During the colder months, there is nothing quite as comforting as the cozy atmosphere of a crackling fire. However, it is important to note that not all firewood is of the same quality.
The type of wood you burn can significantly impact the fire’s heat output, burning duration, and even the health of your fireplace or wood stove.
One type of wood that often sparks interest is dogwood. Known for its beautiful spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage, dogwood also has properties that may make it a good choice for firewood.
Is dogwood good firewood? Dogwood is considered good firewood. It is known for its high density and heat output, which allows it to burn hot and long, making it an efficient choice for heating. However, it needs to be properly seasoned before burning to reduce its moisture content and optimize its burning properties.
In the following sections, we will explore the characteristics of dogwood as firewood, including its density, moisture content, heat output, and flame characteristics.
We will also go over the advantages of using dogwood as firewood, considerations and limitations, and how it compares to other types of firewood.
Key Takeaways
- Dogwood is considered good firewood due to its high density and heat output, which allows it to burn hot and long.
- While dogwood has many advantages, it can be challenging to split due to its high density and somewhat harder to ignite than less dense woods.
- Compared to other types of firewood, dogwood has a high heat output, similar to that of oak.
- Dogwood should be stored in a location protected from rain but exposed to sun and wind, and it usually takes at least 6 months to a year for it to be properly seasoned.
Eager to know as much as possible about your dogwood trees? You’ll find the answers you’re looking for in my article Commonly Asked Questions About Dogwood Trees.
Dogwood as Firewood
When considering any type of wood for firewood, several factors come into play. Here’s a detailed look at the properties of dogwood as firewood:
Density and Weight
Dogwood is a hardwood, which means it’s denser and heavier than softwoods like pine or fir.
This high density makes dogwood an excellent choice for firewood as denser woods tend to burn longer and produce more heat than less dense woods.
However, the high density also means that dogwood can be more challenging to split than some other types of wood.
Moisture Content
The moisture content of firewood significantly impacts its burning efficiency. Freshly cut dogwood has a high moisture content and should not be burned until it has been properly seasoned.
Seasoning involves allowing the wood to dry until its moisture content is reduced, typically to around 20%.
For dogwood, this process usually takes at least 6 months to a year when the wood is properly stacked and stored in a location where it’s protected from rain but exposed to sunlight and wind.
Heat Output
Heat output is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Dogwood is known for its high BTU output, which means it can produce a substantial amount of heat when burned.
This makes it an efficient choice for heating homes. However, to achieve the maximum BTU output, the wood must be properly seasoned first.
Flame Characteristics
Dogwood produces a steady flame when burned and does not tend to spark or pop as much as some other types of wood, making it a safer choice for indoor heating.
The flame from burning dogwood is also quite beautiful, adding to the overall ambiance of a wood fire.
Ease of Ignition
While dogwood’s high density allows it to burn hot and long, it also means it can be somewhat harder to ignite than less dense woods.
Therefore, it’s often best to start your fire with softer, easier-to-ignite wood, and then add the dogwood once the fire is burning strongly.
Advantages of Using Dogwood as Firewood
Dogwood offers several advantages as firewood.
- High-density wood
- Good heat output
- Steady flame
- Long burn time
- Little to no sparking or popping
- Provides a nice ambiance
Considerations and Limitations
While dogwood has many advantages, there are a few considerations and limitations to keep in mind.
Due to its high density, dogwood can be challenging to split and somewhat harder to ignite than less dense woods.
Also, like all firewood, dogwood needs to be properly seasoned before burning to reduce its moisture content and optimize its burning properties.
Comparison with Other Firewood Types
Here’s a comparison of dogwood with several other common types of firewood:
| Firewood Type | Heat Output (BTUs per Cord) | Ease of Splitting | Sparking |
| Dogwood | High (Approx. 27.5 million) | Difficult | Low |
| Oak | High (Approx. 24 million) | Moderate | Low |
| Maple | Medium (Approx. 20 million) | Moderate | Low |
| Pine | Low (Approx. 15 million) | Easy | High |
| Birch | Medium (Approx. 20 million) | Easy | Medium |
| Ash | Medium (Approx. 20 million) | Easy | Low |
| Cherry | Medium (Approx. 20 million) | Easy | Low |
Practical Considerations and Tips
When using dogwood as firewood, there are several practical considerations and tips to keep in mind:
Proper Storage and Seasoning Techniques
To season dogwood, cut and split the wood, then stack it in a location where it’s protected from rain but exposed to sunlight and wind.
The wood should be stacked off the ground and covered on top to protect it from rain and snow. It usually takes at least 6 months to a year for dogwood to be properly seasoned.
Mixing Dogwood With Other Firewood Types
Because dogwood can be harder to ignite, it can be helpful to mix it with other, easier-to-ignite woods when starting a fire.
Once the fire is going strong, you can add the dogwood to take advantage of its high heat output and long burn time.
Optimizing Burning Efficiency
To optimize the burning efficiency of dogwood, make sure the wood is properly seasoned before burning.
Also, remember to maintain good airflow in your fireplace or wood stove as this helps the wood burn more efficiently.
Related Questions:
What Are the Worst Woods for Firewood?
Woods that are considered less ideal for firewood are typically those that are low in density, have a low heat output, or produce a lot of smoke or sparks when burned. This includes woods like pine, fir, and willow.
How Much Firewood Is in a Cord?
A cord is a unit of measure for firewood and is defined as 128 cubic feet when the wood is neatly stacked in a line or row. This typically equates to a stack that is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.
You can generally expect around 700 pieces of firewood per cord, but this varies based on the size and length of the pieces.
Conclusion
Dogwood can make excellent firewood, offering high heat output, a long burn time, and a beautiful flame.
However, it’s important to properly season it before burning and to store it correctly to protect it from moisture.
If you’ve recently had to cut down one of your dogwoods, using it for firewood is a great option.
There is a lot more to dogwood trees than just the quality of the wood. Don’t miss these articles:
- Red Dogwood Berries: Purpose, Uses, Variations and More
- Best Dogwood Varieties: 20 Top-Performing Flowering Trees