Apple Trees With Thorns (5 Firewood Prep Tips You Need)

Apple Trees with Thorns: 5 Firewood Prep Tips You Need

Forget what you think you know about firewood. Dealing with thorny apple trees is a whole different ballgame, a thorny one at that! I’m going to walk you through everything I’ve learned over the years, from the initial assessment of the tree to stacking the seasoned wood, ready to warm your home. This isn’t just about splitting logs; it’s about understanding the unique challenges and reaping the rewards of a truly exceptional fuel source.

The Thorny Truth: Understanding Apple Wood

Apple wood. It’s a name that conjures up images of cozy fireplaces and the sweet aroma of burning fruitwood. But before you get carried away with visions of crackling fires, let’s address the elephant in the room: those thorns!

I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring those thorns is like wrestling a porcupine. You’ll end up with a handful of splinters and a whole lot of regret. But don’t let that deter you. The effort is well worth it. Apple wood is a dense hardwood, prized for its high heat output and delightful fragrance.

Apple Wood: A Firewood Profile

Density: Apple wood is a dense hardwood, typically ranging from 45 to 55 pounds per cubic foot when dry. This puts it in the same league as oak and maple, meaning it packs a serious BTU punch.
BTU Rating: Expect around 27 million BTUs per cord. To put that in perspective, birch is around 20 million BTUs per cord and oak is around 29 million BTUs per cord.
Smoke & Aroma: The smoke is generally mild and pleasant, with a subtly sweet aroma that many find appealing.
Sparking: Apple wood tends to spark a bit more than some other hardwoods. A good fire screen is essential.
Seasoning Time: This is crucial. Aim for at least 12-18 months of seasoning to reduce moisture content below 20%.
Thorns: The biggest pain, literally. More on dealing with these later.
Rot Resistance: Moderate. Keep your seasoned apple wood covered and off the ground.

Personal Story: I once underestimated the seasoning time for a batch of apple wood. I thought a summer would be enough. Big mistake. The wood was still too wet, burned poorly, and created a creosote buildup in my chimney. Lesson learned: patience is key.

Why Apple Wood is Worth the Trouble

Despite the thorny challenge, apple wood is a fantastic firewood option for several reasons:

High Heat Output: As mentioned, it rivals oak in terms of heat production, meaning you’ll use less wood to achieve the same level of warmth.
Clean Burning: When properly seasoned, apple wood burns cleanly, producing less smoke and creosote than softer woods.
Pleasant Aroma: The subtle, sweet aroma adds a touch of ambiance to your fires.
Good Coaling: Apple wood creates excellent coals, which are ideal for maintaining a consistent heat and for cooking.

Tip #1: Taming the Thorns: Pre-Cutting Strategies

The key to dealing with thorny apple trees is to minimize your contact with those prickly branches from the start.

Initial Assessment

Before you even fire up your chainsaw, take a good look at the tree.

Tree Size and Shape: How big is the tree? Are there any large, heavy limbs that require extra caution? Is the tree leaning precariously?
Thorn Density: How dense are the thorns? Are they concentrated in certain areas?
Branching Pattern: How are the branches arranged? This will influence your cutting strategy.

Pruning Before Felling

This is where you get ahead of the game. Before felling the tree, prune away as many of the smaller, thorn-laden branches as possible.

Tool Selection: I recommend using long-handled loppers or a pruning saw for this task. A pole saw can be a lifesaver for reaching higher branches.
Protective Gear: Don’t even think about starting without heavy-duty gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves. Trust me on this one.
Cutting Technique: Cut branches close to the main trunk to avoid leaving stubs that can snag on things later.

Felling with Foresight

When felling the tree, think about where it will land.

Clear the Area: Clear away any obstacles that could snag the tree or make it difficult to access.
Controlled Felling: Use proper felling techniques to ensure the tree lands in a safe and accessible location.
Minimize Branch Contact: Try to fell the tree in a way that minimizes contact with the ground. This will help to keep the thorns from getting tangled in the underbrush.

Technical Detail: When felling, I use the “Humboldt Cut” technique. This involves a deeper notch than a standard felling cut, providing more control over the direction of the fall. This technique requires precise angles and a good understanding of tree lean.

Data Point: A well-executed Humboldt cut can improve felling accuracy by as much as 20%, reducing the risk of misdirected falls.

Tip #2: Chainsaw Mastery: Cutting for Efficiency and Safety

Once the tree is on the ground, it’s time to get to work with your chainsaw.

Chainsaw Selection

Bar Length: I recommend a chainsaw with a bar length of at least 18 inches for most apple trees. This will give you enough reach to cut through larger logs without overextending yourself.
Power: A chainsaw with a 50cc engine or greater will provide ample power for cutting through dense apple wood.
Chain Type: Use a sharp, aggressive chain designed for hardwood cutting. A full-chisel chain will cut faster, but a semi-chisel chain will stay sharp longer.

Cutting Techniques

Bucking: Cut the trunk into manageable lengths for splitting. I typically aim for 16-18 inch lengths, but this will depend on the size of your fireplace or wood stove.
Limbing: Remove any remaining branches from the trunk. Be extra careful when dealing with thorny branches.
Avoiding Kickback: Always be aware of the potential for chainsaw kickback. Keep a firm grip on the saw and avoid cutting with the tip of the bar.

Chainsaw Maintenance

Chain Sharpening: A sharp chain is essential for efficient and safe cutting. Sharpen your chain regularly, or take it to a professional for sharpening.
Chain Lubrication: Keep the chain properly lubricated to prevent overheating and premature wear.
Air Filter Cleaning: Clean the air filter regularly to ensure proper engine performance.

Technical Detail: I use a chainsaw chain sharpener with a specific angle setting for hardwood chains. Maintaining the correct angle is crucial for optimal cutting performance and chain longevity. The angle I use is typically 30 degrees.

Data Point: A dull chainsaw chain can increase cutting time by as much as 50% and significantly increase the risk of kickback.

Safety First

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear a chainsaw helmet with face shield, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, and heavy-duty gloves.
Safe Cutting Practices: Follow all safe cutting practices, including maintaining a stable stance, keeping a clear work area, and avoiding cutting overhead.
Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies, including a first-aid kit and a way to call for help.

Tip #3: Splitting Strategies: Conquer the Core

Apple wood can be notoriously difficult to split, especially if it’s knotty or twisted.

Axe vs. Hydraulic Splitter

Axe: A splitting maul is a good option for smaller logs and for those who enjoy the physical challenge. A wedge can be helpful for splitting particularly tough logs.
Hydraulic Splitter: A hydraulic splitter is a worthwhile investment if you process a lot of firewood. It will save you time and energy, and it’s much safer than swinging an axe all day.

Splitting Techniques

Start with the Easiest Logs: Begin by splitting the straightest, most knot-free logs. This will help you get into a rhythm and build confidence.
Split Along the Grain: Look for natural cracks or splits in the wood and aim to split along the grain.
Use a Wedge: If you encounter a particularly tough log, use a splitting wedge to create a starting point.
Avoid Over-Splitting: There’s no need to split every log into tiny pieces. Aim for pieces that are roughly 4-6 inches in diameter.

Dealing with Knots

Attack from Multiple Angles: Try splitting the log from different angles to find the path of least resistance.
Use a Sledgehammer and Wedge: A sledgehammer and wedge can be used to force the split through the knot.
Consider the Knot as a Feature: Sometimes, it’s best to simply work around the knot. You can always burn the knotty piece as kindling.

The Thorny Issue (Again!)

Even after cutting, those thorns can still be a nuisance.

Wear Gloves: Keep those heavy-duty gloves on!
Use a Log Lifter: A log lifter can help you move logs without having to touch them directly.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Watch where you step and avoid leaning against piles of thorny branches.

Personal Story: I once tried to split a particularly stubborn apple log with an axe. I swung with all my might, and the axe bounced back and hit me in the shin. Luckily, I was wearing shin guards, but it was a painful reminder of the importance of safety.

Technical Detail: The splitting force required for different wood species varies significantly. Apple wood, with its density, typically requires a splitting force of 10-20 tons on a hydraulic splitter.

Data Point: Using a hydraulic splitter can reduce the risk of splitting-related injuries by as much as 75% compared to using an axe.

Tip #4: Seasoning for Success: The Art of Drying

Proper seasoning is essential for burning apple wood efficiently and cleanly.

The Seasoning Process

Splitting First: Split the wood before seasoning. This will increase the surface area and allow it to dry more quickly.
Stacking: Stack the wood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny, well-ventilated location.
Covering: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for ventilation.
Patience: Allow the wood to season for at least 12-18 months, or longer if possible.

Monitoring Moisture Content

Moisture Meter: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.
Visual Inspection: Seasoned wood will be lighter in color, have cracks on the ends, and sound hollow when struck.
The “Soap Test”: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the end of a split piece of wood. If bubbles form when you blow on it, the wood is still too wet.

Optimizing Seasoning

Sun and Wind: Choose a location that receives plenty of sun and wind.
Airflow: Ensure good airflow around the wood stack.
Stacking Height: Keep the stack height to a manageable level to prevent it from collapsing.

Technical Detail: The ideal moisture content for firewood is between 15% and 20%. Wood with a moisture content above 25% will burn poorly and produce excessive smoke.

Data Point: Properly seasoned firewood can produce up to 50% more heat than green wood.

Original Research: In my own firewood processing, I’ve found that using a solar kiln can significantly reduce seasoning time. A small, homemade kiln can dry a batch of apple wood in as little as 6-8 weeks, depending on the weather. The key is to maintain a consistent temperature and airflow within the kiln.

Location, Location, Location

Where you stack your firewood makes all the difference. I learned this the hard way when I stacked a load of wood in a damp, shaded area. It took nearly two years to season properly!

Elevated Platforms: Consider using pallets or a gravel bed to elevate your woodpile. This keeps the wood off the damp ground and promotes airflow.
Strategic Stacking: Orient your woodpile so that it faces the prevailing winds. This will maximize airflow and speed up the drying process.
Avoid Dense Vegetation: Keep your woodpile away from dense vegetation that can block sunlight and airflow.

Tip #5: Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Investment Dry

Once your apple wood is properly seasoned, it’s important to store it in a way that will keep it dry and protected from the elements.

Storage Options

Wood Shed: A wood shed is the ideal storage solution. It will keep your firewood dry and protected from rain, snow, and sun.
Tarp: A tarp can be used to cover a woodpile, but it’s important to ensure that the tarp is properly secured and that there is adequate ventilation.
Elevated Platform: Store your firewood on an elevated platform to keep it off the ground.

Storage Considerations

Location: Choose a storage location that is close to your house for easy access.
Accessibility: Ensure that the storage area is easily accessible, even in winter weather.
Pest Control: Take steps to prevent pests from infesting your firewood.

Pest Prevention

Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect your firewood for signs of pests, such as insects or rodents.
Remove Infested Wood: Remove any infested wood immediately.
Store Away from the House: Store firewood away from your house to prevent pests from entering your home.

Technical Detail: Proper firewood storage can prevent moisture regain and pest infestation, ensuring that your firewood remains in optimal condition for burning.

Data Point: Firewood stored improperly can regain up to 10% of its moisture content within a few months.

Case Study: I once had a customer who stored his firewood directly on the ground, under a leaky tarp. The wood became infested with termites and was completely unusable. This highlights the importance of proper storage practices.

The Final Stack

The way you stack your firewood can also affect its longevity and usability.

Neat and Orderly: A neatly stacked woodpile is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also promotes airflow and prevents the wood from shifting or collapsing.
Consistent Lengths: Keep the lengths of your firewood consistent for easier stacking and handling.
Strategic Placement: Place larger pieces at the bottom of the stack for stability and smaller pieces on top for easy access.

Beyond the Tips: The Apple Wood Advantage

Working with apple trees, thorns and all, requires dedication. But the results are worth it. The warmth, the aroma, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve transformed a thorny challenge into a valuable resource. It’s a skill that connects you to the land and provides a tangible benefit for your home.

Here’s some final food for thought, based on my experiences:

Utilize the Whole Tree: Even the smaller branches can be used for kindling.
Consider Wood Chips: If you have a chipper, turn the smaller branches into wood chips for landscaping or composting.
The Joy of Cooking: Apple wood is fantastic for grilling and smoking. Experiment with different foods and flavors.

Remember, every tree is different, and every wood processing experience is unique. Be patient, be safe, and enjoy the process. You’ll not only have a supply of premium firewood, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world. And when you’re sitting by a crackling fire on a cold winter night, you’ll know that all the effort was worth it. The sweet smell of apple wood and the warmth it provides are a testament to your hard work and dedication. Happy burning!