Elm Wood For Firewood (5 Proven Traits For Efficient Burning)

Introduction: Elm Wood – A Firewood Choice That Warms Your Wallet and Your Home

As someone deeply entrenched in the world of wood processing and firewood preparation for over 20 years, I’ve seen trends come and go. But one constant remains: the perennial quest for cost-effective heating solutions. Firewood, a time-honored tradition, often stands as a prime contender, and within the vast forest of wood types, elm often presents itself as a surprisingly efficient and economical choice.

Elm Firewood: Unveiling the 5 Proven Traits for Efficient Burning

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s define what makes a good firewood. We’re looking for wood that burns hot, steadily, and relatively cleanly, producing a significant amount of heat output per unit volume. Elm, while not perfect, possesses traits that can make it a valuable addition to your firewood arsenal.

1. Moderate BTU Output: A Solid Foundation for Heating

BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is the standard measure of heat energy in firewood. Different wood species have varying BTU ratings per cord. Elm typically falls into the moderate range, generally between 20-24 million BTU per cord (a cord being a stack of wood 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long).

Insight: While not as high as hardwoods like oak or hickory (which can reach 25-30 million BTU per cord), elm surpasses softer woods like pine or poplar (around 15-20 million BTU per cord).
Personal Experience: I’ve found that a mix of elm with a higher BTU wood like oak creates a balanced burn. The oak provides the initial intense heat, while the elm sustains the fire longer.
Strategic Advantage: Elm’s moderate BTU output makes it suitable for shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when you don’t need the intense heat of a high-BTU wood. This can help conserve your more expensive, high-BTU firewood for the coldest months.

2. Decent Coaling Ability: Extending Burn Times

Coaling refers to the ability of firewood to burn down to hot coals, which radiate heat for an extended period after the flames die down. Elm has a decent coaling ability, meaning it will produce a good bed of coals that provide sustained warmth.

Data Point: Elm generally produces coals that last for 4-6 hours, depending on the specific species (American elm, red elm, etc.) and the dryness of the wood.
Case Study: I once used elm exclusively in a wood stove during a particularly cold spell. While I had to reload the stove more frequently than with oak, the consistent coal bed kept the house warm overnight, requiring only a small kindling fire in the morning to get things going again.
Benefit: Good coaling ability reduces the frequency of reloading your stove or fireplace, saving you time and effort. It also contributes to a more consistent and comfortable heating experience.

3. Moderate Smoke Production: Cleaner Burning

Smoke is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Drier wood burns cleaner, producing less smoke. Elm, when properly seasoned (dried), produces a moderate amount of smoke compared to green (unseasoned) wood or resinous softwoods.

Key Concept: Seasoning reduces the moisture content of the wood, allowing it to burn more efficiently and cleanly.
Measurement: Ideally, firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less before burning. You can use a moisture meter to check this.
My Observation: I’ve noticed a significant difference in smoke production between elm that’s been seasoned for 6 months versus elm that’s been seasoned for a year or more. The longer seasoning period results in a much cleaner burn.
Safety Consideration: Excessive smoke can be a fire hazard and contribute to indoor air pollution. Always ensure your chimney is clean and properly vented.

4. Readily Available (in Some Regions): A Cost-Effective Advantage

The availability of elm varies significantly depending on your geographic location. In some areas, elm trees are abundant, making them a relatively inexpensive firewood option. However, in other regions, elm populations have been decimated by Dutch elm disease, making it scarce and potentially more expensive.

Regional Variation: Check with local firewood suppliers or foresters to determine the availability and cost of elm in your area.
Cost Analysis: Compare the price of elm per cord to other firewood options like oak, maple, or birch. Factor in the BTU output of each wood type to determine the most cost-effective choice for your needs.
Strategic Advantage: If elm is readily available and affordable in your area, it can be a significant cost-saving alternative to more expensive firewood species.

5. Relatively Easy to Ignite (When Seasoned): Quick Start-Ups

While elm is known for being difficult to split when green, seasoned elm is relatively easy to ignite. The dry wood catches fire quickly and burns readily, making it a good choice for starting fires.

Tip: Use smaller pieces of seasoned elm as kindling to get your fire going quickly and efficiently.
Tool Specification: A good hatchet or kindling splitter can make preparing kindling from elm much easier and safer.
Personal Tip: I often save the smaller, knottier pieces of elm that are more difficult to split for kindling. They burn just as well and save me from having to buy separate kindling.

Harvesting Elm for Firewood: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have access to elm trees and the necessary permits (if required), harvesting your own firewood can save you a considerable amount of money. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely and efficiently harvesting elm for firewood:

Step 1: Identifying Elm Trees

Accurate identification is crucial. Elm trees have distinctive features:

Leaves: Alternate, oval-shaped, with serrated edges and asymmetrical bases.
Bark: Grayish-brown with deep furrows.
Shape: Often vase-shaped, with a spreading crown.
Caution: Avoid confusing elm with other similar-looking trees like ash or maple. Use a field guide or consult with a local forester if you’re unsure.

Step 2: Felling the Tree Safely

Felling a tree is a dangerous task that should only be undertaken by experienced individuals.

Safety Gear: Always wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Tool Specification: A chainsaw with a sharp chain is essential. I personally prefer a 20-inch bar for felling trees up to 24 inches in diameter.
Felling Techniques:
1. Assess the Tree: Check for lean, wind direction, and any obstacles in the felling zone.
2. Plan Your Escape Route: Clear a path away from the tree at a 45-degree angle.
3. Make the Notch Cut: This determines the direction of the fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
4. Make the Back Cut: This cut is made on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the fall.
5. Wedge (Optional): If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction, use a felling wedge to help guide its fall.
6. Retreat: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely along your escape route.

Step 3: Limbing and Bucking

Once the tree is on the ground, you’ll need to remove the branches (limbing) and cut the trunk into manageable lengths (bucking).

Limbing: Use your chainsaw to carefully remove the branches. Start from the base of the tree and work your way towards the top. Be mindful of spring poles (branches under tension) that can snap back and cause injury.
Bucking: Cut the trunk into lengths suitable for your fireplace or wood stove. I typically cut my firewood into 16-inch lengths.
Measurement: Use a measuring stick or tape measure to ensure consistent lengths.
Technique: Bucking is easier and safer if you support the log to prevent the saw from pinching. Use log stands or other supports.

Step 4: Splitting Elm: Conquering the Challenge

Elm is notorious for being difficult to split, especially when green. Its stringy fibers tend to resist splitting along the grain. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can overcome this challenge.

Green vs. Seasoned: Green elm is significantly harder to split than seasoned elm. If possible, let the logs sit for a few months before splitting.
Tool Options:
- Maul: A heavy splitting maul (6-8 pounds) is a good option for smaller logs.
- Splitting Axe: A splitting axe with a wedge-shaped head is designed to separate the wood fibers.
- Hydraulic Log Splitter: For larger logs or if you have a lot of wood to split, a hydraulic log splitter is a worthwhile investment. I personally use a 25-ton hydraulic splitter and it makes splitting elm a breeze.
Splitting Techniques:
1. Target the Cracks: Look for existing cracks or checks in the wood and aim your splitting tool at these weak points.
2. Use a Wedge: If the log is particularly difficult to split, drive a splitting wedge into a crack and then strike the wedge with a sledgehammer.
3. Split from the Outside In: Start by splitting off smaller pieces from the outside of the log, gradually working your way towards the center.
4. Consider Knot Placement: Avoid splitting directly through knots, as this will make the process much more difficult.
5. Sharpen Your Tools: A sharp axe or maul will make splitting much easier and safer.

Step 5: Stacking and Seasoning Elm

Proper seasoning is crucial for efficient burning. The goal is to reduce the moisture content of the wood to 20% or less.

Stacking: Stack the split firewood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and windy location. This will promote air circulation and speed up the drying process.
Stacking Method: Elevate the bottom layer of wood using pallets, cinder blocks, or scrap wood. This prevents the wood from absorbing moisture from the ground.
Covering: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or roofing material to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for air circulation.
Seasoning Time: Elm typically takes 6-12 months to season properly, depending on the climate and the size of the wood.
Monitoring Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood before burning.

Burning Elm Firewood: Maximizing Efficiency and Safety

Once your elm firewood is properly seasoned, it’s time to put it to use. Here are some tips for burning elm efficiently and safely:

Firewood Storage

Keep it Dry: Store your firewood in a dry, covered location to prevent it from reabsorbing moisture.
Bring it Inside: Bring a day or two’s worth of firewood inside your home to allow it to warm up before burning. This will help it ignite more easily and burn more efficiently.

Fireplace/Wood Stove Operation

Start with Kindling: Use small pieces of dry kindling to get your fire going.
Gradually Add Larger Pieces: Once the kindling is burning well, gradually add larger pieces of elm firewood.
Airflow Control: Adjust the airflow controls on your fireplace or wood stove to regulate the burn rate and heat output.
Don’t Overload: Avoid overloading your fireplace or wood stove with too much wood, as this can create excessive smoke and increase the risk of a chimney fire.

Chimney Maintenance

Regular Inspections: Inspect your chimney regularly for creosote buildup. Creosote is a flammable substance that can accumulate in your chimney and cause a fire.
Professional Cleaning: Have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year, or more often if you burn a lot of wood.

Elm Wood: Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Let’s tackle some common concerns and misconceptions surrounding elm firewood:

Splitting Difficulty: As mentioned earlier, elm is notoriously difficult to split when green. However, proper seasoning and the right tools can make the process much easier.
Smell: Some people complain about the smell of burning elm. However, properly seasoned elm should not have an unpleasant odor. Any unusual smells could indicate that the wood is not fully seasoned or that there is a problem with your chimney.
Dutch Elm Disease: Dutch elm disease has decimated elm populations in many areas. However, even dead elm trees can be harvested for firewood. Just be sure to inspect the wood for rot or decay before burning it.
BTU Output: While elm doesn’t have the highest BTU output compared to some hardwoods, its moderate BTU output, combined with its decent coaling ability, makes it a solid choice for heating.

Case Studies: Elm Firewood in Action

Let me share a few real-world examples of how I’ve successfully used elm firewood:

Case Study 1: Sustainable Heating Solution: I once worked with a homeowner who had a large stand of elm trees on their property. By harvesting and processing their own elm firewood, they were able to significantly reduce their heating costs and create a sustainable heating solution for their home.
Case Study 2: Blending Firewood for Optimal Performance: As I mentioned previously, I often blend elm with higher-BTU woods like oak or hickory. This allows me to achieve a balanced burn, with the oak providing the initial intense heat and the elm sustaining the fire for longer periods.
Case Study 3: Utilizing Elm Scraps for Kindling: I never throw away small or knotty pieces of elm that are difficult to split. Instead, I use them as kindling, saving money on store-bought kindling and making efficient use of all available resources.

Strategic Insights for Firewood Management

Beyond the practical steps, here are some strategic insights to elevate your firewood game:

Assess Your Needs: Determine how much firewood you need to heat your home for the winter.
Evaluate Your Resources: Determine the availability and cost of elm firewood in your area.
Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment for harvesting, splitting, and seasoning firewood.
Start Harvesting (If Applicable): If you have access to elm trees, start harvesting your own firewood.
Split and Stack: Split the wood into manageable pieces and stack it properly for seasoning.
Season Your Firewood: Allow the wood to season for 6-12 months before burning it.
Burn Responsibly: Burn your firewood efficiently and safely, following the tips outlined in this guide.

Conclusion: Elm – A Firewood Ally When Understood

Elm firewood, while often underestimated, can be a valuable and cost-effective heating solution when approached with knowledge and the right techniques. Its moderate BTU output, decent coaling ability, and potential availability make it a worthwhile consideration for anyone looking to save money on heating costs.

By following the guidance I’ve provided, from identifying and harvesting elm trees to splitting, seasoning, and burning the wood, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy the warmth and comfort it provides. Remember to prioritize safety, embrace sustainable practices, and stay informed about the latest firewood regulations and best practices in your area. With a little effort and dedication, you can turn elm into a valuable asset in your quest for efficient and affordable heating. Now, go forth and conquer that elm!