Is Black Cherry Good Firewood? (5 Expert Tips For Seasoning)

As someone who’s spent countless hours wrestling with logs and battling the elements, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes for good firewood. From the dense hardwoods that burn long and hot to the softwoods that ignite easily, each species has its own story to tell. Today, we’re focusing on Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), a wood that often gets overlooked but has a surprising amount to offer.

The State of Firewood: A Global Perspective

Before we dive into Black Cherry specifically, let’s take a quick peek at the global firewood scene. According to recent reports, the global firewood market is expected to reach \$35.6 billion by 2027, driven by a renewed interest in sustainable heating solutions and the charm of traditional wood-burning appliances. In many parts of the world, particularly in developing nations, firewood remains a primary source of energy for cooking and heating. Even in developed countries, the demand for firewood is steady, fueled by hobbyists, homesteaders, and those seeking an alternative to fossil fuels.

This increased interest also puts a spotlight on sustainable harvesting practices and responsible firewood preparation. We need to ensure that our love for a cozy fire doesn’t come at the expense of our forests.

Is Black Cherry Good Firewood? An In-Depth Look

So, back to our initial question: Is Black Cherry a good choice for your woodpile? The short answer is: it’s decent. It’s not the best, but it’s certainly not the worst. Let’s unpack that a bit.

Black Cherry falls into the category of medium-density hardwoods. This means it burns longer and hotter than softwoods like pine or fir, but not quite as long or hot as dense hardwoods like oak or maple.

Here’s a quick rundown of Black Cherry’s firewood characteristics:

Heat Output: Approximately 20 million BTUs (British Thermal Units) per cord. This is respectable, placing it slightly above softer hardwoods like poplar (15.4 million BTUs) but well below oak (29.1 million BTUs).
Smoke Production: Burns relatively clean when properly seasoned, producing less smoke compared to some softwoods.
Sparking: Produces a moderate amount of sparks, so a screen is recommended for open fireplaces.
Smell: Has a pleasant, aromatic scent when burning, reminiscent of its fruit. This makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy a fragrant fire.
Splitting: Splits fairly easily when green, but can become more difficult as it dries.
Seasoning Time: Requires about 6-12 months of seasoning to reach optimal moisture content.
Rot Resistance: Moderate. It’s best to store it off the ground to prevent rot.

My Black Cherry Experience

I remember one year, a fierce storm brought down a large Black Cherry tree on my property. I was initially disappointed, as I was hoping for oak or maple. But necessity is the mother of invention, and I decided to make the best of it.

I bucked up the tree, split the logs, and stacked them carefully, making sure to follow best practices for seasoning. To my surprise, I found that Black Cherry was actually quite pleasant to work with. It split relatively easily when green, and the aromatic scent was a welcome bonus.

That winter, I burned that Black Cherry in my wood stove, and I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. It provided a steady, consistent heat, and the pleasant aroma filled the house. While it didn’t burn as long as oak, it was a perfectly acceptable firewood, especially for shoulder season when I didn’t need a roaring fire all day and night.

5 Expert Tips for Seasoning Black Cherry Firewood

The key to unlocking Black Cherry’s potential as firewood lies in proper seasoning. Here are my top 5 expert tips:

1. The 6-12 Month Rule: Give it Time to Breathe

Seasoning is the process of drying out green wood to reduce its moisture content. Green wood is heavy, difficult to burn, and produces a lot of smoke. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, is lighter, easier to ignite, and burns cleaner and hotter.

Black Cherry typically requires 6-12 months of seasoning, depending on your climate and the size of the logs. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your firewood. These can be purchased for as little as $20.

The longer you wait, the better the burn. The 6-12 month guideline is a minimum. I’ve found that letting Black Cherry season for 18 months produces significantly better results.

2. Location, Location, Location: Picking the Perfect Spot

The location of your woodpile is critical for proper seasoning. You want to choose a spot that is:

Sunny: Sunlight helps to evaporate moisture from the wood.
Well-ventilated: Airflow helps to carry away the moisture.
Elevated: Stacking the wood off the ground prevents moisture from seeping in from the soil.

Avoid stacking wood in shady, damp areas, as this will significantly slow down the seasoning process.

I like to use pallets to elevate my woodpiles. They’re cheap, readily available, and provide excellent airflow. You can often find them for free at local businesses.

3. The Stack Attack: How to Build a Seasoning Structure

The way you stack your firewood can significantly impact the seasoning process. The ideal stacking method promotes airflow and prevents the wood from rotting.

Here are some tips for stacking firewood:

Elevate the wood: Use pallets, cinder blocks, or other materials to raise the wood off the ground.
Stack in rows: Leave a few inches of space between each row to allow for airflow.
Crisscross the ends: Crisscrossing the ends of the rows creates a more stable stack and allows for better airflow.
Cover the top: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or roof to protect it from rain and snow. However, leave the sides open to allow for ventilation.

I’ve experimented with different stacking methods over the years. I’ve found that a single row, elevated, with the top covered, is the most effective for Black Cherry in my climate. A circular stack, also known as a holz hausen, is another option.

4. Splitting Hairs: When and How to Split

Splitting your firewood is an essential part of the seasoning process. Splitting exposes more surface area to the air, which speeds up the drying process.

It’s best to split your firewood as soon as possible after felling the tree. Green wood is much easier to split than dry wood.

There are several ways to split firewood:

Axe: The traditional method, requiring strength and skill.
Splitting maul: A heavier axe designed for splitting logs.
Hydraulic log splitter: A powered machine that makes splitting logs much easier.

I prefer to use a splitting maul for most of my firewood splitting. It’s a good workout, and I find it more satisfying than using a machine. However, for larger logs or when I’m splitting a lot of wood, I’ll use a hydraulic log splitter.

When splitting Black Cherry, aim for pieces that are 4-6 inches in diameter. This size is ideal for most wood stoves and fireplaces.

5. Watch the Weather: Adjust Your Seasoning Strategy

The weather plays a significant role in the seasoning process. Hot, dry weather will speed up seasoning, while cool, wet weather will slow it down.

Pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your seasoning strategy accordingly. If you’re expecting a lot of rain, make sure your woodpile is properly covered. If you’re experiencing a heat wave, make sure your woodpile is well-ventilated.

I live in an area with distinct seasons. In the summer, I make sure my woodpiles are exposed to as much sunlight and airflow as possible. In the winter, I keep them covered to protect them from snow and ice.

Chainsaws, Axes, and More: Essential Tools for Firewood Preparation

Preparing firewood requires a variety of tools. Here’s a rundown of some of the essentials:

Chainsaw: For felling trees and bucking logs.
- Electric Chainsaw: Great for smaller tasks and quieter operation
- Gas Chainsaw: Offers more power and portability.
Axe or splitting maul: For splitting logs.
Wedges: For splitting particularly tough logs.
Sledgehammer: For driving wedges.
Cant hook: For rolling logs.
Measuring tape: For measuring logs to the desired length.
Moisture meter: For checking the moisture content of firewood.
Safety gear: Including a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and chaps.

Chainsaw Selection: A Critical Choice

The chainsaw is arguably the most important tool for firewood preparation. Choosing the right chainsaw can make a huge difference in your efficiency and safety.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a chainsaw:

Engine size: A larger engine provides more power, but also makes the chainsaw heavier and more difficult to handle.
Bar length: The bar length should be appropriate for the size of the trees you’ll be felling.
Weight: A lighter chainsaw is easier to handle, especially for extended periods of use.
Features: Look for features like anti-vibration systems, chain brakes, and easy starting.

I own several chainsaws, each suited for different tasks. For felling large trees, I use a professional-grade gas chainsaw with a long bar. For smaller tasks, like limbing and bucking, I use a lighter, more maneuverable chainsaw. I also own an electric chainsaw, which is great for quiet operation and indoor use.

Chainsaw Safety: A Non-Negotiable

Chainsaw safety is paramount. Chainsaws are powerful tools that can cause serious injury if used improperly.

Here are some essential chainsaw safety tips:

Read the owner’s manual: Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s operation and safety features.
Wear appropriate safety gear: Including a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and chaps.
Maintain a safe working distance: Keep bystanders at least two tree lengths away from the work area.
Be aware of your surroundings: Watch out for obstacles, power lines, and other hazards.
Use proper felling techniques: Felling trees safely requires knowledge and experience. If you’re not comfortable felling trees, hire a professional.
Keep the chainsaw in good condition: Sharpen the chain regularly and maintain the chainsaw according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

I’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of chainsaw accidents.

Cost Considerations and Budgeting

Preparing firewood can be a cost-effective way to heat your home, but it’s important to factor in all the costs involved.

Here are some of the costs to consider:

Chainsaw and other tools: The initial investment in tools can be significant.
Fuel and oil: Chainsaws require fuel and oil to operate.
Maintenance: Chainsaws require regular maintenance, including sharpening the chain and replacing worn parts.
Transportation: You may need to transport logs from the forest to your home.
Labor: Your time is valuable. Factor in the time it takes to fell trees, buck logs, split firewood, and stack it.

If you’re buying firewood, the cost will depend on the species of wood, the quantity, and your location. Prices vary widely, so it’s important to shop around.

In my experience, preparing your own firewood can save you money in the long run, but it requires a significant investment of time and effort.

Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls

Preparing firewood is not without its challenges. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Splitting wood that is too dry: Dry wood is much harder to split than green wood.
Stacking wood in a damp location: This will slow down the seasoning process and can lead to rot.
Using a dull chainsaw: A dull chainsaw is dangerous and inefficient.
Felling trees without proper training: Felling trees can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Ignoring safety precautions: Always wear appropriate safety gear when working with chainsaws and axes.

If you encounter problems, don’t be afraid to seek help from experienced firewood preparers. There are many online forums and communities where you can ask questions and get advice.

Black Cherry Case Study: From Tree to Fireplace

I recently worked with a local homeowner who had a large Black Cherry tree that had to be removed due to disease. Instead of simply having the tree hauled away, we decided to turn it into firewood.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Felling the tree: I carefully felled the tree, taking into account its size, location, and the surrounding obstacles.
Limbing and bucking: I limbed the tree and bucked the logs into 16-inch lengths.
Splitting: I split the logs using a hydraulic log splitter.
Stacking: I stacked the firewood in a sunny, well-ventilated location, using pallets to elevate it off the ground.
Seasoning: We allowed the firewood to season for 12 months.
Burning: The homeowner burned the seasoned Black Cherry in their wood stove, and they were very pleased with the results.

This project demonstrated that even a diseased tree can be turned into a valuable resource.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

If you’re interested in preparing your own firewood, here are some next steps you can take:

Research: Learn as much as you can about firewood preparation techniques, safety precautions, and local regulations.
Gather tools: Invest in the essential tools, including a chainsaw, axe, and safety gear.
Find a source of wood: You can either fell your own trees or purchase logs from a local supplier.
Practice: Start with small projects and gradually work your way up to larger ones.
Join a community: Connect with other firewood preparers online or in your local area.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Local forestry agencies: These agencies can provide information on sustainable forestry practices and local regulations.
Chainsaw manufacturers: These manufacturers offer training programs and safety materials.
Online forums and communities: These forums and communities are a great place to ask questions and get advice.

Conclusion: Embracing the Warmth

So, is Black Cherry good firewood? It’s not the best, but it’s certainly a decent option, especially if you season it properly. With its pleasant aroma and moderate heat output, it can be a welcome addition to your woodpile.

Preparing your own firewood is a rewarding experience that connects you to nature and provides a sustainable source of heat. With the right knowledge, tools, and techniques, you can transform a fallen tree into a source of warmth and comfort for your home. So go ahead, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire. And remember: safety first!

Is Black Cherry Good Firewood? (5 Expert Tips for Seasoning)

The State of Firewood: A Global Perspective