Can You Burn Crepe Myrtle Wood? (5 Expert Insights)

The dance of turning trees into usable wood, whether for crafting or heating, is a time-honored tradition. As someone who’s spent years felling trees, sawing lumber, and stacking firewood, I’ve learned that not all wood is created equal. The question of whether you can burn Crepe Myrtle wood is one that comes up frequently, and it’s a valid one. Let’s delve into the specifics of Crepe Myrtle wood and explore its suitability for burning, along with insights into its burning characteristics, potential uses, and some hard-won cost considerations.

Understanding Crepe Myrtle Wood: The Basics

Crepe Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are beautiful trees, often planted for their vibrant blooms and attractive bark.

Density and Hardness: Crepe Myrtle wood is considered a hardwood, but it’s a relatively soft hardwood compared to oak or hickory. This impacts its burning characteristics.
Moisture Content: Freshly cut Crepe Myrtle wood is high in moisture. This is a critical factor, as wet wood burns poorly and produces a lot of smoke.
Availability: Crepe Myrtles are commonly found in residential landscapes, making them a readily available source of wood when pruning or removing trees.

Expert Insight #1: The Burning Characteristics of Crepe Myrtle Wood

When I started out, I thought any wood was good wood for burning. I quickly learned that wasn’t the case. Crepe Myrtle, due to its moderate density, burns relatively quickly. It’s not ideal for long-lasting, overnight fires.

Heat Output: Expect a lower BTU (British Thermal Unit) output compared to denser hardwoods. According to the US Forest Service, denser hardwoods like oak can yield 20-30 million BTUs per cord, while softer hardwoods like Crepe Myrtle will be significantly lower. I’d estimate Crepe Myrtle at around 12-15 million BTUs per cord, although precise data is scarce.
Smoke Production: Properly seasoned Crepe Myrtle wood burns cleaner than green wood. However, even seasoned, it can produce more smoke than denser hardwoods, especially if airflow is restricted in your stove or fireplace.
Sparking: Crepe Myrtle wood is not known for excessive sparking, making it reasonably safe for open fireplaces with proper screens.

Expert Insight #2: Seasoning Crepe Myrtle Wood: The Key to Success

Seasoning is paramount. Freshly cut wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. You need to get that down to below 20% for efficient burning.

The Process: Split the wood into manageable pieces. Stack it in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and windy location.
Drying Time: In my experience, Crepe Myrtle wood requires at least 6-12 months of seasoning, depending on your climate. Hot, dry climates will speed up the process.
Testing Moisture Content: A moisture meter is your best friend. These devices measure the moisture content of the wood. Aim for below 20%. You can find reliable moisture meters for around $30-$50 at most hardware stores.

Expert Insight #3: Potential Uses for Crepe Myrtle Wood

While not ideal for primary heating, Crepe Myrtle wood has other uses:

Kindling: The smaller branches make excellent kindling.
Shoulder Season Fires: It’s suitable for quick, small fires during milder weather.
Outdoor Fire Pits: It can provide a pleasant ambiance in an outdoor fire pit, but be mindful of smoke.
Smoking Meats (With Caution): Some people use Crepe Myrtle wood for smoking meats, but it’s not a traditional choice. The flavor is mild, and it’s crucial to ensure the wood is clean and free of pesticides or herbicides. I personally prefer using fruit woods like apple or cherry for smoking.

Expert Insight #4: The Cost of Processing Crepe Myrtle Wood for Firewood

Now, let’s talk about money. Processing firewood involves time, labor, and equipment. Even if the wood itself is “free,” there are still costs to consider.

Chainsaw Costs: A decent chainsaw for felling and bucking Crepe Myrtle trees will cost anywhere from $200 to $500. I recommend a gas-powered saw with a 16-18 inch bar for most home users. Electric chainsaws are also an option, but they may lack the power for larger trees.
- Maintenance: Chainsaw maintenance is crucial. Sharpening the chain, replacing spark plugs, and maintaining proper lubrication are essential. Expect to spend around $50-$100 per year on maintenance.
- Fuel and Oil: Fuel and bar oil add to the cost. A gallon of chainsaw fuel mix costs around $10-$15, and a gallon of bar oil costs around $10.
Splitting Costs: Splitting wood can be done manually with a maul or axe, or with a mechanical splitter.
- Manual Splitting: A good quality splitting maul costs around $50-$80. It’s a great workout, but it’s also time-consuming.
- Mechanical Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size and power. Renting a log splitter is a more economical option for occasional use. Rental rates typically range from $75-$150 per day.
Labor Costs: If you’re hiring someone to fell, buck, and split the wood, labor costs can be significant. Expect to pay $50-$100 per hour for professional tree service.
Transportation Costs: If you need to transport the wood, factor in the cost of fuel for your truck or trailer.
Permits: In some areas, you may need a permit to cut down trees, even on your own property. Check with your local authorities.

A Case Study in Crepe Myrtle Firewood Costs:

Let’s say you have a large Crepe Myrtle tree that needs to be removed. You decide to process the wood yourself.

Chainsaw: You already own a chainsaw.
Splitting: You opt to split the wood manually.
Time: It takes you 10 hours to fell, buck, split, and stack the wood.

Assuming your time is worth $20 per hour (a conservative estimate), your labor cost is $200. Add in $20 for fuel and oil, and $50 for chainsaw maintenance. Your total cost for processing the Crepe Myrtle wood is $270. If the tree yields one cord of firewood, your cost per cord is $270. This is significantly lower than the average cost of a cord of seasoned hardwood, which can range from $200 to $400, depending on your location and the species of wood. However, remember that Crepe Myrtle wood will not provide the same amount of heat as a cord of oak or hickory.

Cost Optimization Tips:

Do-It-Yourself: Processing the wood yourself will save you a significant amount of money on labor costs.
Rent Equipment: Renting a log splitter is more cost-effective than buying one if you only need it occasionally.
Season Wood Properly: Properly seasoned wood burns more efficiently, reducing the amount of wood you need to burn.
Combine with Other Wood: Mix Crepe Myrtle wood with denser hardwoods for a more balanced fire.
Shop Around for Equipment: Compare prices on chainsaws, splitters, and other equipment before making a purchase.
Consider Free Wood Sources: Look for opportunities to obtain free wood from tree trimming services or construction sites.

Expert Insight #5: The Environmental Impact of Burning Crepe Myrtle Wood

Burning any wood has an environmental impact. It’s important to be mindful of sustainable practices.

Carbon Footprint: Burning wood releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, wood is considered a carbon-neutral fuel source if it’s harvested sustainably, meaning that new trees are planted to replace the ones that are cut down.
Air Pollution: Burning wood can contribute to air pollution, especially if the wood is not properly seasoned or if the stove or fireplace is not operating efficiently.
Sustainable Harvesting: Ensure that the Crepe Myrtle wood you’re burning is harvested sustainably. Avoid cutting down healthy trees simply for firewood. Instead, focus on using wood from trees that need to be pruned or removed for other reasons.

Calculations and Formulas for Firewood Preparation

Here are some useful calculations and formulas for firewood preparation:

Estimating Cord Volume: A cord of wood is a stack that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet.
Calculating BTU Output: BTU output varies depending on the species of wood. Refer to the US Forest Service’s Wood Energy Fact Sheets for specific BTU values.
Estimating Drying Time: Drying time depends on the species of wood, the climate, and the size of the wood pieces. As a general rule, allow at least 6 months for seasoning.
Moisture Content Measurement: Use a moisture meter to accurately measure the moisture content of the wood.

Industry Benchmarks and Statistical Data

Average Price per Cord of Firewood: According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average price of a cord of seasoned hardwood firewood ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the location and the species of wood.
Equipment Rental Fees: Log splitter rental fees typically range from $75-$150 per day.
Timber Prices: Timber prices vary depending on the species, quality, and location. Contact your local forestry agency for current timber prices in your area.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

So, can you burn Crepe Myrtle wood? The answer is yes, but with caveats. It’s not the best firewood choice due to its lower heat output and faster burning rate. However, it can be a useful source of kindling or for small, occasional fires.

Assess Your Needs: Determine your firewood needs and whether Crepe Myrtle wood is a suitable option for you.
Season Properly: Season the wood for at least 6-12 months to reduce moisture content and improve burning efficiency.
Mix with Other Wood: Combine Crepe Myrtle wood with denser hardwoods for a more balanced fire.
Consider Cost Factors: Factor in the costs of equipment, labor, and transportation when budgeting for firewood preparation.
Practice Sustainable Harvesting: Ensure that the wood you’re burning is harvested sustainably.

Final Thoughts

Working with wood is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re crafting furniture, building a deck, or simply enjoying a warm fire, understanding the properties of different types of wood is essential. Crepe Myrtle wood may not be the king of firewood, but it can still play a role in your wood processing endeavors. Just remember to season it properly, use it wisely, and always prioritize safety.

Can You Burn Crepe Myrtle Wood? (5 Expert Insights)