Is Redwood a Good Choice for Firewood?

Redwood is known for its use in musical instruments, furniture, and structures. But is it a viable firewood option? Here’s what to consider:

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using redwood as firewood. Pros include moderate heat output, low smoke production, and a pleasant aroma when burned.

It is easy to split due to its straight grain and moderate density, and it can be an eco-friendly choice if sustainably harvested and managed.

However, redwood also has some downsides as firewood. High moisture content necessitates proper seasoning for efficient, clean burning.

Furthermore, its lower density results in a shorter burn time compared to most hardwoods. While redwood can produce satisfactory coals, it is less effective than oak, hickory, or mesquite.

In specific situations, redwood can be a suitable firewood option. It is crucial, however, to evaluate its characteristics against individual needs and preferences before making a decision.

Characteristics of Redwood Trees

Two remarkable tree species call the Pacific coast of the United States home: coast redwoods and giant sequoias.

The world’s tallest trees, coast redwoods, grow from southern Oregon to central California, reaching up to 379 feet (115 meters) in height.

Giant sequoias, found in the Sierra Nevada mountains, have the largest trunk diameters of any tree species, measuring up to 40 feet (12 meters) across.

Both redwood species have adapted to withstand environmental hazards. Their thick, spongy bark is highly fire-resistant, and they can thrive in a variety of soils and climates.

The redwood canopy is also striking, with needle-like leaves spiraling around the branches.

Redwood trees reproduce through small, woody cones containing tiny seeds. While coast redwoods produce olive-sized cones, giant sequoias produce cones as large as 20 inches (50 cm). These cones are crucial for the survival and propagation of their respective species.

Primarily found along North America’s Pacific coast, redwood trees’ native habitat supports a diverse ecosystem.

These towering trees provide shelter for numerous animals, stabilize soil, absorb and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, and contribute to global climate regulation.

As a result, redwoods play a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of their environment.

Redwood Firewood Characteristics

Heat Output

Redwood firewood provides moderate BTU output, averaging around 18 to 20 million BTUs of energy per cord.

This medium-density hardwood burns cleanly and emits a delightful scent. However, the actual BTU output can vary based on factors such as moisture content, log size, and the efficiency of the stove or fireplace used.

Density and Weight

Redwood is a medium-density softwood, with a density ranging from 25 to 31 pounds per cubic foot (400 to 500 kg per cubic meter).

It has a lower density compared to woods commonly used in construction and woodworking.

For example, oak and maple densities range from 40 to 50 pounds per cubic foot (640 to 800 kg per cubic meter), while pine has a density of about 25 pounds per cubic foot. Redwood’s weight depends on factors like moisture content and the part of the tree harvested.

Generally, it is lighter than many hardwoods and softwoods, making it easier to transport and handle.

A redwood board foot (one foot long, one-foot-wide, and one-inch-thick) typically weighs between 2.5 and 3 pounds, while an oak board foot can weigh up to 5 pounds.

Moisture Content

Redwood’s high moisture content, around 70%, can make it challenging to work with and less efficient as a fuel source.

When burned, wet redwood generates more smoke and less heat, so it’s crucial to use properly seasoned redwood with a moisture content of around 20% or less to ensure a clean and efficient burn.

Seasoning the wood by drying it to a moisture content of around 12-15% can enhance its stability and make it less prone to warping or cracking.

Smoke Production

Redwood firewood produces relatively low levels of smoke when burned, compared to many other hardwoods.

This is partly due to redwood’s high resin content, which creates a hot, clean-burning flame that generates less particulate matter and smoke than some other wood types.

For those using wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or outdoor fire pits, redwood firewood’s low smoke production can be a significant advantage. Excessive smoke can be bothersome, pose health hazards, and contribute to air pollution in certain areas.

Choosing redwood firewood allows users to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a wood fire without generating excessive smoke or particulate matter.

Burning Time

Due to its lower density and BTU rating, redwood has a shorter burning time than many hardwoods, yielding less heat energy per unit of wood when burned.

This means redwood firewood may need more frequent replenishment than other wood types to maintain a fire for a longer period. While redwood’s shorter burning time can be disadvantageous in some situations, it can be beneficial in others.

For example, redwood may be a better choice than longer-burning hardwoods like oak or hickory for shorter, more controlled burns, such as in a barbecue or outdoor fire pit.

Coaling Ability

Though not primarily known for its coaling ability, redwood can still be used as a fuel for cooking and grilling due to its capacity to produce decent coals.

However, its low density makes it less efficient as a fuel compared to denser hardwoods like oak, hickory, or mesquite. Redwood burns faster, produces less heat, and may require more frequent replenishment during cooking.

Aroma

When burned, redwood emits a pleasant, sweet fragrance, often likened to the smell of cedar.

This characteristic aroma makes redwood a sought-after option for outdoor fire pits and fireplaces, as it enhances the overall sensory experience of sitting around a fire.

Bark, Knot, and Ash Content

Redwood features thick, fibrous bark with a reddish-brown hue. Knots in redwood can be sizable and contain resin, which can make them challenging to split.

The ash produced from burning redwood is light in color and less voluminous than other hardwoods, allowing for less frequent emptying.

Easy to Split

Redwood’s straight grain, moderate density, and lack of knots or other irregularities make it relatively easy to split, making it a popular choice for those who need to split their firewood without access to heavy-duty splitting equipment.

However, when splitting any wood, including redwood, it is essential to use appropriate safety precautions.

Wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection, and use a sharp splitting maul or axe to reduce the risk of injury.

Splitting wood on a stable surface, like a chopping block, and ensuring the wood is securely positioned before striking with the maul or axe can also be beneficial.

Sustainability

Redwood’s high heat output and long burn time make it a popular firewood choice, and it is a sustainable option since redwood trees can live for centuries and are not endangered. However, it is crucial to ensure that redwood is harvested sustainably.

This involves using only dead or fallen trees for firewood and replacing them with new trees.

Redwood trees’ growth rate varies by species, with coast redwood, giant sequoia, and dawn redwood growing at a rate of 36 inches or more per year.

These long-lived trees make them an excellent investment for anyone considering planting them.

Redwood’s sustainability as a firewood source depends on how it is harvested and managed. Because of their longevity and ability to regenerate after harvesting, redwood trees are a potentially sustainable source of firewood.

However, unsustainable logging practices, such as clear-cutting or harvesting immature trees, can deplete redwood populations and harm the ecosystem.

Moreover, redwood forests provide crucial habitats for various plant and animal species, help maintain healthy watersheds, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

As a result, it is vital to manage redwood forests in a way that balances the need for wood products with environmental protection.

If you plan to use redwood as a firewood source, ensure it was harvested using environmentally friendly methods.

Look for firewood suppliers using wood from sustainably managed forests or tree removal projects prioritizing habitat restoration and conservation.

Additionally, reusing redwood from construction or other projects can help reduce waste and the environmental impact of firewood use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, redwood can be a suitable choice for firewood under specific circumstances, offering moderate heat output, low smoke production, and a pleasant aroma.

However, due to its high moisture content and shorter burn time compared to denser hardwoods, it’s essential to consider individual needs and preferences before deciding.

Proper storage of firewood is crucial in maintaining the quality and usability of redwood as a firewood source.

Sustainability is also a crucial factor to consider when using redwood as a firewood source.

Ensuring that redwood is harvested responsibly and obtained from sustainable sources can help protect the environment and preserve these majestic trees for future generations.

Ultimately, redwood firewood can be a viable option for those who prioritize eco-friendly practices and value its unique characteristics, provided that it is properly stored and sourced sustainably.