Tree Of Heaven Firewood: Identification & Burning Issues (Expert Tips)

Alright, let’s dive into the fiery debate surrounding Tree of Heaven firewood! I’m going to give you the lowdown on identifying this often-overlooked tree, the potential problems it presents when burned, and, most importantly, how to handle it safely and effectively. Think of me as your seasoned wood-burning guru, guiding you through the sometimes-smoky world of firewood.

Tree of Heaven Firewood: Identification & Burning Issues (Expert Tips)

You know, sometimes I think trees have a sense of humor. They grow where we least expect them, often causing problems, and then we have to decide whether they’re worth turning into firewood! The Tree of Heaven ( Ailanthus altissima), is one of those trees. It’s an invasive species in many parts of the world, and while cutting it down might seem like a public service, figuring out what to DO with it afterward is another story. This guide is designed to help you navigate that process.

What is the User Intent?

The user intends to:

Identify Tree of Heaven: Learn to distinguish it from other trees.
Understand Burning Issues: Discover potential hazards and problems associated with burning Tree of Heaven firewood.
Find Expert Tips: Get actionable advice on how to safely handle and burn it, or alternative uses.

Why This Matters: The Importance of Knowing Your Wood

Before we get into the specifics of Tree of Heaven, let’s talk about why it’s crucial to know what you’re burning. Not all wood is created equal. Some woods burn hot and clean, others are smoky and inefficient, and some can even be dangerous. Burning the wrong type of wood can damage your stove, pollute the air, and even create a fire hazard.

My Story: I once burned a load of what I thought was seasoned oak. Turns out, it was mostly cottonwood, and it coated my chimney with creosote faster than you can say “fire hazard.” I learned my lesson the hard way: always be sure of what you’re burning!

Key Concepts: Green vs. Seasoned Wood

Let’s define a couple of terms that will come up a lot:

Green Wood: This is freshly cut wood. It has a high moisture content (often over 50%), which makes it difficult to burn and produces a lot of smoke.
Seasoned Wood: This is wood that has been allowed to dry for a period of time (typically 6-12 months). The moisture content is significantly lower (ideally below 20%), making it burn hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.

Identifying Tree of Heaven: “The Stink Tree”

This is the first and most important step. You don’t want to be burning something you think is oak when it’s actually something else entirely.

Visual Identification

Leaves: Tree of Heaven has large, compound leaves that can be 1-4 feet long. Each leaf is made up of 10-40 leaflets. The leaflets have smooth edges, except for a few teeth near the base.
Bark: The bark is smooth and gray-brown when young, becoming rougher and more fissured with age. It often resembles cantaloupe skin.
Twigs: The twigs are stout and have large, heart-shaped leaf scars. They also have a distinctive, unpleasant odor when crushed.
Overall Shape: Tree of Heaven tends to have a rather scraggly, unkempt appearance. It often grows in clumps or thickets.

The Smell Test: The “Stink Tree” Lives Up to Its Name

The most reliable way to identify Tree of Heaven is by its smell. Crush a leaf or twig, and you’ll notice a strong, unpleasant odor that some people describe as resembling burnt peanut butter or cat urine. This is where the nickname “stink tree” comes from.

My Experience: I was once clearing a patch of land and kept getting this strange, sickly-sweet smell. After some investigation, I realized I was surrounded by young Tree of Heaven saplings. The smell is hard to forget once you’ve experienced it.

Distinguishing Tree of Heaven from Similar Trees

Tree of Heaven can sometimes be confused with other trees, such as sumac or ash. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Sumac: Sumac has similar compound leaves, but the leaflets have serrated edges (small teeth along the entire edge). Sumac also has fuzzy twigs and reddish, cone-shaped fruit clusters.
Ash: Ash trees have opposite branching (leaves and branches grow directly across from each other), while Tree of Heaven has alternate branching (leaves and branches grow in a staggered pattern). Ash also has diamond-shaped bark patterns.
Black Walnut: Black Walnut has compound leaves, but the leaflets are more pointed and have serrated edges. Black Walnut also produces nuts.

Pro Tip: Download a tree identification app on your phone. These apps can use your phone’s camera to identify trees based on their leaves, bark, and other features.

Burning Issues: Why Tree of Heaven Can Be Problematic

Now that you can identify Tree of Heaven, let’s talk about why it’s not the ideal firewood.

Low Heat Output

Tree of Heaven is a softwood, which means it has a lower density than hardwoods like oak or maple. This translates to a lower heat output when burned. In other words, you’ll need to burn more Tree of Heaven to get the same amount of heat as you would from a hardwood.

Data: Hardwoods typically have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of 20-30 million per cord, while softwoods like Tree of Heaven are closer to 12-18 million BTU per cord.

Fast Burning

Because it’s less dense, Tree of Heaven burns quickly. This means you’ll need to reload your stove more often, which can be a hassle, especially on cold nights.

Smoke Production

Green Tree of Heaven produces a lot of smoke when burned. This is because of its high moisture content. Smoke can be irritating to the eyes and lungs, and it can also contribute to air pollution.

Potential for Sparks

Some people have reported that Tree of Heaven tends to spark and pop when burned, which can be a fire hazard. This is especially true if the wood is not properly seasoned.

Potential for Allergic Reactions

Some individuals are sensitive to the sap or smoke of Tree of Heaven and may experience allergic reactions such as skin rashes or respiratory irritation.

Safety First: Always wear gloves and a mask when handling Tree of Heaven, especially if you have allergies.

The Smell (Again!)

Even when seasoned, Tree of Heaven can retain a slightly unpleasant odor when burned. While not as strong as the smell of fresh-cut wood, it can still be noticeable.

Expert Tips: Handling and Burning Tree of Heaven Safely and Effectively

So, you’ve got a pile of Tree of Heaven that you need to get rid of. Is it worth burning? Here’s my advice:

Is it Worth Burning? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros:
- It’s readily available and often free (since it’s an invasive species).
- It’s relatively easy to cut and split.
- It can be used as kindling or to get a fire started quickly.
Cons:
- Low heat output.
- Fast burning.
- Smoke production.
- Potential for sparks.
- Potential for allergic reactions.
- Unpleasant smell.

My Recommendation: If you have access to better firewood options (hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash), I would prioritize those. However, if Tree of Heaven is your only option, or if you have a lot of it to get rid of, it can be burned with proper precautions.

Seasoning is Key: Patience is a Virtue

If you decide to burn Tree of Heaven, seasoning is absolutely essential. This will reduce the moisture content, minimize smoke production, and improve its burning characteristics.

How to Season:
1. Cut and Split: Cut the wood into manageable lengths (typically 16-20 inches) and split it into smaller pieces. This will help it dry faster.
2. Stack Properly: Stack the wood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and well-ventilated area. Use pallets or scrap wood to create a base.
3. Allow Adequate Drying Time: Tree of Heaven should be seasoned for at least 6-12 months, depending on the climate and the size of the pieces.
Moisture Meter: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Ideally, you want it to be below 20%.

My Tip: I always stack my firewood with the bark facing up. This helps to shed water and prevents the wood from rotting.

Burning Techniques: Maximizing Efficiency and Minimizing Problems

Even with proper seasoning, Tree of Heaven will still burn differently than hardwoods. Here are some tips for burning it effectively:

Mix with Hardwoods: The best approach is to mix Tree of Heaven with hardwoods. This will help to increase the overall heat output and reduce the amount of smoke produced.
Use as Kindling: Tree of Heaven is excellent for kindling. Its low density and fast-burning properties make it ideal for getting a fire started quickly.
Burn in a Hot Fire: Burn Tree of Heaven in a hot, established fire. This will help to burn off the smoke and reduce the amount of creosote buildup in your chimney.
Monitor Your Chimney: Because Tree of Heaven can produce more smoke than hardwoods, it’s important to monitor your chimney regularly for creosote buildup. Creosote is a flammable substance that can cause chimney fires.

Safety First: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.

Alternative Uses: Beyond Firewood

If you’re not keen on burning Tree of Heaven, there are other ways to get rid of it:

Composting: Small branches and twigs can be chipped and composted.
Mulch: Wood chips can also be used as mulch around trees and shrubs.
Craft Projects: The wood can be used for small craft projects, such as making birdhouses or picture frames. However, be aware that it’s not very durable and may not hold up well over time.
Professional Removal: If you have a large infestation of Tree of Heaven, you may want to consider hiring a professional tree service to remove it.

My Project: I once used Tree of Heaven branches to build a small trellis for my climbing roses. It wasn’t the most durable trellis, but it did the job for a couple of years.

Tools and Techniques: Getting the Job Done Right

Whether you’re felling, splitting, or stacking Tree of Heaven, having the right tools and techniques will make the job easier and safer.

Felling Techniques

Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a hard hat when felling trees.
Chainsaw: Use a chainsaw with a sharp chain and the appropriate bar length for the size of the tree.
Felling Wedge: Use a felling wedge to help direct the fall of the tree.
Notch Cut: Make a notch cut on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
Back Cut: Make a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch cut. Leave a hinge of wood to control the fall of the tree.
Escape Route: Plan an escape route before you start cutting.

Chainsaw Specs: For felling smaller Tree of Heaven, a chainsaw with a 16-18 inch bar and a 40-50cc engine is usually sufficient. For larger trees, you may need a larger chainsaw with a longer bar.

Splitting Techniques

Safety Gear: Wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood.
Splitting Axe: Use a splitting axe with a heavy head and a long handle.
Splitting Maul: A splitting maul is similar to a splitting axe, but it has a wider head and is designed for splitting larger rounds of wood.
Hydraulic Splitter: A hydraulic splitter is a powered machine that uses hydraulic pressure to split wood. It’s much faster and easier than splitting wood by hand.

Hydraulic Splitter Specs: A hydraulic splitter with a 20-30 ton splitting force is sufficient for most firewood splitting needs.

Technique:
1. Place the round of wood on a solid surface, such as a stump or a splitting block.
2. Position the axe or maul on the round of wood, aiming for the center.
3. Swing the axe or maul with force, striking the round of wood.
4. If the wood doesn’t split on the first try, reposition the axe or maul and try again.

My Trick: When splitting tough rounds of wood, I often find it helpful to aim for existing cracks or knots.

Stacking Techniques

Location: Choose a sunny and well-ventilated location for your woodpile.
Base: Create a solid base for your woodpile using pallets or scrap wood. This will help to keep the wood off the ground and prevent it from rotting.
Stacking Pattern: Stack the wood in a single row, with the bark facing up. You can also use a crisscross pattern to create a more stable woodpile.
Covering: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow.

Case Study: The Holzmiete Method

The Holzmiete method is a traditional German way of stacking firewood in a circular pile. This method is very efficient and creates a stable and attractive woodpile. The Holzmiete method involves stacking the wood in a circular pattern, with the pieces angled inwards towards the center. The center of the pile is filled with smaller pieces of wood and kindling. The Holzmiete method creates a self-supporting structure that is very stable and resistant to wind and rain.

Dimensions: A typical Holzmiete is about 6-8 feet in diameter and 4-6 feet high.

Safety Considerations: Working with Wood Responsibly

Working with wood can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Here are some important safety considerations:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and a hard hat.
Chainsaw Safety: Follow all of the manufacturer’s safety instructions when using a chainsaw.
Splitting Safety: Use caution when splitting wood, and always keep your hands and feet clear of the axe or maul.
Lifting Safety: Lift heavy objects with your legs, not your back.
Work Area: Keep your work area clear of obstacles and debris.
Weather Conditions: Avoid working in wet or icy conditions.
Fatigue: Take breaks when you’re tired.

My Rule: I never operate a chainsaw when I’m feeling tired or distracted. It’s just not worth the risk.

Strategic Insights: Maximizing Your Firewood Efforts

Beyond the practical tips, here are some strategic insights to help you get the most out of your firewood efforts:

Plan Ahead: Start planning your firewood supply well in advance of the heating season. This will give you plenty of time to cut, split, and season the wood.
Source Your Wood Wisely: Look for sustainable sources of firewood, such as dead or fallen trees.
Invest in Quality Tools: Investing in quality tools will make the job easier and safer.
Learn from Others: Talk to experienced firewood users and learn from their tips and tricks.
Be Patient: Seasoning firewood takes time. Don’t rush the process.
Stay Safe: Always prioritize safety when working with wood.

Cost Analysis: The cost of firewood can vary widely depending on your location and the type of wood. However, cutting and splitting your own firewood can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying it from a supplier.

Conclusion: Tree of Heaven – Use with Caution

Tree of Heaven firewood presents a mixed bag. While it’s readily available and easy to process, its low heat output and potential for smoke make it a less-than-ideal fuel source. However, with proper seasoning and burning techniques, it can be used as a supplement to hardwoods or as kindling. Remember to prioritize safety and be aware of the potential for allergic reactions.

Next Steps: Putting Knowledge into Action

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, here are some practical next steps:

Identify Tree of Heaven: Take a walk around your property and identify any Tree of Heaven trees.
Assess Your Needs: Determine how much firewood you need for the upcoming heating season.
Source Your Wood: Find a sustainable source of firewood, whether it’s Tree of Heaven or another type of wood.
Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have the necessary tools for felling, splitting, and stacking wood.
Get to Work! Start cutting, splitting, and stacking your firewood, following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide.

Remember, firewood preparation is a process that takes time and effort. But with the right knowledge and tools, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a wood-burning fire all winter long. Happy burning!