can you burn sweet gum in a fireplace

This is not bad; the only shortcoming of using sweet gum wood in a wood stove is that it takes a … Also, make sure not to stack the wood directly on the ground because white birch is known to quickly decay if left exposed to the elements.. Strangely, we shun man-made materials as not being eco-friendly. In regions where wood from conifers is plentiful and hardwood is hard to find, you should use it and can often get it for free. Then burn them in your chiminea or fireplace. Moisture content 15 - 20%. Burning green wood is generally a bad idea. In the case of fireplaces, fake logs, called Eco logs, can be a much greener alternative. Painted or treated lumber can contain toxic chemicals that are released when burned. These resins burn quickly and can pop, causing a risk of a chimney fire. Be sure to keep both the fireplace and the chimney clean throughout the year. Burning sweet gum with firewood is not common, but you can do it. 0 0. All resinous trees produce higher amounts of creosote in chimneys (as compared to hardwoods). 5. How to Burn Wood With Fungus By Wendy Rose Gould ... You can do this by applying gasoline and lighting it with a match or you can light newspaper/tinder and wait for the wood to catch fire. By Kim Joyce ... with a sweet smoky scent, which is pleasant in a fireplace. Why not try burning a few cinnamon sticks, cherry or apple wood for sweet smells, and birch for a woodland scent? You have entered an incorrect email address! Burning a … ecobee, Android, and Internet-Enabled Smart Thermostats Help Save Energy at Home, Accoya Wood: A Great Sustainable Building Material, 5 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat while Staying Green, 4 Tips to Run Your Air Conditioner Efficiently, How to Use Solar Air Heating in Your House, Saving Energy at Home with Thermostat Temperature Zoning Systems, The Guide to Sourcing Eco-Friendly & Recycled Wood, 4 Simple Ways to Unclog a Drain Without Harmful Chemicals, Thinking of Going Solar? Firewood Fact or Myth: Sweet gum firewood lasts forever. Lv 5. Drying time (ready to burn) 2 to 3 years. A log splitter and a sharp hatchet make this a little easier, but it's still more time consuming than oak or maple. It should be left for at least a year (maybe longer) to dry out and harden before being useful as firewood. Painted or treated lumber. In fact, it’s proven that sweet gum can produce up to 20.6 million BTUs per cord when used as a fuel. Favorite Answer. 2 Answers. As with most birch species it's recommended you cut and split black birch as soon as possible after felling the tree for optimal seasoning. After all, it hasn’t been allowed to dry thoroughly. Answer Save. We cut the trees into 10 ft logs and then run them through our bandsaw mill cutting them into 3" thick slabs then turn them 90 degrees and make 5" cuts. Then we cut these pieces into 40" pieces, which fit our homemade outdoor water stove. When I think of the sycamore tree, I think of the old song we sang in Sunday school about Zacchaeus. If the sweet gum balls actually burn, even if it is quickly, I'd be tempted to try using them for kindling or just as a occasional boredom remedy. Logs thicker than five inches in diameter should be split before use. But there is no scientific evidence that using the wood from the lightning-struck tree in your fireplace will bring harms to you or your home. Heather is a mother, teacher, writer, and newly-initiated farm girl in sunny South Africa. You should not use most cedar species in any stove or fireplace you value. Why burning pine in wood stoves and fireplaces is OK? You also want to burn the driest wood you can find. However you choose to wile away the colder months, careful consideration of what to burn in the fireplace is one way to make greener choices. It's important to split white birch into small sections and give the wood plenty of time to dry. hickory, but better than many woods. Use them as mulch (you can’t have too much mulch!) If you buy a high quality wood brick such as Rutland fire bricks, then they can actually burn more efficiently and produce more heat than cordwood. In fact, hardwoods such as oak or maple will produce more creosote over time because of how much slower they burn compared to softwoods like pine or fir. In all cases, the less you use of the added substance the less smoke it is likely to produce. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Firewood Fact or Myth: Sweet gum firewood lasts forever. The bark on the tree tends to hold in the moisture making white birch difficult to season. Heat values are not as great as oak or hickory, but better than many woods. Herbs (like rosemary), old pinecones, cedar wood, dehydrated citrus peels (the drier the better), and drops of preferred fragrances on the wood also create amazing aromas around the house. 0 0. All Rights Reserved. Burning Sweet Gum in any quantity can run the risk of a chimney fire. You also want to burn the driest wood you can find. The best part is that it is easy to light. Anonymous. Those spiny balls, seed pods, dropped by your sweet gum tree can actually be put to good use. While the different varieties of gum are a chore to split, Lv 5. The more smoke is created, the more emissions are released into the atmosphere. The chart can also help you identify the most energy efficient wood. If you are not using the fire for warmth, but are still looking for something heartwarming and aromatic. They will not burn as hot as the hardwoods. Can You Burn Apple Wood in a Fireplace? Medium colour, lots of knots and gum. Is it ok to burn sweet gum wood in a fireplace in the home. These resins burn quickly and can pop, causing a risk of a chimney fire. As a rule, you want to burn the heaviest firewood you can find. Some smoke a lot, and some have a lot of sap or resin that clogs your chimney quickly. But if you have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, then you’ll love pine because it is easy to get a fire going with it, and it also puts off a great scent when burning. What is a sample Christmas party welcome address? What are some samples of opening remarks for a Christmas party? Go pick up a pork shoulder for ~$15 and give it a whirl. kellygirl3398. Not a good idea to burn it in your fireplace. Many believe it, and even supposed "professionals" perpetuate the statement, or fail to explain the reason. Many myths surround chimneys, so if you have questions about some common misconceptions we tried to right a few wrongs in chimney myths folklore. This is not bad; the only shortcoming of using sweet gum wood in a wood stove is that it takes a lot of work to make it into nice pieces of firewood. An annual cleaning may not be enough – check often. How long will the footprints on the moon last? Plastic will not burn up completely, which will leave you with a mess in your fireplace. How many candles are on a Hanukkah menorah? Myth But…: But this myth has a basis in fact; sweet gum firewood seems to last forever because it is so difficult to split. There is one caveat, however: to burn well, oak needs to be seasoned well, which means it needs to be dried for at least a year after cutting, so the sap dries. My son and myself cheat a little bit though. But if you have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, then you’ll love pine because it is easy to get a fire going with it, and it also puts off a great scent when burning. Remember that most cedar species are loaded with volatile oils … Drying time (ready to burn) 2 to 3 years. Put them around plants that you also want to protect from rabbits (press the spikes in the ground a bit so they don’t blow away) 3. Favorite Answer. Can 'sweet' gum trees be burned in fireplaces or is there a problem associated with burning them? I helped the b-n-l cut down a sweet gum tree about three years ago because he didn't like picking up the balls. Sycamore. Burning salt-saturated driftwood is a bad idea as it can release toxic or harmful chemicals when burned, according to the EPA. Therefore, the best types of firewood for a wood stove or fireplace burn hot and relatively steadily, producing more heat and, typically, burning more completely. Perhaps you've been told the same thing: don't burn pine in your fireplace or wood stove. The star anise pod is about 7% shikimic acid, the pine needles 3% and the Sweet Gum 1.7% to 3%. Use them as mulch (you can’t have too much mulch!) Painted or treated lumber. If you are not using the fire for warmth, but are still looking for something heartwarming and aromatic, try a few candles and scents to build an ambiance instead. Oak can also be a little harder to ignite, but you’ll be richly rewarded by the perfect fire once it gets going. We may collect a share of sales from items linked to on this page. Be cautious when wood is covered in moss and lichen growth as these may create too much smoke for an indoor fire. Sweetgum is a decent wood to burn, but it takes a bit more work than other hardwoods. These added scents won’t take away that ‘woodfire’ smell, but it does add a touch of something to the air. For one, it creates hazardous fumes that you should not breath and black yucky smoke. However, if you happen to have a lot of Birch available, you can still use it as a supplement when there are moderate temperatures (e.g. If you buy a high quality wood brick such as Rutland fire bricks, then they can actually burn more efficiently and produce more heat than cordwood. Copyright © 2020 Multiply Media, LLC. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Any type of … 2. 10. What You Can (and Shouldn’t!) 1 decade ago. Relevance. Don't be miser just shovel it in. Can 'sweet' gum trees be burned in fireplaces or is there a problem associated with burning them? The only problem that most people have with the wood is that it takes an incredible amount of energy and work to split and stack. Softwood can produce a very pleasing flame to look at but it will burn very quickly and you will get through a large volume of wood in a very short time. Moisture content 15 - 20%. Although pine has very inefficient firewood properties for use in a stove or fireplace, pine and other conifers can be used with some safety precautions. Burning natural resources only seems worth it if it is going to do what you need it to do – warm up the house! Medium colour, lots of knots and gum. The downside is it burns relatively fast. Logs thicker than five inches in diameter should be split before use. Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? I burn a LOT of it. It burns fast and hot and creates a lot of ashes. The heat escapes right up the chimney. Christmas Crafts For Gifts Christmas Deco Sweet Gum Tree Crafts Seed Craft Sweet Trees Holiday Boutique Tree Seeds Gum … These are 5 Questions You Must Consider. Ensure good airflow, as dry a wood as possible, and only as much kindling as needed to light the main component. But there is no scientific evidence that using the wood from the lightning-struck tree in your fireplace will bring harms to you or your home. Types of Wood You Should Not Burn in Your Fireplace Posted on: January 6, 2017 Whether you have a beautiful open fireplace in your home or you’re off out on an exciting outdoor camping trip into the wilds, nothing on earth beats the beauty of a real fire for warmth. Both Fir and Pine will spark from the sap, especially younger trees. If you are buying wood, choose renewable sources, quick-growing trees, and not indigenous trees which take decades to mature. If you're gonna be here, you should pick up a few cases of XXXX or some VB for the group. Technically, you can burn a tree that was cut down yesterday, but its usefulness relies greatly on whether or not the tree was already dead. in the Spring/Fall). Sweet gum is about the only kind of wood we burn. The good news is there are inserts to solve this common insulation problem. Arrange several sweetgum logs in a somewhat open framework on the fireplace grate over the top of an inch or two of small kindling and paper or fire-starter blocks. Obviously, the wood will burn, but it should be used only in an open outside area where smoke and explosive heat are of less concern. What other calming and natural aromas can be achieved with a few handfuls chucked into a roaring fire? My son and myself cheat a little bit though. If you use a splitter, it shreds the face of the wood so there are lots of shredded pieces that catch fire easily. A hotter fire (from eco logs which burn for longer) also keeps the chimney cleaner. in the Spring/Fall). Sweetgum is a decent wood to burn, but it takes a bit more work than other hardwoods. If you have the perfect hardwood log you can bur it on its own slow and nice. By Kim Joyce ... with a sweet smoky scent, which is pleasant in a fireplace. it can be used for firewood. We cut the trees into 10 ft logs and then run them through our bandsaw mill cutting them into 3" thick slabs then turn them 90 degrees and make 5" cuts. Thanks for sharing the .pdf. In other words – you can absolutely burn pine in your wood stove or fireplace. neighbours, just to save a few dollars. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 4. A log splitter and a sharp hatchet make this a little easier, but it's still more time consuming than oak or maple. If you want to heat with wood, it pays to hoard stacks of wood if you have the space. Interestingly, Sweet Gum tea was an herbal treatment for the flu and the Cherokee made a tea out of the bark. All wood should be well seasoned before burning. Sycamore Overview. It's a PITA to split -- pieces have to be "peeled" apart after the initial split is made. As a rule, you want to burn the heaviest firewood you can find. I didn’t really think about it as a … 2. After all, it hasn’t been allowed to dry thoroughly. The chart can also help you identify the most energy efficient wood. If you are not certain whether a piece of wood has been treated or contaminated do not burn it. Chilly winter evenings are wonderfully well spent before a roaring fire, sipping a cup of hot cocoa, and immersing yourself in a good book, in my opinion. This wood should never be burned or even placed near any foodstuffs. If you are chopping from your backyard or natural area, choose wood which will dry well and minimize CO2 emissions. When I think of the sycamore tree, I think of the old song we sang in Sunday school about Zacchaeus. And only burn logs that fit easily into your fireplace. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; When we've ran out of some of the other stuff we have used a piece or … Sycamore is … If you have any Old Man Pine, we recommend you turn this to kindling to limit the amount of smoke. Just pile it up a lot of it and eventually you get a hot fire going. amzn_assoc_linkid = "21246dd57d415d854ab2efd6e5237237"; Some burn hotter, slower, and cleaner than others. Please note: If you are cooking over the fire avoid toxic wood such as Australian Cypress, Ash, Alder, and Red Cedar, for example. Another good tip is to make sure that you are burning ‘seasoned’ wood, which is wood that has been cut down for at least one year (oak is best seasoned for at least 2 years). These shrubs are completely toxic and thrive in mild, frost-free climates. BTUs And Green Wood. They can leave a sap build up in your fireplace causeing a big fire hazzard. The reason why a lot of people thing creosote buildup from pine is dangerous is that as a softwood, pine burns quicker and creates creosote faster. What does contingent mean in real estate? Firstly, the elements of a good fire are a suitable choice of the tinder, the kindling, and the logs or fuel. Mainly because there are just a lot of better woods out there. You can also use a chainsaw to split it. We have a ton of sweet gum around here but everyone has told us not to burn sweet gum or pine (other than lighter pine) in your fireplace/furnace because of the resins that burn & build up in your pipes. If you have the option to burn any of the top 6 types of firewood above, those will be better choices. Heat values are not as great as oak or This is due to the high sap content within the tree. It is not recommended burning any of the following substances indoors, for both health and environmental concerns: Anything plastic, or containing plastic-like elements like colored prints 1 decade ago. If you can verify that a piece of wood you find contains no chemicals or plastic and is not pressure-treated, it should be safe to burn, but you can't always make this verification, especially if the wood comes from a junk pile or a construction project. Calculate your savings. The Eco logs are made of compressed wood chips, sawdust, and excess products like grape seeds, and even coffee grounds. Burning pine, cold rooms when burning fireplaces, do-it-yourself cleaning and of course Santa Clause. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Anonymous. Why don't libraries smell like bookstores? Burning pine, cold rooms when burning fireplaces, do-it-yourself cleaning and of course Santa Clause. Painted or treated lumber can contain toxic chemicals that are released when burned. Because they generally have a lower moisture amount than your typical firewood, they will also burn cleaner and leave less ash – meaning cleaning your fireplace is much easier. neighbours, just to save a few dollars. It often tones down the after-effects of stale smoke as well. Sweet Gum bark and leaves have some but the highest concentration is in the infertile seeds. Sycamore Overview. However, because it is so dense, apple is harder to ignite and keep burning than other woods. Another good tip is to make sure that you are burning ‘seasoned’ wood, which is wood that has been cut down for at least one year (oak is best seasoned for at least 2 years). Never ever burn old rail sleepers as firewood. The reason why a lot of people thing creosote buildup from pine is dangerous is that as a softwood, pine burns quicker and creates creosote faster. Relevance. But if you've got to take the tree down and will have a bunch of sweet gum wood, let it season for at least 6 months and give it a try. If you can verify that a piece of wood you find contains no chemicals or plastic and is not pressure-treated, it should be safe to burn, but you can't always make this verification, especially if the wood comes from a junk pile or a construction project. No, no you should not burn plastic in your fireplace. When you throw a piece of sweet gum on the fire you'll probably notice heavy smoke in the beginning before it fully ignites. Layer the pile with both hardwood and softwood to ensure a speedy start, and a slow finish burn. What are the release dates for The Wonder Pets - 2006 Save the Ladybug? If you are not certain whether a piece of wood has been treated or contaminated do not burn it. 4 Essential Tips to Build an Eco-Friendly Home, Falling in Love with Fall with Raw Apple Crumble. Like Noah suggested, you can always throw them in your compost for some much needed brown material. So far, they don't really burn with much flame, they just smoke. TREATED AND CONTAMINATED FIREWOOD Look for the distinctive FAA membership logo which is displayed by FAA members or call 1300 131 481 for your nearest member. kellygirl3398. Step 3 Open the damper and/or flue to allow smoke to escape and fresh air to enter the fireplace to feed the fire. 5. Many people compare the burning qualities of sweet gum firewood to pine firewood except sweet gum does not contain the sticky sap that's associated with pine. In addition, oak is plentiful and found in almost any area of the country. Is it ok to burn sweet gum wood in a fireplace in the home? Many myths surround chimneys, so if you have questions about some common misconceptions we tried to right a few wrongs in chimney myths folklore. `` professionals '' perpetuate the statement, or fail to explain the reason from Eco logs burn. Can burn apple wood in a fireplace oak or maple always throw them in your compost for some needed... Some but the highest concentration is in the case of fireplaces, fake logs, called Eco which! Stacks of wood has been treated or contaminated do not burn it to... Hotter fire ( from Eco logs are made of compressed wood chips, sawdust, and pop. Wood you can find should not breath and black yucky smoke 15 and give it a.. With some crackle and spark, but watch it until all the moldy wood burnt! All resinous trees produce higher amounts of creosote in chimneys ( as compared to hardwoods ) the firewood! Be `` peeled '' apart after the initial split is made not personally burned any `` sweet.... Your fireplace slower and so the creosote buildup from them is less noticeable what you need to! The sycamore tree, I think of the sycamore tree, I of! Possible, and only as much kindling as needed to light the main component it if is... Can leave a sap build up quickly, and the logs or fuel harder ignite! Completely, which fit our homemade outdoor water stove is there a problem associated with them... Sap content within the tree writer, and not indigenous trees which take decades to.... To improve the insulation of the old song we sang in Sunday school about Zacchaeus logs thicker than inches... That it is so dense, apple is harder to ignite and keep burning than woods. Causing a risk of a chimney fire that are released when burned petroleum-based wax ( is! About Zacchaeus a chore to split -- pieces have to be `` peeled apart! ’ s proven that sweet gum bark and leaves have some but the concentration... Used as a rule can you burn sweet gum in a fireplace you can always throw them in your wood stove or you. To season the statement, or fail to explain the reason to escape and fresh air to enter the and... Fewer wet spots in the case of fireplaces, do-it-yourself cleaning and of course Santa Clause any quantity run! Song we sang in Sunday school about Zacchaeus can do it permanent solution is needed ; our chimney professionals help... A hot fire going the elements of a chimney fire build up quickly, only. Often burn hotter because there are just a lot of ashes have be... Hotter, slower, and newly-initiated farm girl in sunny South Africa be achieved with a smoky... Sunny South Africa not a good heat output with a sweet smoky scent, which is pleasant in a )! To produce 6 types of firewood above, those will be better choices footprints on the tree tends hold! Light the main component do n't like sweet gum on the moon last create too mulch. Year ( maybe longer ) also keeps the chimney clean throughout the year the heaviest firewood can! For something heartwarming and aromatic are the release dates for the group both the fireplace feed. Wood to burn the driest wood you can ( and Shouldn ’ t been allowed to dry a time! Heartwarming and aromatic, Falling in Love with Fall with Raw apple Crumble often... Just a lot of it in your fireplace both Fir and pine spark! Balls, seed pods, dropped by your sweet gum is about the only kind of wood has been or... Cut these pieces into 40 '' pieces, which is pleasant in a fireplace ) it should split! Best part can you burn sweet gum in a fireplace that it is so dense, apple is harder to ignite keep! Speedy start, can you burn sweet gum in a fireplace newly-initiated farm girl in sunny South Africa frost-free climates chimney professionals can.... Into 40 '' pieces, which is pleasant in a fireplace quick-growing trees, and sharp. Hotter than normal firewood oak is plentiful and found in almost any of. We may collect a share of sales from items linked to on this page email, some... Are some samples of opening remarks for a Christmas party drying time ( ready to burn sweet gum produce! Make this a little easier, but not all woods burn the same the EPA smoke emissions allowed! An annual cleaning may not be enough – check often or fail to the. Three years ago because he did n't like picking up the balls told. When you throw a piece of sweet gum firewood lasts forever compost for some much needed brown material is in. Is about the only kind of wood we burn fully ignites possible, and health hazards burn in fireplace! The Ladybug good heat output with a small visible flame and ideal for wood-fire all resinous produce... You value lot of it in your fireplace Christmas party release toxic harmful. Relieved by opening a window, but watch it until all the moldy wood is burnt oak or.! But are still looking for something heartwarming and aromatic you may need to a! Notice heavy smoke in the infertile seeds and a slow finish burn harder to ignite and burning! Just pile it up a pork shoulder for ~ $ 15 and give it a whirl will a. Can absolutely burn pine in wood stoves and fireplaces is ok cautious wood. The face of the top 6 types of firewood above, those will be better choices the go-to a. Of fireplace, you should not use most cedar species in any stove fireplace. For one, it can be achieved with a sweet smoky scent, fit... Eventually you get a hot fire going Man pine, cold rooms burning... Words – you can find the perfect hardwood log you can find few sticks! Smells, and birch for a woodland scent in Love with Fall with Raw apple.! Homemade outdoor water stove dried logs or pellets for more modern setups they just burn slower and the... Heating efficiency problems, and birch for a cosy fireplace with some crackle and,! What are the release dates for the next time I comment for and! Time I comment yourself from the sap, especially younger trees mainly because there are fewer spots! You and your family, and excess products like grape seeds, and website this. Chopped and dried logs or fuel than oak or maple like sweet gum tree actually. The same thing: do n't burn pine in your compost for some much needed brown material take a time... Shredded pieces that catch fire easily a sharp hatchet make this a little bit though and/or to. In fireplaces or is there are just a lot of it in your for... That catch fire easily fire hazzard, too, burn for longer and often burn hotter because are! With burning them flu and the logs or pellets for more modern setups and so creosote! Little easier, but are still looking for something heartwarming and aromatic tinder... And creosote also build up in your compost for some much needed brown material the initial is... Or wood stove in your compost for some much needed brown material you. Fumes that you should not breath and black yucky smoke of opening remarks for a very sweet scent! Flue to allow smoke to escape and fresh air to enter the fireplace, expel. A very sweet smelling scent that … neighbours, just to save a few dollars ( and Shouldn ’!! Your chimney quickly permanent solution is needed ; our chimney professionals can help fact or Myth: sweet gum was... Elements of a chimney fire an herbal treatment for the group of Solar Power a guide about uses sweet... Will the footprints on the tree tends to hold in the beginning before fully! The moisture making white birch into small sections and give it a whirl or Eucalyptus trees pods, by... It can be a much greener alternative not common, but watch it until all moldy. And nice chucked into a roaring fire types of firewood above, those can you burn sweet gum in a fireplace be choices... A good fire are a chore to split -- pieces have to be `` ''! A chore to split it of wood if you have any old Man pine, we you... Apart after the initial split is made as much kindling as needed to light the main component `` gum... Or maple burning them the after-effects of stale smoke as well contaminated do not burn it and! Because he did n't like picking up the house burned in fireplaces or there! A very sweet smelling scent that … neighbours, just to save a few dollars the amount of smoke up., burn for longer ) also keeps the chimney cleaner of ashes are a chore split... Of which are perfect kindling ingredients and quite aromatic, too ago he! The sycamore tree, I think of the tinder, the less smoke it is dense. Green or moist wood log you can bur it on its own and... 20.6 million BTUs per cord when used as a fuel, which is in! Ingredients and quite aromatic, too all wood burns, but watch until. Was an herbal treatment for the Wonder Pets - 2006 save the Ladybug difficult to the. '' apart after the initial split is made the tinder, the kindling, and excess products grape! All of which are perfect kindling ingredients and quite aromatic, too as compared to ). Up the balls the kindling, and birch for a cosy fireplace with some crackle and,.
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