Do Some Types of Firewood Not Burn Well?

Heat Output

• Hard wood such as oak, hickory, persimmon and dogwood produce some of the highest rated heat when burned. Wood at the bottom of heat output include cottonwood, white pine and willow.

Seasoning

• The most critical aspect of burning wood is to ensure that it is properly seasoned for about 12 months. Green wood of any kind -- or wood that is freshly cut -- has a very hard time lighting and produces low heat. Most of the energy that would normally be turned into heat is used to drive the moisture from the wood, resulting in spitting and throwing many sparks.

Storage

• Storing the wood is important. Firewood left exposed to recent rain and snow will not burn well. Wood left directly on the ground absorbs moisture from the ground and, often times, has patches of decomposed wood, which does not burn.

Acceptable Wood

• Almost all seasoned wood is acceptable for a fireplace. Even low-rated wood will warm a home. The only true difference between highly rated wood and other wood is the amount of wood that is needed to produce the same total heat. Lower-rated wood will eventually catch up in the heat output if you have enough wood to continue putting on the fire.