What Is Boxelder Firewood Like to Burn? A Comprehensive Guide

What is boxelder firewood like to burn? This question often arises among homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts seeking efficient and cost-effective heating solutions. Boxelder, scientifically known as Acer negundo, is a species of maple tree native to North America. While it’s not typically the first choice for firewood, it can be a viable option in certain circumstances. This comprehensive guide will delve into the characteristics of boxelder as firewood, exploring its burning properties, heat output, and overall performance compared to other wood types. We’ll examine the pros and cons of using boxelder for your fireplace or wood stove, and provide expert tips on how to make the most of this often-overlooked firewood option.

Understanding Boxelder Trees

Before we dive into the burning properties of boxelder firewood, it’s essential to understand the tree itself. This knowledge will help you better appreciate its characteristics as a fuel source.

Botanical Classification and Distribution

Boxelder (Acer negundo) belongs to the maple family (Aceraceae). It’s also known by various common names, including:

• Ash-leaved maple
• Manitoba maple
• Cut-leaved maple
• Three-leaved maple

Native to North America, boxelder trees are widely distributed across the continent, from southern Canada to Guatemala. They’re particularly common in the eastern and central United States.

Physical Characteristics

Boxelder trees have several distinctive features:

1. Size: They typically grow to heights of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters), with some specimens reaching up to 75 feet (23 meters).
2. Lifespan: Boxelders are relatively short-lived compared to other maples, with an average lifespan of 60-100 years.
3. Leaves: Unlike most maples with their iconic lobed leaves, boxelder has compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets, resembling ash tree leaves.
4. Bark: Young trees have smooth, green bark that turns gray and develops shallow furrows as the tree ages.
5. Wood: Boxelder wood is light-colored, soft, and weak compared to other maples.

Growth Habits and Ecology

Boxelder trees are known for their rapid growth and adaptability. They thrive in various soil conditions and can tolerate both drought and flooding. These traits make them popular for windbreaks and erosion control in some regions.

However, their fast growth and tendency to spread quickly have led some areas to consider them invasive. In urban settings, they’re often viewed as “weed trees” due to their propensity to self-seed and grow in unwanted areas.

Boxelder Firewood Properties

Now that we understand the tree itself, let’s explore the properties of boxelder wood as a fuel source.

Density and Weight

Boxelder wood is relatively light compared to other hardwoods. Its average density is about 30-35 pounds per cubic foot when green (freshly cut) and 27-30 pounds per cubic foot when air-dried.

This low density affects its performance as firewood in several ways:

1. It’s easier to cut, split, and handle than denser woods.
2. It dries faster than denser hardwoods.
3. It produces less heat per volume compared to denser woods.

Moisture Content and Seasoning

Like all firewood, boxelder needs to be properly seasoned (dried) before burning. Fresh-cut boxelder has a high moisture content, typically around 50-60%. For optimal burning, this should be reduced to 20% or less.

Fortunately, boxelder’s low density and open cellular structure allow it to dry relatively quickly. Under ideal conditions, boxelder firewood can be adequately seasoned in 6-12 months, compared to 1-2 years for denser hardwoods.

Heat Output

The heat output of firewood is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord. A cord is a standard measure of firewood, equivalent to a stack 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long (128 cubic feet).

Boxelder’s heat output is relatively low compared to many other hardwoods:

Wood Type	Million BTUs per Cord
Boxelder	17-18
White Oak	25-26
Hard Maple	23-24
Birch	20-21
Pine	15-16

As you can see, boxelder produces more heat than softwoods like pine but less than premium hardwoods like oak or hard maple.

Burn Characteristics

When it comes to actual burning, boxelder has some unique characteristics:

1. Ignition: Boxelder ignites relatively easily due to its low density.
2. Flame: It tends to produce a bright, lively flame.
3. Burn time: Due to its lower density, boxelder burns faster than denser hardwoods. This means you’ll need to refuel more frequently to maintain heat output.
4. Coals: Boxelder produces fewer long-lasting coals compared to denser hardwoods. This can make it less suitable for overnight burns in wood stoves.
5. Smoke: When properly seasoned, boxelder produces moderate amounts of smoke. However, it can be smoky if not fully dried.
6. Sparks: Boxelder is not known for excessive sparking or popping, making it relatively safe for open fireplaces.

Pros and Cons of Burning Boxelder Firewood

Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using boxelder as firewood.

Advantages

1. Availability: In areas where boxelder trees are common, the wood may be readily available and inexpensive.
2. Easy processing: Its low density makes boxelder easy to cut, split, and stack.
3. Quick seasoning: Boxelder dries faster than many other hardwoods, reducing the time between cutting and burning.
4. Good kindling: Its easy ignition makes boxelder excellent for starting fires or using as kindling.
5. Pleasant aroma: Some users report that boxelder produces a mild, pleasant scent when burned.

Disadvantages

1. Low heat output: Boxelder produces less heat per volume than many other hardwoods, meaning you’ll need to burn more to achieve the same warmth.
2. Fast burn rate: It burns quickly, requiring more frequent refueling.
3. Poor coaling: Boxelder doesn’t produce long-lasting coals, making it less ideal for overnight heating.
4. Potential for smoke: If not properly seasoned, boxelder can produce excessive smoke.
5. Lower overall efficiency: Due to its lower heat output and faster burn rate, boxelder is generally less efficient than premium hardwoods.

Best Uses for Boxelder Firewood

Given its characteristics, boxelder firewood is best suited for certain situations:

Shoulder Season Burning

Boxelder can be an excellent choice for spring and fall when you need a quick, warm fire but don’t require all-night heat. Its easy ignition and lively flame make it perfect for taking the chill off on cool evenings.

Mixed Wood Strategy

Many experienced wood burners use a mixed wood strategy. They might use boxelder for:

1. Kindling to start fires
2. Quick heat during the day
3. Mixing with denser woods to balance burn rate and heat output

Outdoor Fire Pits

Boxelder’s quick light and bright flame make it a good option for outdoor fire pits where consistent, long-lasting heat is less critical.

Emergency Backup

In areas where boxelder is abundant, it can serve as a useful backup firewood when premium hardwoods are scarce or too expensive.

Tips for Using Boxelder Firewood Effectively

To make the most of boxelder firewood, consider these tips:

1. Proper seasoning: Ensure your boxelder is well-seasoned (moisture content below 20%) before burning. This will improve heat output and reduce smoke.
2. Mix with denser woods: Combine boxelder with denser hardwoods to balance quick ignition with longer burn times.
3. Use for daytime heating: Take advantage of boxelder’s quick light and lively flame for daytime warmth, saving denser woods for overnight burns.
4. Prepare larger quantities: Given its faster burn rate, you may need to process more boxelder than you would other hardwoods to last a heating season.
5. Optimize your stove: Adjust your stove’s air intake to control the burn rate of boxelder, which can help extend burn times.

Comparing Boxelder to Other Common Firewood Types

To put boxelder’s performance into perspective, let’s compare it to some other common firewood types:

Boxelder vs. Other Maples

While boxelder is technically a maple, it differs significantly from its cousins:

1. Sugar Maple: Produces about 30% more heat than boxelder and burns longer.
2. Red Maple: Offers about 20% more heat than boxelder with better coaling properties.

Boxelder vs. Oak

Oak is often considered a premium firewood:

1. Heat output: Oak produces about 40-50% more heat per cord than boxelder.
2. Burn time: Oak burns much slower, providing longer-lasting heat.
3. Coaling: Oak produces excellent coals for overnight burning.
4. Seasoning: Oak takes much longer to season (1-2 years) compared to boxelder (6-12 months).

Boxelder vs. Pine

Compared to softwoods like pine:

1. Heat output: Boxelder produces slightly more heat per cord than most pines.
2. Smoke: Properly seasoned boxelder generally produces less smoke and creosote than pine.
3. Spark: Pine tends to spark and pop more than boxelder, making it less suitable for open fireplaces.

Environmental Considerations

When using any firewood, it’s important to consider the environmental impact:

Sustainability

Boxelder’s rapid growth and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a relatively sustainable firewood option. In many areas, using boxelder for firewood can be part of responsible forest management, especially where it’s considered invasive.

Emissions

All wood burning produces emissions, but the type and amount can vary:

1. Particulate matter: Properly seasoned boxelder produces moderate levels of particulate emissions.
2. Creosote: Boxelder tends to produce less creosote than resinous softwoods, reducing chimney fire risk.

Carbon Footprint

Using locally sourced boxelder as firewood can have a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel heating options or transported firewood.

Harvesting and Processing Boxelder Firewood

If you’re considering harvesting your own boxelder firewood, here are some tips:

Identification

Ensure you’re harvesting boxelder and not a protected or valuable species. Look for:

1. Compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets
2. Opposite branching pattern
3. Green twigs on younger branches
4. “Helicopter” seed pods in fall

Cutting and Splitting

1. Cut logs to length appropriate for your wood stove or fireplace, typically 16-18 inches.
2. Split boxelder soon after cutting. Its relatively soft nature makes it easier to split when green.
3. Aim for a mix of sizes to aid in fire building and maintenance.

Seasoning

1. Stack split wood in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
2. Keep the wood off the ground using pallets or rails.
3. Cover the top of the stack to protect from rain and snow, but leave sides open for air circulation.
4. Allow at least 6-12 months for proper seasoning.

FAQ

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about burning boxelder firewood:

Is boxelder good firewood?

Boxelder can be good firewood in certain situations. It’s easy to process, seasons quickly, and provides a lively flame. However, it has a lower heat output and faster burn rate compared to premium hardwoods. It’s best used for shoulder season burning, as kindling, or mixed with denser woods.

How long does it take to season boxelder firewood?

Boxelder typically seasons faster than many other hardwoods. Under ideal conditions, it can be adequately dried in 6-12 months, compared to 1-2 years for denser hardwoods like oak. Proper stacking and storage can help optimize the seasoning process.

Can I burn fresh-cut boxelder?

It’s not recommended to burn fresh-cut boxelder or any unseasoned wood. Fresh wood contains high moisture content, which leads to inefficient burning, excessive smoke, and increased creosote buildup in chimneys. Always ensure your boxelder is properly seasoned (moisture content below 20%) before burning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, boxelder firewood offers a unique set of characteristics that can be beneficial in certain heating scenarios. While it may not match the heat output and long burn times of premium hardwoods like oak or hickory, boxelder’s quick seasoning time, easy ignition, and lively flame make it a valuable addition to a diversified firewood supply.

For those with access to boxelder trees, this often-overlooked wood can provide an economical and sustainable heating option, particularly when used strategically. It excels in shoulder season burning, as kindling, and in outdoor fire pits. By understanding its properties and using it appropriately, you can make the most of boxelder firewood and enhance your overall wood-burning experience.

Ultimately, the best firewood strategy often involves a mix of wood types, and boxelder can play a valuable role in such a approach. Whether you’re a seasoned wood burner or new to the world of firewood, considering boxelder as part of your fuel mix could lead to more efficient and enjoyable fires.

External Resources:

1. U.S. Forest Service – Boxelder Tree Information: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/aceneg/all.html
2. Firewood BTU Ratings Chart: https://chimneysweeponline.com/howood.htm
3. Proper Firewood Storage Techniques: https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/best-wood-burning-practices
4. Wood Moisture Meter Guide: https://w