- Mesquite burns fast and hot, smells great, and people often opt to mix it with other wood to slow the burn (Source)
- Generally, Mesquite is used for the BBQ pit, and not used as firewood, though it can function perfectly fine there
- In our research, some mesquite firewood pops and crackles a lot, and some not at all- and seasoning doesn’t seem to influence it
Mesquite is a hard, dense wood that makes excellent firewood.
Due to its high density, this type of wood has a very high heat output, making it ideal for use in campfires and outdoor grills. Furthermore, because mesquite grows deep roots and has a complex network of stems and leaves, it effectively prevents soil erosion.
If you want to protect your lawn or outdoor space from environmental damage, using mesquite as firewood is a great choice.
Additionally, mesquite burns slowly and produces relatively little smoke because it is such dense wood, making it ideal for indoor use. Overall, whether you use it outdoors or indoors, mesquite makes an excellent choice for firewood.
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BTUs
BTUs are often used to measure the heating power of firewood.
Mesquite is a type of wood commonly used for barbecues and smoking meats. It is also a popular choice for wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Mesquite has a high BTU rating, which means it can provide a lot of heat. Mesquite has one of the highest BTUs of any wood. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to quickly generate a lot of heat.
Where Can You Find Mesquite Trees & Firewood
Mesquite trees are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They can be found in arid desert regions in the wild, often alongside other drought-resistant plants such as creosote bush and cactus.
Mesquite trees are hardy plants that can tolerate long periods of drought; they are also wind-resistant and can survive in extremely hot conditions.
Due to their adaptability, mesquite trees have been widely planted as ornamental landscaping in arid regions worldwide.
In addition to their environmental benefits, mesquite trees are also an important food source for many desert animals. The mesquite tree beans are rich in protein and carbohydrates, making them a valuable food source for both humans and animals.
Properties of the Mesquite Tree
The mesquite tree is a fascinating organism with many unique properties.
For one thing, it is incredibly resilient and able to thrive in extremely hot, arid environments. It has long roots that help it pull nutrients up from far below the surface and profoundly penetrating thorns that help prevent surrounding plants from encroaching on its space.
Additionally, the mesquite tree possesses a long taproot that can reach hundreds of feet into the soil and pull moisture up during periods of drought. The mesquite tree demonstrates why it is a vital part of the desert ecosystem with these and other remarkable qualities.
Quality of the Fire that Mesquite Provides
Anyone who has used mesquite wood to cook food knows that this type of wood produces a high-quality, long-burning fire ideal for domestic and commercial purposes.
The dense structure of the wood, along with its slow burn rate, allows it to generate large flames that last for an extended period.
In addition, mesquite burns slowly and evenly across the whole surface of the wood rather than building up at specific points, making it useful as both a cooking and heating fuel. Compared to other fuels such as coal or gas, mesquite also produces less sooty smoke, allowing it to be used indoors and outdoors without any unpleasant side effects.
Thus, quality is undoubtedly one of the key benefits of using mesquite for fire production.
How Easy is it to Chop Up Mesquite for Firewood?
The wood is tough and dense, making it difficult to chop up firewood. However, with the right tools and some patience, it is possible to chop mesquite for firewood:
- Choose a saw that can handle the tough mesquite wood. A standard hand saw, or crosscut saw will work, but a power saw will make the job easier.
- Cut the mesquite logs into manageable pieces. Start by cutting them into lengths of two or three feet. Once the logs are cut into smaller pieces, they can be split into even smaller pieces using an axe or maul.
- Stack the wood in a dry location and allow it to season for at least six months before burning.
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