Mulberry Wood For Burning (5 Pro Tips To Season Like A Logger)

Let’s get you burning mulberry like a pro! Here’s the quick win: Mulberry dries relatively fast compared to other hardwoods. If you split it small and stack it properly, you can often get it seasoned in a single summer. Now, let’s dive deep into how to do it right.

Mulberry Wood for Burning: 5 Pro Tips to Season Like a Logger

Mulberry. It’s a wood often overlooked, sometimes even considered a nuisance tree. But as a logger and firewood enthusiast, I’ve learned that mulberry, when properly seasoned, can be a fantastic fuel source. It burns hot, it’s relatively easy to split, and it’s often readily available. The key is understanding how to season it properly. Many people don’t realize the potential of this wood, dismissing it because they haven’t experienced it at its best. I’m going to share my top 5 tips, gleaned from years of experience, to help you season mulberry wood like a true professional.

Why Mulberry? Understanding the Wood’s Potential

Before we dive into seasoning, let’s appreciate what mulberry brings to the table. Mulberry is a hardwood, typically denser than softwoods like pine or fir. This density translates to more energy per cord, meaning you’ll get more heat from the same volume of wood. Seasoned mulberry typically yields around 20 million BTU per cord, which is comparable to oak and maple, making it a very desirable wood for heating.

Here’s a quick definition of some key terms:

Green Wood: Wood that has recently been cut and contains a high moisture content.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to an appropriate moisture content (typically below 20%) for burning. Seasoning involves air drying.
BTU (British Thermal Unit): A unit of heat; the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Why is seasoning important? Green wood is difficult to light, produces excessive smoke, and burns inefficiently. The energy that should be heating your home is instead being used to evaporate the water in the wood. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, lights easily, burns cleanly, and provides maximum heat output. Burning unseasoned wood also contributes to creosote buildup in your chimney, increasing the risk of chimney fires.

I remember one winter struggling to keep my old farmhouse warm. I had a load of “seasoned” wood from a new supplier that turned out to be anything but. I spent more time coaxing the fire than enjoying it. That experience taught me the absolute necessity of properly seasoned firewood, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.

Tip #1: Timing is Everything: Felling and Processing

The best time to fell mulberry trees for firewood is during the late fall or winter. This is because the tree’s sap content is at its lowest during this period, naturally giving you a head start on the drying process.

Felling: Use a chainsaw appropriate for the tree size. For smaller mulberry trees (under 12 inches in diameter), a 16-inch chainsaw is usually sufficient. For larger trees, you’ll need a more powerful saw with a longer bar (18-20 inches or more). I personally use a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss for most of my firewood harvesting, and it handles most mulberry trees with ease.
Bucking: Cut the felled tree into manageable lengths, typically 16-18 inches for most wood stoves. This is crucial for efficient splitting and stacking. Accuracy here is key. Use a measuring stick or a marked chainsaw bar to ensure consistent lengths.
Debarking (Optional but Recommended): Removing the bark can significantly speed up the drying process, as the bark acts as a barrier to moisture evaporation. While this isn’t always practical for large-scale operations, I highly recommend it for smaller quantities of mulberry. A drawknife works well for this, or even a simple hatchet.

Case Study: I once had a client who insisted on burning mulberry he had felled in the spring. Despite my warnings, he proceeded to burn it green. The result? A smoky, inefficient fire, and a chimney caked with creosote. After a professional chimney cleaning and a stern lecture, he finally understood the importance of proper timing and seasoning.

Tip #2: Splitting: The Key to Quick Drying

Splitting the wood is arguably the most important step in the seasoning process. Splitting increases the surface area exposed to the air, allowing moisture to escape more rapidly.

Splitting Tools: You have several options here, from manual splitting axes to hydraulic log splitters. For smaller quantities of mulberry, a good splitting axe or maul will suffice. I recommend a maul with a weight of 6-8 pounds. For larger volumes, a hydraulic log splitter is a worthwhile investment. I use a 27-ton gas-powered splitter, and it makes quick work of even the toughest mulberry logs.
Splitting Technique: Aim to split the wood into pieces that are no more than 6 inches in diameter. Smaller pieces dry faster. For larger logs, you may need to split them into quarters or even smaller pieces.
Mulberry’s Splitting Characteristics: Mulberry generally splits fairly easily, especially when green. However, it can become tougher to split as it dries. Watch out for knots and crotches, as these can be challenging.

Personal Experience: I remember my first time using a hydraulic log splitter. I was intimidated by the machine, but after a few practice runs, I was hooked. It transformed firewood processing from a grueling chore into a relatively quick and efficient task. The increased production allowed me to season more wood and ultimately keep my home warmer throughout the winter.

Tip #3: Stacking for Success: Airflow is Your Ally

Proper stacking is crucial for maximizing airflow around the wood, which accelerates the drying process.

Location: Choose a sunny and windy location for your woodpile. This will help to evaporate moisture more quickly. Avoid stacking wood in shady or damp areas, as this will slow down the drying process.
Elevation: Elevate the wood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up from the soil. You can use pallets, cinder blocks, or even just some scrap wood. I prefer using pallets, as they provide good airflow underneath the woodpile.
Stacking Method: There are several different stacking methods you can use, but the key is to create gaps between the pieces of wood to allow for airflow. I prefer the “criss-cross” method, where you alternate the direction of the wood in each layer. This creates a stable stack and allows for good airflow.
Spacing: Leave at least a few inches of space between rows of wood to allow for air circulation. I typically leave about 4-6 inches between rows.

Original Insight: One trick I learned from an old-timer is to leave a “chimney” in the center of the woodpile. This is simply a vertical space that runs from the bottom to the top of the pile, allowing for air to circulate upwards. This can significantly improve the drying process, especially in humid climates.

Tip #4: Protection from the Elements: Cover, But Don’t Suffocate

While airflow is essential, you also need to protect the wood from excessive rain and snow. Too much moisture can slow down the drying process and even lead to rot.

Covering the Top: The most important thing is to cover the top of the woodpile to prevent rain and snow from soaking into the wood. You can use a tarp, a sheet of metal roofing, or even just some scrap wood.
Leaving the Sides Open: It’s crucial to leave the sides of the woodpile open to allow for airflow. Don’t completely cover the woodpile, as this will trap moisture and prevent it from drying.
Tarp Placement: When using a tarp, make sure to secure it properly to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. Also, make sure that the tarp doesn’t touch the ground, as this will trap moisture underneath it.

Data Point: Studies have shown that covering the top of a woodpile can reduce the drying time by as much as 20%. This is a significant improvement, especially in areas with high rainfall.

Tip #5: Moisture Monitoring: Know When It’s Ready

The only way to truly know if your mulberry wood is properly seasoned is to measure its moisture content.

Moisture Meter: A moisture meter is an inexpensive tool that allows you to measure the moisture content of wood. You can find them at most hardware stores or online. I use a simple pin-type moisture meter, and it works well for my needs.
Target Moisture Content: The ideal moisture content for firewood is below 20%. At this level, the wood will burn efficiently and produce minimal smoke.
Testing Procedure: To test the moisture content, split a piece of wood and insert the probes of the moisture meter into the freshly split surface. Take several readings from different pieces of wood to get an accurate average.

Project Example: I recently seasoned a batch of mulberry wood using the methods described above. After about six months, I tested the moisture content and found that it was consistently below 18%. The wood burned beautifully, providing plenty of heat and producing very little smoke.

Additional Tips for Mulberry Wood

Mulberry Varieties: There are several different varieties of mulberry trees, but they all have similar burning characteristics. White mulberry tends to be the most common, but red mulberry and black mulberry are also suitable for firewood.
Insect Infestation: Mulberry is generally resistant to insect infestation, but it’s still a good idea to inspect your woodpile regularly for signs of pests. If you find any signs of infestation, take steps to control it immediately.
Storage: Once the wood is properly seasoned, store it in a dry and well-ventilated area to prevent it from reabsorbing moisture. A wood shed is ideal, but a covered area under an overhang will also work.

Safety Considerations

Working with wood can be dangerous, so it’s essential to take proper safety precautions.

Chainsaw Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear when operating a chainsaw, including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chaps. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Splitting Axe Safety: Use a splitting block that is stable and at a comfortable height. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Keep your feet clear of the splitting area.
Hydraulic Log Splitter Safety: Read and understand the operator’s manual before using a hydraulic log splitter. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Keep your hands and feet clear of the splitting area.
Lifting Safety: When lifting heavy pieces of wood, use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Ask for help if needed.

Costs and Materials

The cost of processing mulberry wood for firewood will vary depending on the tools and equipment you already own.

Chainsaw: A good quality chainsaw can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000 or more.
Splitting Axe: A splitting axe or maul can cost from $50 to $150.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter can cost from $1000 to $3000 or more.
Moisture Meter: A moisture meter can cost from $20 to $100.
Pallets: Pallets can often be obtained for free from local businesses.
Tarp: A tarp can cost from $20 to $50.

Skill Level Required

The skill level required to process mulberry wood for firewood will depend on the methods you use.

Manual Splitting: Manual splitting requires a moderate level of physical strength and coordination.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: Using a hydraulic log splitter requires some basic mechanical knowledge and a willingness to learn.
Chainsaw Operation: Operating a chainsaw requires a high level of skill and experience. It is essential to receive proper training before operating a chainsaw.

Strategic Advantages of Proper Seasoning

Increased Heat Output: Properly seasoned wood burns more efficiently, providing more heat for your home.
Reduced Smoke: Seasoned wood produces less smoke, which is better for the environment and your neighbors.
Reduced Creosote Buildup: Burning seasoned wood reduces creosote buildup in your chimney, decreasing the risk of chimney fires.
Longer Equipment Life: Burning seasoned wood is less stressful on your wood stove or fireplace, extending its lifespan.

Next Steps: Getting Started

Now that you have a better understanding of how to season mulberry wood for burning, it’s time to get started.

Identify a Source of Mulberry Wood: Look for mulberry trees on your property or contact local tree services to see if they have any available.
Gather Your Tools and Equipment: Make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment, including a chainsaw, splitting axe or hydraulic log splitter, moisture meter, and safety gear.
Fell and Buck the Trees: Fell the trees during the late fall or winter and buck them into manageable lengths.
Split the Wood: Split the wood into pieces that are no more than 6 inches in diameter.
Stack the Wood: Stack the wood in a sunny and windy location, elevating it off the ground and leaving gaps between the pieces for airflow.
Cover the Top: Cover the top of the woodpile to protect it from rain and snow.
Monitor the Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of the wood.
Store the Seasoned Wood: Once the wood is properly seasoned, store it in a dry and well-ventilated area.

By following these tips, you can season mulberry wood like a pro and enjoy the benefits of a warm, efficient, and safe fire. Remember, patience is key. It takes time for wood to dry properly, but the results are well worth the effort. Happy burning!

Mulberry Wood for Burning (5 Pro Tips to Season Like a Logger)