Is Cherry Good Firewood? Drying Time & Seasoning Tips (Expert Guide)

Did you know that improperly seasoned firewood can reduce your wood stove’s efficiency by as much as 50%? That’s like throwing half your firewood money right out the window! As someone who’s spent years felling trees and stacking cords of wood, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes good firewood. Today, I’m diving deep into the world of cherry: Is cherry good firewood? And if so, how do you get the most out of it? Let’s get started!

Cherry Firewood: Is It Worth the Effort?

Cherry wood, with its distinctive reddish hue and fragrant aroma, often sparks curiosity among firewood enthusiasts. But is it a champion fuel, or just a pretty face? Let’s break down the qualities that determine whether cherry wood is a worthwhile choice for your fires.

BTU Rating and Heat Output

BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is the standard measurement of heat energy in firewood. The higher the BTU, the more heat a wood species produces when burned.

Cherry (Black Cherry): Typically ranges from 15 to 20 million BTU per cord.
Oak (Red Oak): Around 24 to 27 million BTU per cord.
Maple (Sugar Maple): Approximately 20 to 24 million BTU per cord.
Birch (Yellow Birch): Falls in the 20 million BTU per cord range.
Ash (White Ash): Similar to oak, around 24 million BTU per cord.

While cherry doesn’t top the charts like oak or ash, its BTU rating is still respectable, similar to birch and some maples. This means it provides a decent amount of heat, making it suitable for supplemental heating or enjoying a cozy fire.

Smoke Production and Aroma

One of cherry’s most appealing qualities is its pleasant aroma when burned. Unlike some woods that produce acrid or harsh smoke, cherry emits a sweet, fruity scent that many find enjoyable.

Smoke Production: Cherry tends to produce a moderate amount of smoke. Proper seasoning is crucial to minimize smoke and maximize heat output.
Aroma: The distinctive sweet, fruity aroma is a major selling point for cherry firewood. It’s a pleasant alternative to the more neutral scents of oak or maple.

In my experience, the aroma of burning cherry can really enhance the ambiance of a room, especially during the colder months.

Burn Time and Coaling

Burn time refers to how long a wood species will burn steadily, while coaling refers to the wood’s ability to form hot coals that radiate heat even after the flames die down.

Burn Time: Cherry has a moderate burn time, shorter than dense hardwoods like oak, but longer than softwoods like pine.
Coaling: Cherry produces decent coals, providing sustained heat output. However, it doesn’t coal as well as oak or maple.

I’ve found that cherry works well as a “shoulder season” wood, providing enough heat without burning too hot or too long.

Ease of Splitting

Splitting firewood can be a real chore, so the ease with which a wood splits is an important consideration.

Splitting Difficulty: Cherry is generally considered easy to split, especially when green.

Rot Resistance

Rot resistance is crucial if you plan to store your firewood outdoors.

Rot Resistance: Cherry has moderate rot resistance. It’s more durable than softwoods like pine, but less resistant than hardwoods like locust or osage orange.

Proper stacking and covering are essential to prevent cherry firewood from rotting, especially in damp climates.

Overall Assessment

So, is cherry good firewood? The answer is a qualified yes. It doesn’t have the highest BTU rating or the longest burn time, but its pleasant aroma, ease of splitting, and decent heat output make it a worthwhile choice, especially for those who value ambiance and ease of use.

Takeaway: Cherry is a decent firewood choice, especially for its aroma and ease of splitting. However, it’s not the highest BTU wood, so consider it for supplemental heating or ambiance.

Seasoning Cherry Firewood: A Step-by-Step Guide

Seasoning is the process of drying firewood to reduce its moisture content. Properly seasoned firewood burns hotter, cleaner, and produces less smoke. Cherry, like all firewood, needs to be seasoned before it’s ready to burn. Here’s my step-by-step guide to seasoning cherry firewood effectively.

Understanding Moisture Content

Freshly cut (“green”) cherry wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. For optimal burning, you want to reduce this to 20% or less. Moisture content is the weight of the water in the wood divided by the weight of the oven-dry wood, expressed as a percentage.

Green Wood: 50% or higher moisture content. Difficult to light, produces excessive smoke, and burns inefficiently.
Seasoned Wood: 20% or less moisture content. Easy to light, burns hot and clean, and produces minimal smoke.

I’ve seen firsthand how much difference seasoning makes. Green wood hisses and sputters in the fire, while seasoned wood roars to life with minimal fuss.

When to Cut Cherry for Firewood

The best time to cut cherry for firewood is in late winter or early spring. During this time, the tree’s sap is at its lowest, which means the wood will dry faster.

Late Winter/Early Spring: Ideal time to cut. Sap content is low, and the wood has the entire spring and summer to dry.
Summer: Acceptable, but the wood may take longer to dry due to higher humidity.
Fall/Winter: Least ideal. The wood will likely take longer to season and may be more prone to rot.

I always try to get my firewood cut and split by April, giving it ample time to season over the summer.

Cutting and Splitting

Cutting the cherry into manageable lengths and splitting it is crucial for speeding up the drying process.

Length: Cut the cherry into lengths that fit your wood stove or fireplace. 16 inches is a common length, but adjust as needed.
Splitting: Split the rounds into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area exposed to air, which speeds up drying. Aim for pieces that are 4-6 inches wide.

I use a chainsaw to cut the logs to length and a hydraulic log splitter to split them. A maul and wedges can also be used, but it’s more labor-intensive.

Stacking for Airflow

Proper stacking is essential for good airflow, which is key to effective seasoning.

Location: Choose a sunny, windy location. Sunlight helps to dry the wood, and wind helps to carry away moisture.
Elevation: Stack the wood off the ground. This prevents moisture from wicking up from the soil. Use pallets, scrap wood, or concrete blocks to elevate the stack.
Stacking Method: Stack the wood in rows, leaving gaps between the rows and between the pieces of wood. This allows air to circulate freely. A common method is to stack the wood in a crisscross pattern at the ends of the rows to provide stability.
Orientation: Orient the stacks so that they are exposed to the prevailing winds.

I’ve found that a well-ventilated stack can make a huge difference in drying time.

Covering the Stack

While airflow is important, protecting the wood from rain and snow is also crucial.

Covering: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp, sheet of plywood, or metal roofing. Leave the sides open to allow for airflow.
Timing: Cover the stack after it has had a chance to dry for a few weeks. This allows some initial moisture to escape before the cover is applied.

I use old metal roofing to cover my stacks. It’s durable and provides excellent protection from the elements.

Drying Time

Cherry typically takes 6-12 months to season properly, depending on the climate and the stacking method.

Climate: In dry climates, cherry may be seasoned in as little as 6 months. In humid climates, it may take a year or longer.
Stacking Method: A well-ventilated stack will dry faster than a poorly ventilated one.

I use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood before burning it. This ensures that it’s properly seasoned.

Monitoring Moisture Content

A moisture meter is an invaluable tool for determining when your firewood is ready to burn.

Moisture Meter: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Insert the meter’s probes into a freshly split piece of wood.
Target Moisture Content: Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.

I check several pieces of wood from different parts of the stack to get an accurate reading.

Signs of Properly Seasoned Cherry

Besides using a moisture meter, there are several visual and tactile signs that indicate cherry is properly seasoned.

Cracks: The ends of the wood will develop cracks as they dry.
Weight: Seasoned wood will be noticeably lighter than green wood.
Color: The wood will fade from a fresh, vibrant color to a duller, grayer color.
Sound: When you strike two pieces of seasoned wood together, they will make a hollow sound.

I always look for these signs before I start burning my firewood.

Takeaway: Seasoning cherry firewood properly is essential for efficient and enjoyable burning. Cut, split, stack, and cover the wood properly, and monitor the moisture content to ensure it’s ready to burn.

Burning Cherry Firewood: Tips and Techniques

Once your cherry firewood is properly seasoned, it’s time to enjoy the fruits (or rather, the heat) of your labor. Here are some tips and techniques for burning cherry firewood effectively and safely.

Starting a Fire with Cherry

Cherry is relatively easy to light, especially when it’s properly seasoned.

Kindling: Start with small pieces of kindling, such as twigs, small branches, or wood shavings.
Tinder: Use tinder, such as newspaper, cardboard, or dry leaves, to ignite the kindling.
Arrangement: Arrange the kindling and tinder in a teepee or log cabin structure to allow for good airflow.
Adding Cherry: Once the kindling is burning well, gradually add small pieces of cherry firewood.

I like to use a fire starter made from cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly. They light easily and burn for a long time.

Maintaining a Cherry Fire

Once the fire is established, maintain it by adding larger pieces of cherry firewood as needed.

Airflow: Ensure that the fire has adequate airflow. Open the air vents on your wood stove or fireplace as needed.
Fueling: Add firewood regularly to maintain a steady fire. Don’t overload the firebox, as this can reduce airflow and increase smoke production.
Ash Removal: Remove ashes regularly to maintain good airflow and prevent ash buildup.

I typically add a few pieces of firewood every hour or two to keep the fire burning steadily.

Maximizing Heat Output

To get the most heat out of your cherry firewood, follow these tips:

Seasoning: Burn only properly seasoned wood.
Airflow: Ensure adequate airflow to the fire.
Firebox Size: Don’t overload the firebox.
Damper Control: Adjust the damper to control the burn rate. Closing the damper too much can reduce heat output and increase smoke production.

I’ve found that a little bit of attention to these details can make a big difference in heat output.

Safety Precautions

Burning firewood can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not followed.

Carbon Monoxide: Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Chimney Inspection: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.
Clearance: Maintain adequate clearance between the wood stove or fireplace and combustible materials.
Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Spark Arrestor: Use a spark arrestor on your chimney to prevent sparks from escaping and starting a fire.

I always make sure my family knows the safety procedures before we start burning firewood for the season.

Environmental Considerations

Burning firewood can have environmental impacts, so it’s important to burn responsibly.

Seasoning: Burning properly seasoned wood reduces smoke production and emissions.
Efficient Stoves: Use an EPA-certified wood stove. These stoves are designed to burn more efficiently and produce less pollution.
Burning Bans: Be aware of local burning bans and restrictions.
Sustainable Harvesting: Harvest firewood sustainably to ensure that forests remain healthy.

I always try to source my firewood from sustainably managed forests.

Takeaway: Burning cherry firewood safely and efficiently requires attention to detail. Start with properly seasoned wood, maintain adequate airflow, and follow safety precautions to protect yourself and the environment.

Cherry Firewood vs. Other Wood Types: A Comparative Analysis

When choosing firewood, it’s helpful to compare cherry to other common wood types. Here’s a comparative analysis based on various factors.

Heat Output (BTU) Comparison

As mentioned earlier, BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures the heat energy in firewood.

Cherry: 15-20 million BTU per cord
Oak: 24-27 million BTU per cord
Maple: 20-24 million BTU per cord
Ash: 24 million BTU per cord
Birch: 20 million BTU per cord
Pine: 12-16 million BTU per cord

Cherry’s heat output is moderate, falling between pine and maple. Oak and ash provide significantly more heat per cord.

Burn Time Comparison

Burn time refers to how long a wood species will burn steadily.

Cherry: Moderate burn time
Oak: Long burn time
Maple: Moderate to long burn time
Ash: Long burn time
Birch: Moderate burn time
Pine: Short burn time

Cherry’s burn time is comparable to maple and birch, but shorter than oak and ash. Pine burns much faster.

Smoke Production Comparison

Smoke production affects air quality and chimney maintenance.

Cherry: Moderate smoke production (when seasoned)
Oak: Low smoke production (when seasoned)
Maple: Low smoke production (when seasoned)
Ash: Low smoke production (when seasoned)
Birch: Moderate smoke production (when seasoned)
Pine: High smoke production

Cherry produces more smoke than oak, maple, and ash, but less than pine. Proper seasoning is crucial to minimize smoke.

Aroma Comparison

Aroma can enhance the ambiance of a fire.

Cherry: Sweet, fruity aroma
Oak: Mild, neutral aroma
Maple: Mild, slightly sweet aroma
Ash: Mild, neutral aroma
Birch: Pleasant, slightly sweet aroma
Pine: Strong, resinous aroma

Cherry’s sweet, fruity aroma is a major selling point, distinguishing it from the more neutral scents of oak, maple, and ash.

Splitting Difficulty Comparison

Splitting difficulty affects the amount of effort required to prepare firewood.

Cherry: Easy to split
Oak: Moderate to difficult to split
Maple: Moderate to difficult to split
Ash: Easy to split
Birch: Moderate to split
Pine: Easy to split

Cherry is among the easiest woods to split, along with ash and pine. Oak and maple can be more challenging.

Cost Comparison

Firewood prices vary depending on location and availability.

Cherry: Moderate to high cost
Oak: Moderate cost
Maple: Moderate cost
Ash: Moderate cost
Birch: Moderate cost
Pine: Low cost

Cherry is often more expensive than other common firewood types due to its desirable aroma and ease of splitting.

Overall Comparison

Feature	Cherry	Oak	Maple	Ash	Birch	Pine
BTU	15-20 million	24-27 million	20-24 million	24 million	20 million	12-16 million
Burn Time	Moderate	Long	Moderate to Long	Long	Moderate	Short
Smoke	Moderate	Low	Low	Low	Moderate	High
Aroma	Sweet, Fruity	Mild	Mild, Sweet	Mild	Pleasant	Resinous
Splitting	Easy	Moderate/Difficult	Moderate/Difficult	Easy	Moderate	Easy
Cost	Moderate/High	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Low

Takeaway: Cherry firewood offers a unique combination of desirable qualities, including a pleasant aroma, ease of splitting, and moderate heat output. However, it’s not the most efficient fuel in terms of BTU and burn time, and it can be more expensive than other options. Consider your priorities and budget when choosing firewood.

Tips for Sourcing Cherry Firewood

Finding a reliable source of cherry firewood can be challenging, as it’s not as widely available as other common wood types. Here are some tips for sourcing cherry firewood.

Local Firewood Dealers

The most straightforward way to find cherry firewood is to contact local firewood dealers.

Online Search: Search online for “firewood dealers near me.”
Phone Calls: Call several dealers to inquire about availability and pricing.
Ask Questions: Ask about the source of the wood, the seasoning process, and the moisture content.

I’ve found that it’s best to visit the dealer in person to inspect the wood before making a purchase.

Logging Companies

Logging companies often have leftover wood that they sell as firewood.

Contact Information: Contact local logging companies to inquire about availability.
Pricing: Logging companies may offer lower prices than firewood dealers, but the wood may not be seasoned.
Volume: Be prepared to purchase a larger volume of wood.

I’ve purchased firewood from logging companies in the past, but it required extra effort to season it properly.

Tree Removal Services

Tree removal services often have cherry trees that they’ve removed from residential properties.

Inquire: Contact local tree removal services to inquire about availability.
Timing: The best time to contact them is after a storm or during the fall when they’re doing a lot of tree removal.
Free Wood: You may be able to get the wood for free, but you’ll likely have to haul it away yourself.

I’ve gotten free cherry firewood from tree removal services on several occasions.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be good sources of firewood.

Search: Search for “firewood” or “cherry firewood” in your local area.
Contact Sellers: Contact sellers to inquire about availability and pricing.
Inspection: Inspect the wood before making a purchase.

Be cautious when buying firewood online, as the quality and quantity may not be as advertised.

Harvesting Your Own

If you have access to a cherry tree on your property, you can harvest your own firewood.

Permission: Obtain permission from the landowner if you don’t own the property.
Safety: Follow proper safety procedures when felling trees.
Tools: Use a chainsaw, axe, and other necessary tools.

Harvesting your own firewood can be a rewarding experience, but it requires skill and effort.

Questions to Ask When Buying Cherry Firewood

Before purchasing cherry firewood, ask the seller these questions:

Wood Source: Where did the wood come from?
Seasoning: How long has the wood been seasoned?
Moisture Content: What is the moisture content of the wood?
Pricing: What is the price per cord or per load?
Delivery: Do you offer delivery?

Getting answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Takeaway: Sourcing cherry firewood requires some effort, but it’s worth it if you appreciate its unique qualities. Explore local dealers, logging companies, tree removal services, and online marketplaces, and don’t hesitate to harvest your own if you have the opportunity.

Tools and Equipment for Processing Cherry Firewood

Processing cherry firewood efficiently and safely requires the right tools and equipment. Here’s a list of essential and optional tools.

Essential Tools

These tools are necessary for cutting, splitting, and stacking cherry firewood.

Chainsaw: Used for felling trees and cutting logs to length.
- Recommendation: Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss or Husqvarna 455 Rancher
- Features: 18-20 inch bar, 50-60 cc engine
- Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and chaps.
Axe or Maul: Used for splitting wood by hand.
- Recommendation: Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe or Gransfors Bruks Splitting Maul
- Features: 36-inch handle, 6-8 pound head
- Technique: Use proper technique to avoid injury.
Splitting Wedges: Used to split particularly tough or knotty pieces of wood.
- Recommendation: Estwing Sure Split Wedge or Truper Forged Steel Wedge
- Features: Hardened steel, tapered design
- Safety: Wear eye protection when using splitting wedges.
Sledgehammer: Used to drive splitting wedges.
- Recommendation: Estwing Sledge Hammer or Stanley Sledge Hammer
- Features: 8-10 pound head, fiberglass handle
- Safety: Wear eye protection when using a sledgehammer.
Measuring Tape: Used to measure the length of firewood pieces.
- Recommendation: Stanley FatMax Tape Measure or Lufkin Hi-Viz Tape Measure
- Features: 25-foot length, durable case
- Accuracy: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent firewood lengths.
Gloves: Protect your hands from splinters and abrasions.
- Recommendation: Mechanix Wear M-Pact Gloves or Wells Lamont Leather Work Gloves
- Features: Durable material, good grip
- Comfort: Choose gloves that fit well and allow for good dexterity.
Safety Glasses or Goggles: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Recommendation: Pyramex Safety Glasses or Uvex Stealth Goggles
- Features: Impact-resistant lenses, comfortable fit
- Compliance: Ensure they meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
Hearing Protection: Protect your ears from the loud noise of the chainsaw.
- Recommendation: 3M Peltor X5A Earmuffs or Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs
- Features: High noise reduction rating (NRR), comfortable fit
- Maintenance: Clean earmuffs regularly for hygiene.
Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from falling logs and sharp objects.
- Recommendation: Timberland PRO Steel-Toe Boots or Caterpillar Steel-Toe Boots
- Features: Steel toe, slip-resistant sole, durable construction
- Fit: Ensure boots fit properly to prevent foot fatigue.
Chainsaw Chaps: Protect your legs from chainsaw cuts.
- Recommendation: Forester Chainsaw Chaps or Husqvarna Chainsaw Chaps
- Features: Multiple layers of ballistic nylon, adjustable fit
- Coverage: Ensure chaps cover the entire length of your legs.

These tools are essential for safe and efficient firewood processing.

Optional Tools

These tools can make the job easier and more efficient, but they’re not strictly necessary.

Hydraulic Log Splitter: Used for splitting wood quickly and easily.
- Recommendation: Champion Power Equipment Log Splitter or Yard Machines Log Splitter
- Features: 20-30 ton splitting force, gas or electric powered
- Maintenance: Follow manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Moisture Meter: Used to measure the moisture content of firewood.
- Recommendation: General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter or Klein Tools ET140 Moisture Meter
- Features: Digital display, pin or pinless sensor
- Calibration: Calibrate the meter regularly for accurate readings.
Cant Hook or Log Peavey: Used for moving and positioning logs.
- Recommendation: LogRite Cant Hook or Peavey Manufacturing Log Peavey
- Features: Steel construction, comfortable handle
- Leverage: Use leverage to roll and position heavy logs safely.
Wheelbarrow or Log Cart: Used for transporting firewood.
- Recommendation: Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart or Marathon Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow
- Features: Durable construction, large capacity
- Load Capacity: Do not exceed the wheelbarrow’s or log cart’s load capacity.
Chainsaw Sharpener: Used to keep your chainsaw chain sharp.
- Recommendation: Oregon Chainsaw Sharpener or Stihl Chainsaw Sharpener
- Features: Electric or manual, precise sharpening
- Technique: Learn proper sharpening techniques to maintain chain performance.

These tools can significantly improve your firewood processing efficiency.

Tool Maintenance

Proper tool maintenance is essential for safety and longevity.

Chainsaw: Sharpen the chain regularly, clean the air filter, and lubricate the bar and chain.
Axe and Maul: Keep the blade sharp and the handle secure.
Log Splitter: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Safety Gear: Inspect safety gear regularly for damage and replace as needed.

I always make sure my tools are in good working order before I start processing firewood.

Takeaway: Having the right tools and equipment can make firewood processing safer and more efficient. Invest in quality tools, maintain them properly, and always wear appropriate safety gear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Cherry Firewood

Even experienced firewood processors can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when working with cherry firewood.

Cutting Green Wood

Cutting green wood is a common mistake that can significantly increase seasoning time.

Timing: Cut cherry firewood in late winter or early spring when the sap content is low.
Identification: Learn to identify green wood by its weight, color, and moisture content.

I’ve made the mistake of cutting green wood before, and it took much longer to season properly.

Improper Stacking

Improper stacking can hinder airflow and slow down the drying process.

Location: Choose a sunny, windy location.
Elevation: Stack the wood off the ground.
Spacing: Leave gaps between rows and pieces of wood.

A poorly stacked pile of firewood is a breeding ground for mold and rot.

Covering Too Soon

Covering the stack too soon can trap moisture and prevent the wood from drying properly.

Timing: Allow the wood to dry for a few weeks before covering it.
Ventilation: Leave the sides of the stack open to allow for airflow.

I once covered a stack of firewood too soon, and it ended up taking twice as long to season.

Burning Unseasoned Wood

Burning unseasoned wood is inefficient and produces excessive smoke.

Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood.
Signs: Look for signs of seasoned wood, such as cracks, light weight, and dull color.

Burning unseasoned wood is like throwing money down the drain.

Neglecting Safety Gear

Neglecting safety gear can lead to serious injuries.

Chainsaw: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and chaps when using a chainsaw.
Splitting: Wear gloves and eye protection when splitting wood.

Safety gear is not optional; it’s essential.

Overloading the Firebox

Overloading the firebox can reduce airflow and increase smoke production.

Airflow: Ensure that the fire has adequate airflow.
Fueling: Add firewood gradually, rather than overloading the firebox.

A properly loaded firebox burns hotter and cleaner.

Ignoring Chimney Maintenance

Ignoring chimney maintenance can lead to dangerous chimney fires.

Inspection: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.
Frequency: The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you burn firewood.

A clean chimney is a safe chimney.

Takeaway: Avoiding these common mistakes will help you process cherry firewood safely and efficiently, and ensure that you get the most out of your fires.

Conclusion: Embracing the Warmth of Cherry Firewood

Cherry firewood, while not the highest BTU option, offers a unique blend of desirable qualities. Its sweet aroma, ease of splitting, and moderate heat output make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a pleasant and manageable firewood option. Remember, proper seasoning is key to unlocking cherry’s full potential, so follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure your wood is ready to burn efficiently and cleanly.