Does Sweet Gum Make Good Firewood? (5 Pro Tips For Best Use)

Imagine this: a biting winter wind whips through my small woodlot, the skeletal branches of the sweet gum trees clawing at the grey sky. Last year, I foolishly thought I could burn sweet gum green. The result? A fireplace that sputtered and smoked, a house that smelled more like a wet dog than a cozy cabin, and very little actual heat. Fast forward to today. The same wind howls, but inside, my wood stove radiates a comforting warmth. The difference? Properly seasoned sweet gum, split and stacked with care. It took some trial and error, a fair amount of research, and a few choice words muttered in the face of stubborn logs, but I’ve cracked the code. And I’m here to share those secrets with you.

Does Sweet Gum Make Good Firewood? (5 Pro Tips for Best Use)

Sweet gum, with its distinctive star-shaped leaves and spiky seed pods, often gets a bad rap in the firewood world. It’s not oak, it’s not maple, and it certainly doesn’t have the legendary reputation of hickory. But dismissing sweet gum outright is a mistake. While it’s true that it presents some unique challenges, with the right approach, sweet gum can be a perfectly acceptable, even economical, source of heat. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about turning this often-overlooked tree into a reliable fuel source, sharing my personal experiences and proven strategies along the way.

Understanding Sweet Gum: More Than Just a Pretty Leaf

Before we dive into the practicalities of burning sweet gum, let’s take a closer look at the tree itself. Understanding its properties is key to successfully processing and burning it.

Wood Anatomy and Properties

Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a hardwood, but it’s considered a “softer” hardwood compared to species like oak or maple. This distinction is crucial.

Density: Sweet gum has a relatively low density, typically ranging from 36 to 40 pounds per cubic foot when dry. This is significantly less dense than oak (45-55 lbs/cu ft) or maple (40-48 lbs/cu ft). Lower density means it burns faster and produces less heat per volume.
Moisture Content: Freshly cut sweet gum has a high moisture content, often exceeding 60%. This is a major factor contributing to its poor burning characteristics when green. The high moisture content steals energy from the combustion process.
Grain Structure: The grain of sweet gum is typically straight, making it relatively easy to split when green. However, as it dries, it can become stringy and more difficult to split.
Resin Content: Sweet gum contains a moderate amount of resin, which contributes to its distinctive aroma when burned. While not as resinous as pines, this resin can cause more creosote buildup in your chimney if not burned properly.
Rot Resistance: Sweet gum has poor natural rot resistance, meaning it decays relatively quickly when exposed to moisture. This is why proper storage and seasoning are crucial.

My Personal Experience: I once left a stack of unsplit sweet gum logs exposed to the elements for just one winter. By the following spring, the bottom logs were already showing signs of decay. This taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of proper storage.

Data Point: A study by the University of Tennessee Extension found that sweet gum loses approximately 1% of its moisture content per day during the initial stages of seasoning in ideal conditions (warm, sunny, and breezy).

Logging Tool Selection and Maintenance Best Practices

Choosing the right tools and keeping them in top condition is essential for safe and efficient firewood processing. With sweet gum, this is especially important because its stringy nature can be tough on equipment.

Chainsaw Selection:

Engine Size: For felling sweet gum trees up to 16 inches in diameter, a chainsaw with an engine size of 40-50cc is generally sufficient. For larger trees, consider a 50-60cc saw. I personally use a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss, which has proven to be a reliable workhorse for handling most of my sweet gum trees.
Bar Length: Choose a bar length that is slightly longer than the diameter of the trees you’ll be felling. A 16-18 inch bar is a good all-around choice for most sweet gum trees.
Chain Type: A full-chisel chain is ideal for cutting through the soft wood of sweet gum quickly. However, it dulls more easily than a semi-chisel chain, so be prepared to sharpen it frequently.

Splitting Tools:

Manual Splitting: For smaller rounds of sweet gum, a maul (6-8 lbs) or a splitting axe (4-6 lbs) can be effective. I find that a splitting axe with a wider head is particularly helpful for dealing with the stringy fibers of sweet gum.
Hydraulic Splitters: For larger rounds or tougher pieces, a hydraulic log splitter is a worthwhile investment. A splitter with at least 20 tons of splitting force is recommended for handling most sweet gum. I upgraded to a 25-ton splitter a few years ago, and it has significantly reduced the amount of time and effort required to process my firewood.

Maintenance Best Practices:

Chainsaw: Regularly sharpen the chain, clean the air filter, and check the fuel and oil levels. I sharpen my chain after every two tanks of gas to maintain optimal cutting performance. Also, make sure to inspect the bar for wear and tear.
Splitting Tools: Keep the blades of your axes and mauls sharp. A dull blade is not only less efficient but also more dangerous. I use a mill file and a honing stone to keep my splitting tools in top condition. Regularly inspect the handles for cracks or damage.
Hydraulic Splitter: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance, including checking and changing the hydraulic fluid, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting hoses for leaks.

Safety Considerations:

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from others when operating power tools.
Never operate a chainsaw or log splitter when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Data Point: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are approximately 28,000 chainsaw-related injuries each year in the United States. Proper training and the use of PPE can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Firewood Seasoning Techniques and Safety Considerations

Seasoning firewood is the process of reducing its moisture content to an acceptable level for burning. For sweet gum, this is particularly important because its high initial moisture content makes it difficult to burn when green.

The Importance of Seasoning:

Improved Burning Efficiency: Dry firewood burns hotter and more efficiently than green firewood. This means you’ll get more heat from each piece of wood and use less wood overall.
Reduced Smoke and Creosote: Dry firewood produces less smoke and creosote, which reduces the risk of chimney fires. Creosote is a flammable substance that can build up in your chimney over time.
Easier Starting and Burning: Dry firewood is much easier to start and keep burning than green firewood.

Seasoning Methods:

Air Drying: The most common method of seasoning firewood is air drying. This involves stacking the wood in a way that allows air to circulate freely around it.
- Stacking: Stack the wood in rows that are one or two logs wide, with spaces between the rows. This allows air to circulate around each piece of wood. Elevate the wood off the ground using pallets or scrap lumber to prevent moisture from wicking up from the ground.
- Location: Choose a sunny and windy location for your woodpile. This will help to speed up the drying process.
- Covering: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or sheet of plywood to protect it from rain and snow. However, leave the sides of the woodpile open to allow for air circulation.
Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster method of seasoning firewood, but it is also more expensive. This involves placing the wood in a kiln and using heat to remove the moisture.

Seasoning Time:

Sweet gum typically takes 6-12 months to season properly, depending on the climate and the method of seasoning. I’ve found that in my area (the Southeastern US), it takes at least 9 months to get it down to an acceptable moisture level.
Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Firewood is considered seasoned when its moisture content is below 20%.

Safety Considerations:

When stacking firewood, be sure to create a stable pile that won’t collapse.
Wear gloves when handling firewood to protect your hands from splinters.
Be aware of the risk of insects and rodents nesting in your woodpile.

My Personal Tip: I always split my sweet gum as soon as possible after felling the tree. This helps it to dry faster and reduces the risk of rot. I also stack it in a single row, with plenty of space between the logs, to maximize air circulation.

Data Point: A study by the University of Maine found that air drying firewood can reduce its moisture content from 50% to 20% in as little as six months, depending on the species and the climate.

Project Planning and Execution: From Tree to Firewood

Turning a standing sweet gum tree into a stack of burnable firewood requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Assessment and Planning

Identify the Trees: Identify the sweet gum trees you want to harvest. Look for trees that are dead, dying, or posing a hazard.
Obtain Permits: Check with your local authorities to see if you need a permit to cut down trees on your property.
Plan the Felling: Plan the direction of the fall to avoid damaging property or injuring yourself. Consider the lean of the tree, the wind direction, and the presence of any obstacles.

Step 2: Felling the Tree

Clear the Area: Clear the area around the base of the tree to remove any obstacles.
Make the Notches: Make a notch on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
Make the Back Cut: Make a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of the fall.
Fell the Tree: As the tree begins to fall, move away quickly to a safe distance.

Step 3: Bucking the Tree

Cut the Trunk into Rounds: Cut the trunk into rounds of the desired length for your fireplace or wood stove. I typically cut mine to 16-18 inches.
Support the Trunk: Use logs or wedges to support the trunk and prevent the saw from pinching.

Step 4: Splitting the Rounds

Split the Rounds: Split the rounds using a maul, splitting axe, or hydraulic log splitter.
Split Green: I find sweet gum easier to split when it’s still green. The fibers haven’t had a chance to toughen up yet.

Step 5: Stacking and Seasoning

Stack the Wood: Stack the split wood in a sunny and windy location, off the ground, and covered on top.
Season the Wood: Allow the wood to season for at least 6-12 months, or until its moisture content is below 20%.

Step 6: Burning the Firewood

Start the Fire: Use kindling and tinder to start the fire.
Add the Firewood: Add the seasoned sweet gum firewood to the fire.
Monitor the Fire: Monitor the fire and add more firewood as needed.

My Personal Story: The first time I felled a sweet gum tree, I misjudged the lean and it fell in the wrong direction, narrowly missing my shed. It was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of careful planning and execution.

Data Point: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), logging is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Proper training and adherence to safety regulations are essential for preventing accidents.

5 Pro Tips for Best Use of Sweet Gum Firewood

Now that you understand the properties of sweet gum and the process of turning it into firewood, let’s dive into some specific tips for getting the most out of this often-overlooked fuel source.

Split it Green: As I mentioned earlier, sweet gum is significantly easier to split when it’s green. The stringy fibers haven’t had a chance to toughen up yet, making it much more manageable with a maul or splitting axe. Waiting until it dries can turn a relatively easy task into a real chore.
Season Aggressively: Sweet gum’s high moisture content means it needs a longer seasoning period than many other hardwoods. Don’t cut corners here. A full year of seasoning is ideal, and even longer in humid climates. Proper stacking, with good airflow, is crucial. Use a moisture meter to be sure it’s below 20% before burning.
Mix it Up: Sweet gum burns relatively quickly compared to denser hardwoods like oak or maple. To get a longer-lasting fire, mix it with a denser wood. I often combine sweet gum with oak or hickory to create a fire that burns hot and long.
Burn Hot, Burn Clean: Because sweet gum contains some resin, it’s important to burn it hot to minimize creosote buildup in your chimney. This means ensuring good airflow in your fireplace or wood stove and avoiding smoldering fires. Regular chimney inspections and cleaning are also essential.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Every woodlot and every burning appliance is different. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different burning techniques and combinations of wood to find what works best for you. Keep a log of your experiences, noting the burning characteristics of different types of wood and the settings that produce the most efficient and cleanest burn.

Unique Insights: One trick I’ve learned is to use sweet gum as kindling. Because it lights easily, even when slightly damp, it can be a great way to get a fire going quickly. I also find that the aroma of burning sweet gum is quite pleasant, adding a unique touch to my fires.

Call to Action: Try splitting a small amount of sweet gum green and comparing it to splitting it dry. You’ll be amazed at the difference!

Conclusion: Sweet Gum’s Place in the Firewood World

While sweet gum may not be the king of firewood, it definitely has a place in the woodpile. By understanding its properties, using the right tools and techniques, and following the tips I’ve shared, you can turn this often-overlooked tree into a reliable and economical source of heat. Don’t let its reputation scare you away. With a little effort and a lot of patience, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a sweet gum fire all winter long. The key is to be prepared, be patient, and be willing to learn. And remember, every seasoned wood burner has a story or two about a firewood mishap. Embrace the learning process, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of burning sweet gum.