Hackberry is good option to use for firewood.
Summary – What makes Hackberry Good for Firewood
- Hackberry is easy to split, relatively quick to dry, and has a low pleasant fragrance when burning.
- Hackberry is a relatively heavy and relatively hard wood, that burns well with minimal smoke and sparks.
- Hackberry gives off a relatively low MBTU for its weight, other common firewood varieties will provide higher heat and longer burn times per pound.
Common Name: Hackberry.
Scientific Name: Celtis occidentalis.
Identification: Medium to large sized deciduous tree, with gray bark that develops corky ridges and warty texture. Average Hackberry tree grows to between 40-60’ with trunk diameter ranges common from 1-3’.
Location: Central and Northeastern North America. US Hardiness zone 3 to 9.
Hard / Soft: Hard wood.
Average Dry Weight / Cord: 3196 lbs (Mid – Upper 25% heaviest).
Average Green Weight / Cord: 3984 lbs.
Comparative Seasoning / Drying Time: 3 – 6 months or more
Average MBTU / Pound: 20.
MBTU / Pound Percentile: Mid – Bottom 25%.
This is a comparison measure of MBTU compared to common fire wood varieties as per this best firewood to burn chart.
Cutability: Relatively easy, but known for blunting cutting tools.
Splitability: Easy.
Smoke: Low smoke.
Sparks: Low sparks.
Scent: Slight, pleasant fragrance.
