Is Aspen Wood Good For Firewood? Answered!

The aspen is a common tree in many parts of the US. But is it good for firewood? We have the answers.

Can you use aspen wood for firewood?

Yes, aspen wood is an ideal source of firewood. It burns fast and is a good solution for kindling. Moreover, the wood is clean because it has reduced smoke content. However, it would be better if you considered mixing aspen firewood with other types of firewood which are better performing.  

Like most parts of the country, the US boasts millions of fireplaces and woodstoves as homeowners seek ways to keep their homes cozy. Finding the right fuel source is especially important if you live in colder regions. 

One available firewood option is aspen, which is prevalent throughout the northern US. Aspen makes wonderful firewood, and it may be the desired choice for some people.

This article offers an in-depth look at these factors to help you make an informed decision on whether aspen truly measures up.

Can You Use Aspen as Firewood?

Aspen is considered a fast-burning wood that is best used as kindling. This hardwood has a heat production of 18 million BTU, which is considerably lower than other hardwoods. The good news, however, is that aspen can help get a fire started and going. 

Also, to keep it burning for longer, consider mixing aspen with other denser and slow-burning firewood. With an average burn time of about 2 hours, aspen firewood can be used outdoors.

It comes in handy when you want to start a campfire without worrying that your fire will run out quickly. But if you want something that will burn long enough to heat your home, it is recommended to use it alongside denser woods like oak and birch.

Aspen has a low sap content, leading to reduced smoke generation. Consequently, the risk of creosote build-up is also significantly reduced, and you will enjoy the quality and clean-burning firewood. Additionally, aspen does not spark as much and this makes it ideal when creating an open fire or when you want to heat a tiny home.

Usually, when choosing the best firewood, the smell is worth considering. The smell of some woods can be irritating. Aspen produces little to no smell when burned dry. 

However, it has a smell when you burn it wet and green.

In most cases, you may need to split wood in order to quicken the seasoning process. Aspen is easy to split since it lacks sap and has a lower density.

Typically, drying wood before splitting makes it easier to split than when the wood is still green. This is because less moisture is holding the wood’s fiber. 

Is Aspen Wood Good for Anything?

Aspen firewood is an affordable and readily-available wood that makes a perfect choice for kindling. This type of hardwood generates moderate heat that burns safely in a fireplace to give your home a cozy atmosphere.

Due to its low sap content, this wood is good for anyone looking for firewood that will produce minimal smoke and spark. There is a reduced risk of creosote buildup than other types of firewood.

This tree is fast-growing and can easily be found in North America and Canada. So, getting your hands on it is easy whether you are going for a camping trip or you want to start a fire in your backyard.

How Long Does It Take to Season Aspen Firewood?

Aspen is very easy to season, and you will just need about 6 and 12 months to get it ready for burning. This is highly beneficial considering that some hardwoods take longer, including years, to season. 

The short seasoning process is due to its low moisture content, low sap content, and low density. 

Choosing the best time to season firewood can play a huge role in ensuring that it is completely dry. To adequately dry out aspen, start seasoning in spring. To protect your wood from rotting, ensure that you store it off the ground and away from moisture.

What Should You Not Burn?

You should not burn any wood that is considered poisonous or has been integrated with a poisonous plant.

Examples of poisonous plants include poison ivy and poison oak. When burned, these plants can emit an irritating oil. While it may be tempting to burn green wood, you will end up with heavy smoke since it contains sap. 

Also, as much as possible, avoid endangered species as these trees are quite rare to find. 

Is Quaking Aspen Good for Firewood

Also known as trembling aspen, quaking aspen is known for its yellowish leaves and impressive height that reaches up to 100 ft tall.

Besides its beautiful and unmistakable appearance, most people want to know whether quaking aspen acts as good firewood.

If the wood is dry enough, it can burn well without leaving a lingering smell or billowing smoke. Moreover, it burns fast and hot, typically making it an outstanding choice when you want to light a small backyard or go camping in a warmer temperature.

Its heat output ranges from 16 to 18 million BTUs. Hence, if you want to use it as firewood, it would be best to burn it alongside other denser woods like oak. Quaking aspen is also lightweight and you can transport it without much difficulty. 

The soft, straight grain makes it quite easy to split, and you can do this using an axe. 

Key Takeaways

• Aspen is a low-density hardwood that is an ideal choice for kindling. 
• It produces moderate and clean heat that is perfect for both indoors and outdoors.
• Aspen’s low sap and moisture content and low density make it take less time to season. You will need at least 6-12 months on average for seasoning.
• It emits little smell, minimal smoke, and no sparks during combustions.
• The best firewood must have little sap, dry well, contain little creosote build-up, and must not be poisonous.