The Best Trees to Grow for Firewood

As the demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources continues to rise, many landowners and gardeners are turning to wood as a reliable source of heat. Growing your own firewood is not only a cost-effective solution but also an environmentally friendly choice, as it can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. At Frank P Matthews, we offer a variety of tree species that are ideal for firewood production, each with its own unique characteristics. This article explores the best trees from our range that you can grow to ensure a steady supply of high-quality firewood.

Oak (Quercus)

Oak is another top choice for firewood due to its dense wood, which produces a very high heat output. Although it takes longer to dry—often requiring at least two years of seasoning—it rewards patience with a slow, steady burn that lasts much longer than many other woods. Oak also produces a pleasant aroma when burned.

• Growth Characteristics: Oaks are slow-growing and can live for hundreds of years, making them a long-term investment. They prefer deep, well-drained soil and full sun. They are also known for their robust nature and can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Firewood Qualities: Due to its density, oak is harder to split, but once seasoned, it provides one of the longest burn times and the highest heat outputs of any firewood. It’s ideal for overnight burning in wood stoves.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Beech is another hardwood that is highly valued for firewood. It burns hot and long, producing an even heat with very little smoke. However, like oak, beech needs to be well-seasoned—typically for two years—before it’s ready to burn efficiently.

• Growth Characteristics: Beech trees are relatively fast-growing and can reach up to 30 meters in height. They prefer well-drained soils and thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Beech is also known for its attractive bark and spreading canopy, which can add aesthetic value to your landscape.
• Firewood Qualities: Beech wood is dense, which gives it a long burn time and high heat output. It also produces a pleasant, mild aroma when burned, making it a favourite for indoor fireplaces.

Birch (Betula)

Birch is a fast-growing species that is highly regarded for firewood due to its ability to burn quickly and produce a bright, hot flame. It is often used to get fires started because it burns well, even when not completely seasoned, thanks to its naturally low moisture content.

• Growth Characteristics: Birch trees are hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil types, though they prefer moist, well-drained conditions. They are relatively short-lived, with a typical lifespan of 40-50 years, but they grow quickly, making them a good choice for short-term firewood production.
• Firewood Qualities: Birch is easy to split and dries quickly, often in as little as 6 months. It produces a lively flame and heats up quickly, though it burns faster than denser woods like oak and ash. Because of its quick-burning nature, it’s often used alongside slower-burning woods.

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)

Sycamore is a good all-rounder when it comes to firewood. It burns well and produces a moderate heat output. It also seasons quickly—usually within a year—which makes it a practical choice for those needing firewood on a shorter timeline.

• Growth Characteristics: Sycamore is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 35 meters in height. It’s highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soils and conditions, including urban environments.
• Firewood Qualities: Sycamore is easy to split and burns evenly with minimal sparking. While it doesn’t produce as much heat as denser hardwoods like oak or ash, it still makes excellent firewood, especially when mixed with other types.

Cherry (Prunus)

Cherry wood is not only valued for its firewood qualities but also for the sweet fragrance it releases when burned. It provides a good heat output and burns at a steady rate, making it a pleasant addition to any fireplace or wood stove.

• Growth Characteristics: Cherry trees grow moderately fast and can reach heights of up to 15 meters. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. In addition to firewood, they also provide beautiful blossoms in the spring, making them a dual-purpose tree.
• Firewood Qualities: Cherry wood is easy to split and seasons in about a year. It burns well and produces a nice aroma, making it a favourite for indoor fireplaces. However, it’s best mixed with denser woods to prolong the burn time.

Maple (Acer campestre and Acer platanoides)

Maple trees produce dense, hardwood that burns hot and clean. While not as commonly grown for firewood as oak or ash, maple is an excellent choice due to its high heat output and the fact that it seasons relatively quickly.

• Growth Characteristics: Maple trees grow well in a variety of soils and conditions, reaching up to 25 meters in height. They are also known for their beautiful fall foliage, making them a great choice for both firewood and ornamental purposes.
• Firewood Qualities: Maple is dense and provides a steady, long-lasting burn with minimal smoke. It’s easy to split and, depending on the species, can season in 6-12 months. Maple is a great wood for maintaining consistent heat in wood stoves.

Growing your own firewood is a practical, sustainable way to heat your home, and with the right selection of trees, you can ensure a steady supply of high-quality wood for years to come. At Frank P Matthews, we offer a diverse range of tree species that are perfect for firewood production, each with its own unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking for fast-growing species like birch and alder for quicker returns, or dense hardwoods like oak and ash for long-lasting, high-heat fires, our selection can meet your requirements. By planting a variety of these species, you can create a sustainable firewood system that not only provides warmth but also enhances the biodiversity and beauty of your landscape.

As you consider adding firewood trees to your property, remember that proper planning and management are key. Ensure you have the right conditions for the trees you choose, and be prepared to manage them for optimal growth and firewood production. With the right approach, your firewood supply will be both reliable and environmentally friendly.