasoning Locust Wood

Proper seasoning is crucial for maximizing the burning efficiency of locust wood:

1. Seasoning Time: Due to its density, locust typically requires 12-24 months of seasoning time, longer than many other wood types.
2. Stacking Methods:
   • Use a crisscross pattern at the base for airflow
   • Stack in single rows with space between for air circulation
   • Keep the stack off the ground using pallets or logs
3. Covering: Cover the top of the woodpile to protect from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for airflow.
4. Location: Choose a sunny, well-ventilated area for faster drying.
5. Moisture Content: Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less before burning. Use a wood moisture meter to check.
6. Signs of Well-Seasoned Locust:
   • Visible cracks or checks at the ends
   • Gray or dull color instead of fresh-cut appearance
   • Bark falling off easily
   • Lighter weight compared to fresh-cut pieces

Storage Considerations

1. Long-Term Storage: Thanks to its natural rot resistance, locust can be stored for extended periods without significant degradation.
2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage: While outdoor storage is common, consider bringing a small amount indoors before use to further reduce moisture content.
3. Pest Prevention: Although locust is naturally resistant to insects, store it away from your home to prevent any potential pest issues.
4. Rotation: Use a “first in, first out” system to ensure older wood is used before newer stocks.

Burning Locust Wood Effectively

Best Practices for Different Burning Appliances

1. Fireplaces:
   • Start with smaller pieces of locust for kindling
   • Build a stable base with larger logs
   • Ensure proper airflow by not overcrowding the fireplace
2. Wood Stoves:
   • Mix locust with faster-burning woods for easier startup
   • Use larger pieces for overnight burns
   • Adjust air intake for optimal burn rate
3. Outdoor Fire Pits:
   • Begin with a base of faster-burning wood
   • Add locust logs for long-lasting heat
   • Be mindful of local regulations regarding outdoor burning
4. Campfires:
   • Use locust for a stable, long-lasting base
   • Add softer woods for larger flames when desired
   • Ideal for cooking due to its excellent coaling properties

Mixing Locust with Other Woods

While locust is excellent on its own, mixing it with other wood types can optimize your burning experience:

1. Softwoods for Starting: Use pine or cedar to get the fire going quickly before adding locust.
2. Medium-Density Hardwoods: Mix with woods like maple or cherry for a balance of quick ignition and sustained heat.
3. Other High-Density Hardwoods: Combine with oak or hickory for extended burn times in cold weather.
4. Aromatic Woods: Add small amounts of fruit woods like apple or cherry for a pleasant scent.

Safety Considerations

1. Creosote Buildup: While locust burns cleanly when seasoned, regular chimney inspections and cleaning are still necessary.
2. Overheating: Due to its high heat output, be cautious not to overfire your stove or fireplace.
3. Sparks: Although locust produces fewer sparks than some woods, always use a fireplace screen for safety.
4. Carbon Monoxide: Ensure proper ventilation and have functioning CO detectors in your home.
5. Handling: Wear gloves when handling locust wood to protect against splinters and any remaining thorns.

Environmental Impact of Using Locust as Firewood

Sustainability

1. Growth Rate: Black locust is a fast-growing tree, making it a relatively sustainable firewood source when managed properly.
2. Invasive Potential: In some regions, black locust is considered invasive. Using it for firewood can help control its spread.
3. Coppicing: Locust responds well to coppicing, allowing for repeated harvests from the same rootstock.
4. Carbon Neutrality: Like all woods, locust is considered carbon-neutral when burned, as it only releases the carbon it absorbed during growth.

Emissions and Air Quality

1. Particulate Matter: When properly seasoned and burned, locust produces less particulate matter compared to many other wood types.
2. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Locust has relatively low VOC emissions when burned efficiently.
3. Efficiency: The high heat output of locust means less wood is needed to produce the same amount of heat, potentially reducing overall emissions.

Ecological Benefits

1. Nitrogen Fixation: Locust trees fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil quality.
2. Wildlife Habitat: Locust trees provide food and habitat for various wildlife species.
3. Erosion Control: The extensive root system of locust trees helps prevent soil erosion.

Comparing Locust to Other Popular Firewood Types

To provide a comprehensive understanding of locust’s place among firewood options, let’s compare it to other popular choices:

Wood Type	BTU/Cord (millions)	Ease of Splitting	Spark Production	Coaling Quality	Seasoning Time
Black Locust	26.8	Difficult	Low	Excellent	12-24 months
Oak (White)	25.7	Moderate	Low	Excellent	12-24 months
Hickory	27.7	Difficult	Moderate	Excellent	12 months
Maple (Hard)	24.0	Moderate	Low	Good	12 months
Ash	24.2	Easy	Low	Good	6-12 months
Pine (White)	14.3	Easy	High	Poor	6-12 months

This comparison highlights locust’s strengths in heat output and coaling quality, while also showing its challenges in terms of splitting difficulty and seasoning time.

Common Questions About Locust Firewood

Is locust wood safe to burn indoors?

Yes, seasoned locust wood is safe to burn indoors. It produces minimal smoke and sparks when properly dried, making it an excellent choice for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves.

How long does it take to season locust wood?

Locust wood typically requires 12-24 months to properly season. This is longer than many other wood types due to its density. Ensure the wood reaches a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.

Can I burn green (unseasoned) locust wood?

It’s not recommended to burn green locust wood. Unseasoned wood produces less heat, creates more smoke, and can lead to dangerous creosote buildup in chimneys. Always properly season locust wood before burning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, locust wood stands out as an exceptional firewood choice. Its high heat output, long burn time, and excellent coaling properties make it ideal for various heating needs. While it requires patience in seasoning and effort in splitting, the benefits of burning locust often outweigh these challenges. As a sustainable and efficient fuel source, locust offers both environmental and practical advantages. Whether you’re heating your home through winter or enjoying a summer campfire, locust firewood provides a superior burning experience. As with any firewood, proper harvesting, seasoning, and burning practices are crucial to maximize its potential and ensure safety. Ultimately, locust earns its reputation as one of the best firewood options available.

External links for further information:

1. U.S. Forest Service – Black Locust Fact Sheet: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/robpse/all.html
2. Penn State Extension – Firewood Facts: https://extension.psu.edu/firewood-facts
3. North Carolina State Extension – Wood Fuels for Heating: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/wood-fuels-for-heating
4. University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Heating With Wood: https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/g1554.pdf