Is sycamore good firewood?

Is sycamore good firewood?

Yes, sycamore can be used as firewood, but it has some characteristics that make it less ideal compared to other hardwoods.

What Is Sycamore?

Sycamore refers to several types of deciduous trees that belong to different genera, depending on the region. It is a versatile tree known for its large size, fast growth, and distinctive bark.

Interesting Facts

  • The American sycamore is one of the largest hardwood trees in North America.
  • The mottled bark is often a clue for identifying the tree, even from a distance.
  • Sycamores are hardy and resistant to pollution, making them ideal for urban environments.

Pros and cons of sycamore as a firewood

Pros

  • Burns Clean: When seasoned properly, sycamore burns cleanly with minimal smoke and creosote buildup.
  • Easy to Split When Dry: Dry sycamore is easier to split than when green, making it manageable once seasoned.
  • Moderate Heat Output: Sycamore provides a decent heat output with a BTU rating of approximately 19.1 million BTUs per cord. While lower than premium hardwoods like oak or hickory, it is sufficient for moderate heating.
  • Availability: Sycamore is commonly found in many areas, making it an accessible choice for firewood.

Cons

  • Difficult to Split When Green: Green sycamore is very fibrous and stringy, making it challenging to split.
  • Moderate Heat Output: While it provides reasonable heat, it burns faster than denser hardwoods like oak or maple, meaning you’ll need to replenish the fire more often.
  • Low Durability When Wet: It rots quickly if left exposed to moisture, so it must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.
  • High Moisture Content: Sycamore has a high initial moisture content, making it difficult to split and requiring a longer seasoning time (about 1 year or more).

Best Uses for Sycamore Firewood

  • Short-term Fires: Good for daytime use when you don’t need prolonged heat output.
  • Mixing with Other Woods: Combining sycamore with higher-BTU hardwoods can create a balance of easy ignition and long-lasting heat.
  • Outdoor Fires: Works well for campfires or outdoor fire pits.
is sycamore good firewood
Image source: WL West

Tips for Using Sycamore as Firewood

  1. Season Thoroughly:
    • Let sycamore dry for at least 12 months to reduce moisture content and improve burn quality.
  2. Store Properly:
    • Keep it off the ground and covered to prevent rotting.
  3. Split When Green:
    • If you plan to use sycamore, split it while it’s still green and easier to handle.
is sycamore tree good for firewood
Image source: Firewood For Life

Conclusion

Sycamore is an acceptable firewood option, especially if you have it readily available and need supplemental heating or firewood for shorter burns. However, due to its moderate heat output and seasoning challenges, it’s best used in combination with higher-quality hardwoods for optimal performance.

FAQs

Is Sycamore firewood smell?

Yes, sycamore firewood does have a smell, but its aroma is generally mild and not as distinctive as other types of firewood.

Smell of Sycamore Firewood
Mild Aroma:
When freshly cut, sycamore wood emits a subtle, slightly sweet or earthy scent.
The smell is not overpowering or unpleasant, making it suitable for indoor use.
Seasoned Wood:
Properly seasoned sycamore firewood has an even milder smell, as the moisture content and natural oils decrease during the drying process.
Burning Smell:
When burned, sycamore firewood produces a neutral, clean-burning aroma with minimal smoke (if properly seasoned).
It doesn’t have the strong or resinous scent associated with woods like pine or cedar.

Does sycamore split easily?

Sycamore does not split easily, especially when it is green (freshly cut). Its fibrous, interlocking grain structure makes it one of the more challenging types of firewood to split.

Best Practices for Splitting Sycamore
Split When Green:
While green sycamore is harder to split, doing it while fresh prevents the wood from becoming even harder as it dries.
Use Proper Tools:
A hydraulic log splitter is highly recommended for sycamore, as manual splitting with an axe or maul can be labor-intensive.
A splitting wedge can also help if you’re using hand tools.
Target Weak Points:
Look for natural cracks in the wood or start splitting from the edges rather than the center to make the process easier.
Season Before Burning:
Once split, sycamore should be stacked and allowed to season for 12-18 months. Proper seasoning improves its burn quality and makes it lighter to handle.

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