Dogwood is a great firewood. It burns very hot and lasts for a long time. It also produces very little smoke, so it's perfect for indoor fires. You should always make sure to have a few logs of dogwood on hand during the winter.
What is dogwood firewood good for?
Dogwood firewood is good for a variety of things. Its high heat output and low smoke make it ideal for cooking, while its unique properties also make it great for starting fires, as well as keeping them going throughout the night. Dogwoods are also known to be one of the longest burning woods available, which makes them perfect for those who want to enjoy a long-lasting fire without having to constantly tend to it.
How to select the best dogwood firewood?
- The first step is to find a tree that has fallen or been cut down.
- If the tree was felled recently, it may still have sap and bark on it which can make starting a fire difficult. Look for trees that have been lying around for at least twenty-four months.
- Next, use an axe or saw to cut the wood into manageable pieces. Dogwood fires burn best when they are about 18 inches long and 6 inches wide.
- Once you have your wood, split each piece in half lengthwise using an axe or maul. This will help the wood to catch fire more easily.
- Now your dogwood is ready to be used as fuel for your next campfire.
Why should you use dogwood firewood as your fuel source?
Dogwood is an excellent fuel source because it burns hot and provides a long-lasting fire. It also produces very little smoke, so it's ideal for indoor use. Dogwood fires are also said to be particularly beautiful, with their bright flames and glowing embers.
The different types of dogwood trees and what they are typically used for
There are four main types of dogwood trees: the flowering dogwood, Kousa dogwood, Cornelian cherry dogwood, and Pacific Dogwood.
The flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) are the most common type of dogwood tree in North America. They typically grow to be about 20-30 feet tall and have a spread of 15-25 feet. Flowering dogwoods have beautiful white flowers that bloom in early springtime (March or April), followed by small red fruits called drupes which ripen in late summer/early fall and provide food for birds and other wildlife. The leaves of these trees turn a deep red color in autumn before falling off.
Kousa dogwoods (Cornus kousa) are native to Japan, Korea, & China but can also be found growing throughout the Eastern United States as well. These deciduous trees usually only reach heights between 15-25 feet with spreads around 25 feet wide; however, they can sometimes get up to 40 feet tall. One distinct feature of this type of dogwood is its flat flower clusters that contain 4 petals each and appear later than those on flowering dogwoods - blooming sometime in May instead of March or April like their counterpart's blossoms do. Another identifying characteristic is that the fruit produced by Kousa dogwoods resembles small strawberries rather than drupes(like on flowering dogwoods).
Cornelian cherry dogwoods (Cornus mas) are also native to Eastern Europe & Western Asia but have been naturalized in the United States as well. They typically grow to be about 15-25 feet tall with a spread of around 20 feet wide, although they can sometimes get up to 30 feet in height. Cornelian cherry dogwoods have yellow flowers that bloom in early spring (February or March) and are followed by small, edible fruits that ripen in late summer/early fall. The trees' leaves turn a deep red color in autumn.
Pacific dogwoods (Cornus nuttallii) are the tallest of all the dogwood species, sometimes reaching heights of 100 feet or more. These trees are native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America and typically have a spread of around 40 feet. Pacific dogwoods have white flowers that bloom in early spring (March or April) and are followed by small, red fruits that ripen in late summer/early fall. The leaves of these trees turn yellow in autumn before falling off.
General maintenance tips for using dogwood firewood
The following are general maintenance tips for using dogwood firewood:
- Store your wood in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help to prevent mold and rot from developing.
- Be sure to stack the wood off of the ground, so that it can air out properly.
- If you notice any signs of mold or rot on your wood, discard it immediately. These areas can spread quickly and be difficult to treat.
- Use a hatchet or axe to split the larger pieces of dogwood into smaller sizes that will fit easily into your fireplace or stove.
Tips on how to store dogwood firewood properly, including storing before burning it or after burning it
- Before burning dogwood firewood, it is important to store it in a dry place. This will help to prevent the wood from rot and also make sure that any insects are killed off.
- A good way to store dogwood firewood is by stacking it in a log cabin style. This allows for air circulation around the logs which helps them to stay dry.
- If you have cut your own dogwood, then it is best to allow them 24 months of drying time before burning them as this will give the sap time to evaporate out of the wood.
- Once your dogwood is fully dried out, it can be stored outdoors. When storing outside, make sure they are well covered and protected from moisture so that they do not reabsorb any water vapor and start rotting again.
Safety precautions when using dogwood firewood
When using dogwood firewood, it is important to take some safety precautions. Here are some tips:
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling the wood, as the sap can be irritating to the skin.
- Use a saw or axe to cut the wood into smaller pieces before putting it in your fireplace or stove. This will help prevent sparks from flying out and starting a fire.
Is dogwood firewood hardwood or softwood
Dogwood firewood is classified as hardwood. It is denser than most softwoods and burns for a longer period of time.
Dogwood firewood BTUs
When it comes to producing heat, dogwood firewood is definitely one of the best. In fact, pound for pound, dogwood has more BTUs than almost any other type of wood around!
Here's a quick rundown on just how many BTUs you can expect from dogwood firewood:
- A full cord of dry, seasoned Dogwood logs will burn for approximately 32 hours and produce 30 million BTUs of energy.
- That means that 1 ton (2 cords)of this great burning wood will generate 60 million British Thermal Units(BTU).
- To give you some perspective, burning 2 tons(4 cords)of softwoods like pine or fir typically only produces 80 million BTUs
Splitting and seasoning dogwood firewood
If you're looking for tips on how to split and season dogwood firewood, then look no further. This guide will provide everything you need to know in order to get the most out of your wood.
Dogwoods are a type of hardwood that is known for being very dense and difficult to split. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be done relatively easily. Here's what you'll need:
- A sharp axe or hatchet (a dull one will just make the job harder)
- A saw (optional)
- Firewood splitting wedges ( optional but helpful)
Assuming the logs are already cut into manageable pieces, here's how to go about it:
- Start by making a notch in the log with your axe or hatchet - this will help prevent the wedge from slipping off when you start hitting it.
- Place your first wedge in the notch and give it a few good whacks with either an axe or sledgehammer until it starts driving into the log.
- Repeat step 2 with additional wedges placed around the circumference of the log.
- Once all edges are in place and driven partway into the log, begin chopping along the grain with your axe or hatchet to split it into pieces.
- If you encounter any particularly tough knots, your saw may come in handy to help cut through them.
- Once all pieces are split, they can be stacked and left to season. If you live in a humid climate, it's a good idea to cover the stack with a tarp to prevent moisture from reabsorbing into the wood.
Burning dogwood firewood
When it comes to choosing the right type of wood for your fireplace, there are many factors to consider. If you live in an area where dogwood trees are abundant, then burning dogwood firewood may be a good option for you. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're thinking about using this type of wood:
- Dogwoods have a high density. This makes them ideal for use in fireplaces and wood stoves.
- The bark of dogwoods is very thick, so it's important to remove it before burning the wood. Otherwise, the bark can create harmful fumes when burned.
- To do this, simply peel back the bark with a knife or other sharp object until you reach the inner layer of wood. Then cut or split the log into smaller pieces that will fit comfortably in your fireplace grate.
- Another advantage of dogwood firewood is that it doesn't produce much smoke when burned properly.
Does dogwood firewood make sparks?
Dogwood firewood makes very few sparks. This makes it very good firewood for use in fireplaces and wood stoves.
How much does dogwood firewood cost?
Dogwood firewood is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable option. Dogwoods are known for their strong wood and consistent burning properties, making them ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor fires. One of the main benefits of dogwood firewood is its price - it typically costs significantly less than other popular choices such as oak or maple.
When purchasing dogwood firewood, it's important to consider the type of tree that the wood has come from. Different types of dogwoods offer different levels of quality, so be sure to ask your supplier about this before making a purchase. In general, however, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per cord depending on the quality of the wood.
How does dogwood firewood smell when it is burned?
When dogwood firewood is burned, it gives off a unique and pleasant smell. The wood itself is very dense and hard, which makes it ideal for burning in a fireplace or stove. Unlike other types of wood, dogwood doesn't give off much smoke when burned. This means that your home won't be filled with the smoky smell of a traditional fire. Instead, you'll enjoy the fresh scent of nature every time you light your dogwood fire.
Does dogwood firewood smoke?
Dogwood firewood smokes very little. It has a light, sweet smell that is pleasant to most people. The wood burns hot and clean, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid creosote buildup in their chimneys.
