Can You Burn Unseasoned Wood in Your Home Fireplace Safely?

As the cooler months approach, homeowners start preparing for their evenings by the fireplace. Enjoying the warmth and ambiance a fireplace provides makes people feel welcome in your home. However, a crucial aspect of enjoying your fireplace is understanding what types of wood are safe and best suited for burning inside your home. A common question often asked by homeowners is: can you burn unseasoned wood in your fireplace?  There are several different factors that help answer this question. Understanding safety around a fireplace and how different woods affect the area will help create an educated answer. 

What is Unseasoned Wood? 

Before asking “Can you burn unseasoned wood in your fireplace?” It is important to understand what unseasoned wood is and how it differs from seasoned. Unseasoned wood is often referred to as “green” wood and is freshly cut and has not undergone the drying process that seasoned wood requires. Seasoned wood requires a drying process to reduce its moisture content to about 20% or less whereas unseasoned wood contains moisture levels of 50% or higher which affects its way of burning. Greenwood is heavier and has a shiny, typically moist, appearance to it. 

Can You Burn Unseasoned Wood? The Problems Green Wood Can Cause

Burning unseasoned wood can cause a plethora of issues. Burning green wood causes air pollution, creosote build-up, and excess smoke, and is more difficult to burn causing an inconsistent fire. 

1. Excess Smoke: One of the main problems unseasoned wood causes is the smoke level it creates. The high moisture content in green wood causes it to smolder leading to an excessive amount of smoke. This makes the air quality in your home falter as well as creates air pollution. 
2. Creosote Buildup: Burning green or unseasoned wood can lead to creosote forming. Creosote is a sticky tar-like substance that can accumulate in your chimney. A build-up of this substance creates a serious fire hazard and will require professionals to come out and assess the situation. 
3. Heating: Because of the excess moisture in unseasoned wood it requires more energy to dry it out to produce heat. You will find yourself using more wood than normal to achieve the level of warmth you want. Unseasoned wood also burns unevenly causing difficulty in maintaining a consistent fire. 
4. Odor: Unseasoned wood when burned can cause a strong unpleasant odor. This can ruin that warm, cozy ambiance you strive for. 

Alternatives to Burning Unseasoned Wood

1. Season The Wood: If you find unseasoned wood readily available or you just want to save on resources, you can always season the wood yourself. Stack the green wood in a well-ventilated area and off the ground to help air circulation. Cover the top to protect the wood from rain but leave the sides exposed. Depending on the area you live in, seasoning can take anywhere from six months to two years to be properly seasoned. To check to see if the wood is properly seasoned, look for discoloration, cracks, and a lack of moisture. Seasoned wood should also be light in weight compared to green wood. Seasoned wood should be free of mold or fungus growth. 
2. Can You Burn Unseasoned Wood With Seasoned?: If you have both options available, then yes, it is advised you mix them together. This can help reduce some of the negative effects of the green wood, but will not completely cancel them out. 
3. Use Alternatives: If you cannot wait for the time green wood requires to be seasoned, use alternative heating sources like electric heaters, propane, or natural gas fires. This helps provide that warmth needed without burning unseasoned wood. 

Best Practices for Burning Wood In Your Fireplace

Understanding wood and what is considered good or bad is difficult, this is why homeowners ask “Can you burn unseasoned wood?” often when the colder months approach. Burning wood requires an understanding of safety and burning efficiency to ensure an enjoyable time by the fireplace. Here are some tips for the best practices to follow when owning a fireplace. 

1. Choosing The Right Wood: Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple are the best choices for burning. Hardwood tends to have a higher density causing them to produce more heat and less smoke when properly seasoned. 
2. Seasoning: Before using wood, check for cracks in the ends, a dull sound when knocked together, and see if it is lighter compared to green wood. This indicates the wood has been properly seasoned and is ready for burning. Another indication of proper seasoning is the wood will have a grayish color to it rather than a shiny appearance.
3. Storing Wood: To maintain the quality of your seasoned wood, proper storage is essential. Stack your wood in a single row with space between logs to promote airflow. Keep it covered on the top but exposed on the sides so moisture does not get trapped in. This will keep your seasoned wood in perfect condition.
4. Maintain Your Chimney: Regular cleaning and inspections of your chimney are vital to prevent creosote build-up and ensure proper ventilation. It is recommended to have your inspections performed annually as well as once before the colder seasons come up to prepare your fireplace and prevent any fire hazards. Having a professional do the cleaning and inspection will ensure a high-quality service. 
5. Fireplace Insert: If you burn wood frequently, a fireplace insert is recommended. Fireplace inserts can improve efficiency, reduce smoke emissions, and help with heat retention. Inserts consist of a metal box that fits inside the fireplace with a decorative surround to create a seamless look. 

Valley Chimney: All of Your Fireplace and Chimney Needs 

Valley Chimney offers a variety of services for fireplaces and chimneys. “Can you burn unseasoned wood” is a question almost every homeowner has, being educated on the best practices for fireplaces is vital. Here at Valley Chimney, we understand the difficulty of keeping up with your fireplace. As the winter season comes up, preparing your fireplace is essential. Contact us today for a chimney inspection, cleaning, repairs, or installation.