- Boxelder wood is decent as firewood, though if you want it to last through the night, you’ll need to mix it with other, longer-burning wood
- This is a low to medium quality type of firewood- many people chop these trees down to eliminate the boxelder bug that can potentially invade your home
- It’s a difficult to split wood and gets very heavy when wet- it’s a decent option for the fall and spring when temperatures aren’t too cold
- Some say it has a foul odor when burned- so try burning only a few pieces indoors to see how it resonates with you
- If you’re getting it for free, sure- try it out…but it’s not an awesome firewood, in general. But it is decent kindling
Contents
So, is it good firewood?
Boxelder firewood gets its name for the boxelder bugs that it attacks. The bugs are annoying but when the tree is cut does they it can be used for firewood and it will produce a sufficient amount of heat.
This wood is said to be of medium quality. It will keep the home warm and will generate heat when used. A person does need to be aware of the boxelder bugs when they bring this tree into the home. As the weather turns cold the bugs will into the wood.
While the bugs are not a safety threat people do not want bugs in the home. They will also smell bad if they are killed. A person needs to make sure they have removed the bugs from the wood as well as possible before bringing the wood into the home for burning.
Burning
This wood is said to burn well and it is inexpensive compared to some other types of firewood.
A person needs to keep a screen in front of the fireplace as the wood can crackle. It is best suited for outdoor fires but it can be used inside of the home. This is a hardwood and it will have 18.2 million BTU per cord.
Where to find it
Boxelder wood is a top choice for many people because it is inexpensive. This wood will provide the heat that a person is looking for and they will not have to spend a lot of money on the wood.
The boxelder tree grows in the central and eastern parts of the United States making it plentiful in these areas.
A person should contact their local wood distributor to inquire about the wood that they offer and where to get the best price.
Properties of the Boxelder Wood Tree
This tree is one of the most common types of trees in North America. It also goes by the name ash left maple. The tree will grow to be between 25 and 50 feet tall. The tree produces a long cluster of seeds that will attract the boxelder bug. The wood has red streaks going through it which many people find to be attractive.
This wood is very heavy when it is wet but is also as light as balsa wood when it is allowed to dry. The wood is best when used during the spring or the fall when temperatures are milder.
Fire Quality
Boxelder wood is best for the fires outside but with caution, it can be used inside of the home. The wood will produce enough heat to keep a family warm but it will not last 10 hours or during a typical night unless it has been mixed with others types of wood.
The wood needs to be given enough time to dry. The wood will burn quickly allowing the fire to be easy to start. The fire will need to be fed often to keep on burning.
Most people will mix this wood with oak or silver maple to keep the fire burning for a longer time. The wood will produce a lot of smoke so this is something to take note of. The smoke will build up very quickly so a person needs to make sure they have the proper ventilation in the home.
How easy is it to chop?
This type of wood is said to be hard to split. It will break and it will splinter easily, especially when the wood is dry. It is best to cut the wood while it is still slightly damp.
This will reduce the splintering. The wood will season quickly. The wood will be seasoned and ready to use for the fire in as little as six months.
This wood can still burn if it is slightly wet. It will provide more smoke and may have a bit of an odor.
The wood should not be left in large logs as this will lead to rot. The wood should be cut into smaller pieces and should be used within one year of cutting down the tree.
Summing Up
Boxelder tree produces a long cluster of seeds that will attract the boxelder bug. Boxelder wood has red streaks going through it which many people find to be attractive.
Boxelder wood is very heavy when it is wet but is also as light as balsa wood when it is allowed to dry.
Boxelder tree is best for the fires outside but with caution, it can be used inside of the home. Boxelder wood will produce enough heat to keep a family warm but it will not last 10 hours or during a typical night unless it has been mixed with others types of wood.
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.
