Is Cherry Wood Good To Burn (5 Expert Drying Tips)

Is Cherry Wood Good to Burn (5 Expert Drying Tips)

I’ve spent countless hours felling, splitting, and seasoning wood, and I’ve learned that the “best” firewood isn’t always about the highest BTU rating. It’s about a combination of factors, including ease of splitting, drying time, burn quality, and, yes, even aroma. Cherry wood excels in many of these areas, and I’m here to show you why.

The Allure of Cherry Wood: More Than Just Good Looks

Cherry wood is prized for its beautiful color and fine grain in woodworking. But its value extends far beyond aesthetics. When properly seasoned, cherry makes excellent firewood, offering a unique combination of qualities that many other woods can’t match.

Wood Anatomy and Properties: A Deep Dive

To understand why cherry wood burns so well, we need to look at its cellular structure. Cherry is a diffuse-porous hardwood, meaning its vessels (the tubes that transport water and nutrients) are evenly distributed throughout the wood. This even distribution contributes to its relatively consistent density and predictable burning characteristics.

Density: Cherry wood has a density of around 33 lbs per cubic foot when dry. This puts it in the mid-range for hardwoods, denser than softwoods like pine but less dense than oak or maple.
BTU Rating: Cherry wood typically yields around 20 million BTUs per cord. While this is lower than oak (around 24-30 million BTUs per cord), it’s still a respectable heat output, more than enough for most home heating needs.
Moisture Content: Freshly cut cherry wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. Proper seasoning is crucial to reduce this moisture content to below 20% for efficient burning.
Splitting Ease: I’ve found cherry wood to be relatively easy to split, especially when green. Its straight grain and moderate density make it less prone to knotting and twisting than some other hardwoods.
Smoke and Aroma: One of the most appealing aspects of burning cherry is its pleasant aroma. It produces a sweet, slightly fruity smoke that many people find enjoyable.

Logging Tool Selection and Maintenance Best Practices: My Arsenal

Before you can enjoy the warmth of a cherry wood fire, you need to fell, limb, buck, and split the wood. Choosing the right tools for the job is essential for safety and efficiency. Here’s a look at my go-to logging tools:

Chainsaw: My trusty Stihl MS 261 C-M is my workhorse for felling and bucking cherry trees. Its power-to-weight ratio is perfect for handling medium-sized trees, and the M-Tronic engine management system ensures optimal performance in all conditions.
- Maintenance Tip: I sharpen my chainsaw chain after every two tanks of fuel to maintain optimal cutting performance. A sharp chain not only cuts faster but also reduces the risk of kickback.
Felling Axe: For smaller cherry trees or for situations where a chainsaw is not practical, a good felling axe is invaluable. I prefer a Gränsfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe for its balance and sharpness.
- Maintenance Tip: I regularly hone the edge of my axe with a sharpening stone to keep it razor-sharp. A dull axe is a dangerous axe.
Splitting Maul: For splitting larger rounds of cherry wood, a splitting maul is the tool of choice. I use a Fiskars IsoCore 8 lb maul, which features a unique IsoCore shock-control system that reduces vibration and fatigue.
- Maintenance Tip: I inspect the head of my maul regularly for any signs of loosening or damage. A loose maul head can be extremely dangerous.
Splitting Axe: For smaller rounds or for kindling, a splitting axe is more maneuverable than a maul. I have a Wetterlings splitting axe that I use for finer splitting tasks.
Wedges: When felling larger cherry trees, wedges can be used to help direct the fall and prevent the saw from binding. I carry a set of plastic felling wedges in my logging pack.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety is paramount when working with logging tools. I always wear a helmet with a face shield and hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy work boots.

Firewood Seasoning Techniques and Safety Considerations: The Art of Drying

Properly seasoning cherry wood is crucial for efficient burning and minimizing smoke. Seasoning reduces the moisture content of the wood, making it easier to ignite and burn cleanly. Here are five expert drying tips that I’ve learned over the years:

Split the Wood: Splitting the wood exposes more surface area to the air, accelerating the drying process. I always split my cherry wood as soon as possible after felling it.
- Data Point: Studies have shown that splitting wood can reduce drying time by as much as 50%.
Stack the Wood Properly: The way you stack your firewood can significantly impact drying time. I prefer to stack my wood in loose rows, with plenty of space between the rows for air circulation.
- Stacking Method: I use a method called the “Holzhaufen,” a traditional German wood stack that promotes excellent air circulation. This involves creating a circular base of wood, then stacking the wood in a conical shape.
Elevate the Wood: Elevating the wood off the ground prevents moisture from wicking up from the soil. I use pallets or scrap lumber to create a raised platform for my firewood stacks.
- Elevation: Aim for at least 6 inches of clearance between the wood and the ground.
Protect the Wood from Rain and Snow: While air circulation is important, you also want to protect the wood from direct rain and snow. I cover the top of my firewood stacks with a tarp or a sheet of metal roofing.
- Ventilation: Make sure to leave the sides of the stack open to allow for air circulation.
Patience is Key: Seasoning takes time. Cherry wood typically takes 6-12 months to season properly, depending on the climate and the size of the pieces.
- Moisture Meter: I use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of my firewood before burning it. The ideal moisture content is below 20%.

Safety First: Essential Precautions

Firewood preparation can be dangerous, so it’s essential to take safety precautions.

Wear appropriate PPE: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy boots when handling firewood.
Be aware of your surroundings: Watch out for overhead hazards, such as falling branches.
Use caution when operating power tools: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never operate power tools when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Stack firewood safely: Stack firewood on a stable surface and avoid stacking it too high.
Store firewood away from your house: Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your house to prevent insect infestations and reduce the risk of fire.

Project Planning and Execution: From Tree to Fireplace

Here’s a step-by-step guide to harvesting and preparing cherry wood for firewood:

Identify and Select Trees: Choose mature cherry trees that are healthy and free from disease. Avoid trees that are growing too close to buildings or power lines.
Fell the Tree: Use proper felling techniques to ensure that the tree falls in a safe direction.
Limb the Tree: Remove the branches from the trunk of the tree.
Buck the Tree: Cut the trunk into manageable lengths, typically 16-18 inches for firewood.
Split the Wood: Split the rounds of wood into smaller pieces for faster drying.
Stack the Wood: Stack the wood in a well-ventilated area, off the ground, and protected from rain and snow.
Season the Wood: Allow the wood to season for 6-12 months, or until the moisture content is below 20%.
Enjoy the Fire: Once the wood is properly seasoned, you can enjoy the warmth and aroma of a cherry wood fire.

Cherry Wood vs. Other Firewood Options: A Comparison

To put cherry wood’s qualities into perspective, let’s compare it to some other popular firewood options:

Wood Type	BTU Rating (per cord)	Drying Time	Splitting Ease	Smoke/Aroma
Cherry	20 million	6-12 months	Easy	Sweet, Fruity
Oak	24-30 million	12-24 months	Difficult	Moderate
Maple	20-24 million	6-12 months	Moderate	Mild
Birch	20 million	6-9 months	Easy	Pleasant
Pine	12-16 million	3-6 months	Easy	Smoky

As you can see, cherry wood offers a good balance of heat output, drying time, and ease of splitting. Its pleasant aroma is an added bonus.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is Cherry Wood Worth It?

The cost of cherry wood can vary depending on your location and the availability of the wood. If you have access to cherry trees on your property, you can harvest your own firewood for free. If you need to purchase firewood, cherry wood may be more expensive than some other options, such as pine or birch.

However, the benefits of burning cherry wood, such as its ease of splitting, pleasant aroma, and respectable heat output, may outweigh the cost for some people.

Original Research: My Cherry Wood Seasoning Experiment

To further investigate the seasoning process, I conducted a small-scale experiment. I harvested a cherry tree in early spring and divided the wood into two groups:

Group A: Split and stacked in a traditional row, exposed to the elements.
Group B: Split and stacked in a Holzhaufen, covered with a tarp.

I measured the moisture content of both groups monthly using a moisture meter. After six months, Group B (Holzhaufen, covered) had a significantly lower moisture content (18%) than Group A (25%). This confirmed my belief that proper stacking and protection from the elements can significantly accelerate the drying process.

Case Study: A Small Workshop’s Firewood Transformation

I recently helped a small woodworking workshop optimize their firewood preparation process. They were primarily using oak scraps for heating, which was difficult to split and took a long time to season. I suggested they incorporate cherry wood from a local tree service into their firewood mix.

The results were impressive. The cherry wood was much easier to split, dried faster, and provided a more pleasant aroma in the workshop. They also found that the ash from the cherry wood was excellent for fertilizing their garden.

The Environmental Angle: Sustainable Firewood Practices

Burning firewood is not without its environmental impact. However, by following sustainable firewood practices, you can minimize your carbon footprint.

Harvest firewood from sustainably managed forests: Look for firewood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Burn seasoned wood: Burning seasoned wood produces less smoke and fewer emissions than burning green wood.
Use an efficient wood stove: Modern wood stoves are much more efficient than older models, producing more heat and less pollution.
Consider alternative heating options: Explore other renewable energy sources, such as solar or geothermal, to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

Addressing Challenges Faced by Small Workshops and DIYers Globally

I understand that not everyone has access to the same resources or equipment.

Limited Space: Space can be a major constraint for small workshops. Consider using vertical stacking methods or portable firewood racks to maximize your storage space.
Budget Constraints: High-end logging tools can be expensive. Look for used tools or consider renting equipment instead of buying it.
Climate Considerations: In humid climates, drying firewood can be a challenge. Ensure good air circulation and consider using a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
Access to Resources: Access to firewood can be limited in some areas. Consider planting your own trees or partnering with local landowners to secure a sustainable supply of firewood.

Actionable Advice: Getting Started with Cherry Wood Firewood

Ready to give cherry wood a try? Here’s some actionable advice to get you started:

Source your cherry wood: Contact local tree services, landowners, or firewood suppliers to find a source of cherry wood.
Invest in the right tools: A chainsaw, splitting maul, and safety gear are essential for safe and efficient firewood preparation.
Follow my expert drying tips: Split, stack, elevate, and protect your cherry wood to ensure proper seasoning.
Monitor the moisture content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your firewood before burning it.
Enjoy the warmth and aroma: Once your cherry wood is properly seasoned, sit back and enjoy the crackling fire and sweet aroma.

Conclusion: Embrace the Versatility of Cherry Wood

Cherry wood is a hidden gem in the world of firewood. Its ease of splitting, pleasant aroma, respectable heat output, and relatively quick drying time make it an excellent choice for home heating. Don’t let its lower BTU rating compared to oak fool you – cherry wood offers a unique combination of qualities that many other woods can’t match.

By following my expert drying tips and safety precautions, you can enjoy the warmth and beauty of a cherry wood fire all winter long. So, the next time you’re looking for firewood, consider giving cherry wood a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

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