Birch firewood burn qualities

1. HEAT OUTPUT
Birch provides 20.8 million BTUs per cord.
The heat birch produces is lower than most popular hardwoods like apples and oak. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t burn birch if you’ve got some rounds available. Birch makes great kindling and can be burned in the shoulder season when temperatures are still mild.

2. SMOKE
Birch generally produces moderate levels of smoke, so you may get a little smoked-out if you’ve got an open fire. Wood stove owners won’t find the smoke levels a big issue.
All firewood should be well seasoned before burning. Green wood contains a lot of water and will create smoke as it burns. Unseasoned wood is also much less efficient. Instead of producing heat, the fire uses its energy to evaporate water.

3. SPARKS
Birch firewood doesn’t produce many sparks, this is good because there’s a lower risk of unwanted fires or carpet burns. Although sparking and popping are low when burning birch.

4. AROMA
Birch firewood performs well on fragrance once it’s tossed into the fire. The aroma will vary depending on the type of birch. For example, yellow birch emits a lovely wintergreen smell as you split the wood. River birch is also a popular option for its fragrance once burning. White birch provides less smell, but it is still pleasant. Meat smokers and barbecue enthusiasts will enjoy using birch for cooking fish and meat. Hickory and apple are also great options for this purpose.

5. COALING
Firewood with good coaling properties will provide longer-lasting heat. It also means you don’t have to constantly throw extra wood into the fire to keep it burning.

6. CREOSOTE BUILD UP
Creosote is a form of black tar that gets deposited on the inside of chimneys as a fire burns. Firewood will create varying levels of creosote, depending on the type. Higher levels mean you’ll need to maintain the chimney regularly.Birch won’t produce high levels of creosote, so long as it’s seasoned properly, once fully dried out; sap or resin that creates soot will have gone.

Birch firewood – FAQ

How long does it take to season birch?
Birch should only take 6 months to season in warm, dry climates while 12 months is recommended for those living in cooler, damper areas. Some types, like black birch, will burn season quicker than yellow birch. Firewood too soon will result in a smoky fire with less heat output than seasoned wood. Keep in mind that split birch will dry out much quicker than large rounds.

Is birch good for smoking meat?
Birch is popular for smoking meat as it usually has an aroma that is mildly sweet and pleasant. It adds more flavor to food than hickory, apple, or cherry.

How can I identify a birch tree?
You can identify a birch tree by its triangle-shaped leaves that have serrated edges. The grey, white, or yellow bark is often peeling off the trunk and it may also have diamond-shaped marks.

How can I identify birch firewood?
Birch firewood often has a straight grain with a uniform texture. It has a reddish-brown heartwood and white sapwood, with plain, wavy patterns.

7 fun facts about the birch tree
– The birch tree is a deciduous hardwood that has around 40 species.
– It is from the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae.
– The tree is susceptible to disease and pests.
– They are found in temperate climates of North America, Europe, and Asia.
– The birch has a relatively short lifespan of 40-50 years but can live up to 200 years if the conditions are favorable.
– Most birch trees grow to around 40 feet in height, however, some species may reach 80 feet.
– The birch’s leaves and bark make it a popular choice for ornamentals.
– Birch is a decent firewood that’s great for burning in a fire. It may not offer the heat output that the best types of firewood offer, but it makes excellent shoulder season wood. it’ll also do well when you combine it with longer-lasting firewood like oak.