Is Elm Wood Good Firewood? (5 Expert Facts You Must Know)

Elm Wood: 5 Expert Facts You Must Know

I’ve spent countless hours felling trees, splitting wood, and tending fires, and I’ve learned that understanding the properties of different wood species is crucial for efficient and safe firewood preparation. Elm, with its distinctive grain and sometimes challenging splitting characteristics, requires a specific approach. So, let’s dive into the facts:

Fact 1: Elm’s BTU Output & Heat Value

The most crucial aspect of any firewood is its heat value, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). BTU indicates the amount of heat released when a pound of wood is burned. Hardwoods generally have higher BTU values than softwoods, translating to more heat per cord.

Elm falls somewhere in the middle. While not as high as oak or hickory, it still provides a decent amount of heat. Different species of elm vary slightly, but on average, elm wood offers around 20 million BTUs per cord.

• Specifics:

  • American Elm: ~19.7 million BTU/cord
  • Red Elm (Slippery Elm): ~20.5 million BTU/cord
  • Rock Elm: ~22 million BTU/cord

• Comparison:

  • Oak: 25-30 million BTU/cord
  • Maple: 20-24 million BTU/cord
  • Pine: 12-16 million BTU/cord

My Experience: I once relied on a mix of red elm and maple during a particularly harsh winter in upstate New York. I found that the elm, while not as long-lasting as the maple, provided a consistent and respectable heat output. I used around 1.5 cords of the elm/maple mix to keep my 1,500 sq ft home comfortably warm.

Practical Application: If you have access to elm, especially Rock Elm, it can be a valuable addition to your firewood supply. However, if you are purchasing firewood, you might find that oak or maple offers a better BTU-per-dollar value.

Fact 2: Splitting Elm – The Challenge is Real

Here’s where elm gets a bad reputation. Elm is notorious for its stringy, interwoven grain, making it incredibly difficult to split, especially when green. This is due to the wood’s interlocking grain structure.

• Why it’s difficult: The fibers resist separation, often leading to pieces that tear rather than split cleanly. You’ll often encounter pieces that require multiple strikes with a maul or axe, or even wedging.

• Tools to use:

  • Hydraulic Log Splitter: This is your best friend when dealing with elm. A splitter with at least 20 tons of splitting force is recommended. I personally use a 25-ton splitter, and it handles most elm rounds with ease.
  • Maul: A heavy maul (8-12 lbs) can work, but be prepared for a workout. Look for a maul with a “splitting wedge” design.
  • Splitting Axe: A splitting axe with a wide, flared head can be effective, but it requires good technique and strength.
  • Wedges: Steel splitting wedges are essential for those stubborn pieces. Drive them in with a sledgehammer.

• Tips for Splitting Elm:

  • Seasoning: Allow the elm to season (dry) for at least 6-12 months before splitting. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the difficulty, it does make the process significantly easier. The wood becomes more brittle as it dries.
  • Splitting Green: If you must split green elm, try to split it immediately after felling the tree. The wood is slightly softer when freshly cut.
  • Target the Edges: Instead of aiming for the center of the round, try splitting from the outside edges inward. This can be more effective in some cases.
  • Follow the Grain: Look for natural cracks or checks in the wood and try to split along those lines.
  • Use a Buddy: Having a second person to help position the wood and operate the log splitter can significantly increase efficiency.

My Experience: I remember one particularly large elm log that I attempted to split with just a maul. After an hour of swinging and sweating, I only managed to get a few small pieces. I finally gave up and borrowed a friend’s log splitter. The difference was night and day. What took an hour with the maul took only minutes with the splitter. That experience taught me the value of having the right tools for the job.

Case Study: A small logging operation in Wisconsin faced a backlog of elm logs due to the difficulty of splitting them. They invested in a heavy-duty hydraulic log splitter with a 34-ton capacity and a four-way wedge. This allowed them to process the elm logs much faster and more efficiently, increasing their overall firewood production by 30%.

Safety First: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy footwear when splitting wood. Position yourself so that your feet are firmly planted and you have a clear swing path. Be aware of your surroundings and keep bystanders at a safe distance.

Fact 3: Seasoning Elm – Patience is Key

Seasoning, or drying, firewood is crucial for efficient burning and reducing smoke. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which reduces its heat output and increases creosote buildup in your chimney. Creosote is a flammable substance that can lead to chimney fires.

• Why Seasoning Matters:

  • Increased Heat Output: Dry wood burns hotter and more efficiently.
  • Reduced Smoke: Dry wood produces less smoke, making for a more pleasant burning experience and reducing air pollution.
  • Reduced Creosote: Dry wood reduces creosote buildup in your chimney, lowering the risk of chimney fires.

• Elm Seasoning Time: Elm typically takes 12-18 months to season properly, depending on the climate and storage conditions.

• How to Season Elm:

  • Split the Wood: Splitting the wood exposes more surface area, allowing it to dry faster.
  • Stack it Properly: Stack the wood in a single row, off the ground, with good air circulation. Use pallets or scrap wood to elevate the woodpile.
  • Cover the Top: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or sheet of metal to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for ventilation.
  • Choose a Sunny Location: Place the woodpile in a sunny location to maximize drying.
  • Monitor Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.

• Moisture Meter Use:

  • Purchase a reliable moisture meter.
  • Split a few pieces of wood and measure the moisture content on the freshly split face.
  • Take multiple readings from different pieces to get an accurate average.
  • If the moisture content is above 20%, continue seasoning the wood.

My Experience: I once tried to burn elm that I had only seasoned for six months. It was a smoky, inefficient mess. The fire struggled to stay lit, and the chimney quickly accumulated a layer of creosote. I learned my lesson and now always ensure that my firewood is properly seasoned before burning it.

Data: Studies have shown that burning properly seasoned firewood can increase heat output by as much as 50% compared to burning green wood. It also significantly reduces creosote buildup and air pollution.

Advanced Tip: Kiln-dried firewood is an option for those who want to skip the seasoning process. Kiln-dried wood is dried in a controlled environment, resulting in a very low moisture content. However, kiln-dried firewood is typically more expensive than seasoned firewood.

Fact 4: Elm’s Smoke & Smell Characteristics

While elm burns relatively clean when properly seasoned, it can produce a noticeable odor, especially when first lit. This odor is not unpleasant to everyone, but some people find it slightly acrid or sour.

• Smoke Production: Properly seasoned elm produces a moderate amount of smoke. Green or improperly seasoned elm will produce significantly more smoke.

• Smell: The smell of burning elm is distinctive. Some describe it as similar to maple, while others find it slightly more pungent.

• Impact of Seasoning: Properly seasoning elm will significantly reduce the amount of smoke and the intensity of the odor.

• Chimney Considerations: Due to the potential for increased creosote buildup, it’s essential to have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly, especially if you burn a lot of elm. I recommend an annual inspection and cleaning by a qualified chimney sweep.

My Experience: I’ve noticed that the smell of burning elm is more pronounced when the wood is burned in a wood stove rather than an open fireplace. This is likely due to the more controlled burning environment in a wood stove.

Expert Insight: The specific compounds that contribute to the smell of burning wood vary depending on the species. In elm, compounds like guaiacol and syringol are likely contributors.

Strategic Advantage: If you are sensitive to smells, you might want to mix elm with other types of firewood that have a more pleasant aroma, such as apple or cherry.

Fact 5: Elm’s Availability & Cost

Elm trees were once a common sight across North America, but Dutch elm disease decimated the population in the 20th century. While elm trees are still present, they are not as abundant as they once were.

• Availability: The availability of elm firewood varies depending on your location. In some areas, elm trees are still relatively common, while in others, they are scarce.

• Cost: The cost of elm firewood will depend on its availability in your area, as well as the demand for firewood in general. In areas where elm is abundant, it may be cheaper than other types of firewood.

• Sourcing Elm:

  • Local Firewood Dealers: Check with local firewood dealers to see if they carry elm.
  • Logging Companies: Contact logging companies in your area to see if they have any elm logs for sale.
  • Arborists: Arborists often have to remove elm trees that are diseased or damaged. They may be willing to give away or sell the wood.
  • Your Own Property: If you have elm trees on your property, you can harvest them for firewood. Make sure to obtain any necessary permits before felling trees.

• Sustainable Harvesting: When harvesting elm trees for firewood, it’s important to practice sustainable forestry. This means only harvesting trees that are dead, dying, or diseased, and leaving healthy trees to continue growing.

My Experience: I live in an area where elm trees are relatively common, so I can usually find elm firewood for a reasonable price. However, I always make sure to source my firewood from sustainable sources.

Cost Analysis: In my area, a cord of seasoned elm firewood typically costs around $200-$250, while a cord of seasoned oak or maple costs around $250-$300. The price difference reflects the relative abundance of elm in my region.

Global Perspective: In Europe, elm is less commonly used for firewood due to its scarcity and the presence of other readily available hardwoods. However, in some parts of Asia, elm is still used as a traditional fuel source.

Conclusion: Is Elm Wood Good Firewood?

So, is elm wood good firewood? The answer is a qualified yes. Elm offers a decent BTU output, but it can be challenging to split, especially when green. It requires proper seasoning to burn efficiently and reduce smoke. The smell is distinct, and availability can vary depending on your location.

Here’s a summary to help you decide:

• Pros:

  • Decent heat output (around 20 million BTU/cord)
  • Can be a more affordable option in some areas
  • Burns relatively clean when properly seasoned

• Cons:

  • Difficult to split, especially when green
  • Requires a longer seasoning time (12-18 months)
  • Produces a noticeable odor when burned
  • Availability can be limited in some areas

Next Steps:

1. Assess your needs: How much firewood do you need? What is your budget? How important is ease of splitting and seasoning?
2. Evaluate availability: Can you easily source elm firewood in your area?
3. Consider your tools: Do you have a log splitter? If not, are you willing to invest in one or rent one?
4. Plan your seasoning: Do you have a suitable location for seasoning firewood?
5. Prioritize safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear when handling firewood.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use elm as firewood depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you have access to elm and are willing to put in the extra effort to split and season it properly, it can be a valuable addition to your firewood supply. However, if you prioritize ease of splitting and seasoning, you might be better off choosing a different type of firewood, such as oak or maple.

Remember to always prioritize safety when handling firewood, and to practice sustainable forestry when harvesting trees. With a little knowledge and effort, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a wood-burning fire all winter long.

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