Is Locust Good Firewood? (5 Proven Wood-Burning Secrets)

As someone who’s spent decades felling trees, processing timber, and warming my home with wood, I can tell you firsthand that not all firewood is created equal. Some species ignite easily but burn quickly, while others smolder for hours, providing consistent heat. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of locust firewood, exploring its pros, cons, and the secrets to burning it effectively. Locust, particularly black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia), has earned a reputation as a top-tier firewood choice, and for good reason. Its durability and high heat output make it a favorite among seasoned wood burners. Let’s uncover why.

Understanding the Allure of Locust: A Wood Burner’s Perspective

My journey with locust began years ago when I inherited a property overrun with the stuff. Initially, I saw it as a nuisance, those thorny branches and aggressive growth habits. But necessity is the mother of invention, and with a long winter looming, I started cutting and splitting. What I discovered surprised me – locust was dense, heavy, and split relatively easily for its toughness. More importantly, it burned like a furnace!

Over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate locust for its unique qualities. It’s not just about the heat; it’s about the longevity of the burn, the minimal smoke, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re using a sustainable and readily available resource (at least in some regions).

1. The Heat Output Champion: BTU and Beyond

When evaluating firewood, British Thermal Units (BTU) are the gold standard. BTU measures the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The higher the BTU value, the more heat the wood produces when burned.

Black Locust BTU: Black locust boasts an impressive BTU rating of around 27-29 million BTU per cord. This puts it in the top tier of North American hardwoods, rivaling oak and hickory.
Honey Locust BTU: Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is slightly lower, typically around 24-26 million BTU per cord, but still a very respectable option.

Why does BTU matter? A higher BTU rating means you need less wood to generate the same amount of heat. This translates to fewer trips to the woodpile, less storage space required, and ultimately, more efficient heating.

My Experience: I’ve found that a single locust log can often provide heat for several hours in my wood stove, whereas I might need two or three logs of softer wood like pine or poplar to achieve the same result. This efficiency is a game-changer during those long, cold winter nights.

2. Durability and Rot Resistance: Nature’s Preservative

One of the most remarkable qualities of locust is its natural resistance to rot and decay. This is due to the presence of certain extractives within the wood, acting as natural preservatives.

In the Ground: Locust is commonly used for fence posts and railroad ties because it can withstand decades of exposure to the elements.
As Firewood: This inherent durability translates to less spoilage during seasoning. Even if your firewood pile isn’t perfectly covered, locust is less likely to rot than other types of wood.

Real-World Example: I once salvaged a pile of locust logs that had been lying in the woods for several years. While the outer layers were somewhat weathered, the core of the wood was still solid and burnable. I wouldn’t recommend leaving firewood exposed indefinitely, but locust offers a significant advantage in terms of durability.

3. Seasoning Secrets: The Key to Efficient Burning

Seasoning firewood is the process of drying it out, reducing its moisture content to an acceptable level for burning. Green wood (freshly cut wood) contains a high percentage of water, which hinders combustion and produces excessive smoke.

Ideal Moisture Content: For optimal burning, firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less.
Locust Seasoning Time: Locust, due to its density, typically requires 12-24 months of seasoning to reach this ideal moisture content. This is longer than some softer woods but shorter than dense oaks.
Splitting Before Seasoning: Always split locust firewood before seasoning. This increases the surface area exposed to air, accelerating the drying process.

Seasoning Techniques:

Stacking: Stack the wood in a single row, allowing for maximum airflow.
Elevation: Elevate the wood off the ground using pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
Sun and Wind: Choose a sunny and windy location to promote evaporation.
Covering: Cover the top of the woodpile to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for ventilation.

My Method: I use a combination of these techniques. I stack my locust firewood on pallets in a sunny spot, leaving plenty of space between rows. I cover the top with a tarp during the rainy season but ensure the sides remain open to the breeze. Using a moisture meter, I check the moisture content regularly, aiming for that sweet spot below 20%.

Tool Tip: A moisture meter is an invaluable tool for determining when your firewood is properly seasoned. Pin-type meters are generally more accurate than pinless meters.

4. Splitting Strategies: Taming the Toughness

Locust, while not the most difficult wood to split, can present a challenge due to its density and occasional knots. Choosing the right tools and techniques is crucial.

Axes: A splitting axe with a heavy head (6-8 pounds) is ideal for tackling locust. Look for an axe with a wide, wedge-shaped head designed to separate wood fibers.
Mauls: A maul is a heavier, blunt-faced tool that combines the functions of an axe and a sledgehammer. It’s particularly effective for splitting large, knotty rounds.
Hydraulic Log Splitters: For those with a lot of wood to process or who prefer a less physically demanding method, a hydraulic log splitter is a game-changer. These machines use hydraulic pressure to force a wedge through the wood, making splitting effortless.

Splitting Techniques:

Target the Cracks: Look for existing cracks or checks in the wood and aim your axe or maul at these points.
Elevate the Round: Placing the round on a splitting stump or tire elevates it to a comfortable working height and provides a stable base.
Swing with Your Whole Body: Use your legs and core to generate power, not just your arms.
Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood. Position yourself so that your feet are firmly planted and your swing path is clear.

My Approach: I typically start with an axe for smaller, straighter rounds. For larger or knotty pieces, I switch to a maul. If I have a significant amount of locust to process, I break out my hydraulic log splitter. The splitter significantly reduces the time and effort required, especially for large-diameter logs. My splitter is a 27-ton model, which provides ample power for even the toughest locust rounds.

Case Study: Conquering the Knotty Monster

I once had a massive locust round that was riddled with knots. It was so dense and gnarly that I couldn’t split it with an axe or maul, even after multiple attempts. I finally resorted to using wedges and a sledgehammer. I drove wedges into the existing cracks, gradually working my way around the round until it finally split apart. It was a challenging and time-consuming process, but it highlighted the importance of persistence and having the right tools for the job.

5. Burning Best Practices: Maximizing Heat and Minimizing Smoke

Burning locust firewood effectively requires attention to detail. Proper stove operation and air control are essential for maximizing heat output and minimizing smoke production.

Start with Kindling: Begin with a generous amount of dry kindling and small pieces of softwood to establish a strong fire.
Gradually Add Locust: Once the fire is burning well, gradually add larger pieces of locust.
Air Control: Adjust the air intake on your wood stove to control the rate of combustion. More air will result in a hotter, faster burn, while less air will produce a slower, more smoldering burn.
Maintain a Hot Fire: Avoid letting the fire smolder, as this produces excessive smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney.
Regular Chimney Cleaning: Creosote is a flammable substance that can accumulate in your chimney and pose a fire hazard. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.

Optimizing Your Wood Stove:

Choose the Right Size: Select a wood stove that is appropriately sized for the space you are heating. An oversized stove will produce too much heat, while an undersized stove will struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Proper Installation: Ensure that your wood stove is installed correctly and that it meets all local building codes.
Air Supply: Provide adequate air supply to the stove. A lack of air can lead to incomplete combustion and excessive smoke.
Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic: Consider the pros and cons of catalytic and non-catalytic wood stoves. Catalytic stoves are more efficient and produce less smoke, but they require more maintenance.

My Burning Ritual: I always start my fires with a good base of dry kindling and softwood. Once the fire is established, I add a few pieces of locust, gradually increasing the amount as the fire burns down. I pay close attention to the air intake, adjusting it to maintain a steady, hot burn. I also make sure to have my chimney cleaned annually to prevent creosote buildup.

Addressing Common Concerns:

Sparking: Locust can occasionally spark, especially if it’s not fully seasoned. Using a fire screen or spark arrestor is essential to prevent embers from escaping the fireplace or wood stove.
Smoke: Properly seasoned locust burns with minimal smoke. If you’re experiencing excessive smoke, it’s likely due to unseasoned wood, poor air control, or a dirty chimney.

Bonus Secret: Locust as a Sustainable Choice

In many areas, locust is considered an invasive species, aggressively colonizing disturbed areas and outcompeting native vegetation. Harvesting locust for firewood can be a sustainable practice, helping to control its spread and providing a valuable source of renewable energy.

Responsible Harvesting: When harvesting locust, be mindful of the surrounding ecosystem. Avoid clear-cutting large areas and leave some trees to provide habitat for wildlife.
Replanting: Consider planting native trees to replace the locust that you harvest.

My Perspective: I see locust as a valuable resource that can be utilized responsibly. By harvesting it for firewood, I’m not only providing heat for my home but also helping to manage its spread and promote a healthier forest ecosystem.

Tools of the Trade: A Firewood Processor’s Arsenal

Over the years, I’ve assembled a collection of tools that make firewood processing easier and more efficient. Here are some of my essentials:

Chainsaw: A reliable chainsaw is essential for felling trees and bucking logs. I prefer a professional-grade saw with a 20-inch bar. Stihl and Husqvarna are two brands that I trust.
Axes and Mauls: As mentioned earlier, a splitting axe and maul are indispensable for splitting firewood. I have several different axes and mauls, each suited for different tasks.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter is a significant investment, but it can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort.
Moisture Meter: A moisture meter is crucial for determining when your firewood is properly seasoned.
Safety Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, and a helmet are essential for protecting yourself from injury.
Cant Hook: A cant hook is a long-handled tool used for rolling and positioning logs.
Peavey: Similar to a cant hook, a peavey has a pointed spike on the end that allows you to grip logs more securely.
Wedges: Steel wedges are useful for splitting stubborn logs that resist the axe or maul.
Sledgehammer: A sledgehammer is used to drive wedges into logs.
Chainsaw Sharpener: A sharp chainsaw is essential for efficient and safe cutting. I use a chainsaw sharpener to keep my saw blades in top condition.
Measuring Tape: A measuring tape is used to cut firewood to the desired length.
Wood Rack: A wood rack is used to store and organize firewood.
Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow is used to transport firewood from the woodpile to the house.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of firewood processing tools can vary widely depending on the quality and features. A basic set of tools, including an axe, maul, and safety gear, can cost a few hundred dollars. A hydraulic log splitter can cost several thousand dollars. However, the investment can pay off in the long run, especially if you process a lot of firewood.

Skill Levels Required:

Firewood processing requires a range of skills, from basic axe handling to operating a chainsaw and hydraulic log splitter. It’s important to start with the basics and gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques. Safety should always be your top priority.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Locust

Locust firewood is a valuable resource that offers numerous benefits, including high heat output, durability, and sustainability. By following the secrets outlined in this guide, you can harness the power of locust to heat your home efficiently and effectively.

My journey with locust has been a rewarding one. I’ve learned to appreciate its unique qualities and to utilize it responsibly. I encourage you to explore the possibilities of locust firewood and to experience the warmth and satisfaction that it provides.

Now, go forth and conquer that woodpile! Remember to prioritize safety, practice responsible harvesting, and enjoy the fruits (or rather, the warmth) of your labor. Happy burning!

Is Locust Good Firewood? (5 Proven Wood-Burning Secrets)