Trees to Grow for Firewood

When choosing trees to grow for firewood, it is important to choose varieties that are easy to split and burn well. For successful use of firewood, particularly in indoor fireplaces, using wood that is seasoned and dry is of the utmost importance, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service. Since trees offer varying qualities as firewood based on individual characteristics, identifying traits tailored to your needs will make choosing the best trees a success.

Douglasfir

Douglasfir trees, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service, are the best conifers for use as firewood; more established and tight-grain douglasfir trees are easy to split, though younger trees may pose a challenge. Douglasfirs produce medium heat and a low amount of ash. Displaying blue-green needles, this fir variety produces red flowers on male trees and green flowers on females. These evergreen trees for use as firewood thrive in full sun to partial shade, prefer acid or neutral, moist, well-drained soil, and grow to a height of 40 to 70 feet.

Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa pine is a well-suited tree to grow for firewood. Ponderosa pines tend to burn hot and fast, and can be a challenge to split, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service. These trees display dark gray-green or yellow-green clusters of needles with either yellow flowers on males or red-purple flowers on females. The ponderosa pine thrives in full sun, prefers moist, well-drained soil, is drought-tolerant, and grows to a height of 60 to 100 feet.

Red Oak

Red oak is a tree to grow for firewood that holds a fire, does not spark and generally splits with moderate ease, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service. A producer of high heat without heavy smoke, red oak is highly recommended by the University of Missouri Extension. Red oak trees display dark green leaves that turn red during the autumn season and pale, yellow-green flowers. Thriving in full sun, red oaks prefer acid, moist, well-drained soil, are drought- and pollution-tolerant, and reach a height of 60 to 75 feet.

American Beech

Beech trees, such as the American beech, are well-suited trees to grow for firewood, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Beech trees produce high heat, are easy to burn and split, and do not produce heavy smoke or sparks. The American beech displays glossy green leaves that change to a copper hue in autumn with pale, light-brown flowers. Thriving in full sunlight, this tree prefers well-drained, aerated soil, and grows from 50 to 70 feet in height.