Concerning the pleasure of getting a backyard fire, the quality of wood makes a significant difference in the experience. One of the questions that people often have is “can you burn green wood in a fire pit?” You might be tempted to burn fresh cut wood from your yard, but it is important to understand the consequences of using green wood. Green wood is freshly cut, high in moisture, and presents many challenges and risks if used in a fire pit. Here, we will discuss the question if you can (or should) burn green wood, and provide some options that might help you have a better, safer wager fire experience.
What is Green Wood?
Green wood is freshly harvested wood that has not had time to dry and season. It will have a high moisture content, usually above 50%. This wood will be heavy and difficult to ignite compared to seasoned wood. When green wood burns, it produces a great deal of smoke and steam. This is because the water in the wood is turning into steam and leaving the wood when it is combusted. This not only leads to an inefficient fire but also increases the risk of creosote buildup in chimneys, which can cause dangerous fires.
Why People Consider Burning Green Wood:
One reason fire pit owners may burn green wood in their fire pits is because they have it readily available. Green wood is often available after tree trimming or land clearing and might come across as a convenient and efficient cost-saving alternative. Some people may think that they can burn any type of wood in a fire pit without regard to the moisture level present in the wood. However, while there might be some short-term benefits from burning green wood, if you understand the disadvantages and understand the benefits of burning seasoned wood, you can start enjoying your fire pit practices to a much greater degree.
Can You Burn Green Wood in a Fire Pit?
No, burning green wood in a fire pit is not recommended. While you can start a fire with green wood and burn it, it has its issues due to the high moisture content. Green wood has a high water content, so it is difficult to light and sustain a fire with green wood. The result will be an inefficient burn with a lot of smoke and low heat output. In addition, burning green wood will cause creosote to build up. For a more efficient, cleaner, and safer fire pit experience, consider using seasoned wood that has been properly dried.
Problems with Burning Green Wood:
1. Inefficient Burning:
One of the core issues of burning green wood is its inefficiency. The dampness inside the wood makes it harder to ignite, and even when it is able to catch flame, it burns very poorly. Green wood requires a lot of heat to burn off the internal moisture before it can actually start putting out any substantial amount of heat. This results in a lukewarm fire which will have a hard time sustaining itself and is not going to give off the expected warmth.
2. Excessive Smoke:
Green wood produces a heavy amount of smoke when it is being burnt. Because the wood is so wet, there will be lots of water in the wood which will boil when it is hot and mix with other volatile compounds in the wood to produce lots of smoke. This situation is not favorable as smoke can irritate someone’s respiratory system and can also irritate someone’s neighbors or contribute to local air pollution.
3. Creosote Buildup:
Another serious issue with using green wood is a buildup of creosote. Creosote is a tar-like substance that happens when the smoke that is produced during the burning of wood and condenses on the cool surfaces. Green wood burns dirtier which produces more smoke which in turn creates creosote at an accelerated rate. Creosote build up is very combustible and can be the primary cause of a house fire.
4. Environmental Concerns:
There are many environmental implications associated with burning green wood. The incomplete combustion of green wood puts more pollutants into the air, including particles, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants will be detrimental to air, human health, and the environment. Using seasoned wood can significantly reduce the release of pollutants and is a step in the right direction to being more environmentally friendly.
5. Health Risks:
Smoke from burning green wood contains a variety of substances that can harm your health. Breathing in smoke over a lengthy period of time can make existing respiratory problems worse, add to asthma, and increase risks associated with cardiovascular ailments. Young children, elderly adults, and adults with pre-existing medical conditions are prone to adverse health effects from breathing in smoke.
How to Season Wood Properly:
Seasoning wood means to reduce the wood’s moisture content to make it burn better. Below is a guide on how to properly season wood:
Cutting and Splitting:
Start by cutting the wood into manageable lengths – approximately 16-18 inches. Be sure the wood you prepare for your fire pit is cut correctly so it fits comfortably inside. You then need to split the logs into smaller pieces. By doing this, you expose more wood surface area to the air, which will speed up the seasoning process.
Stacking and Storing:
Stack the split wood in a location that is well-ventilated. To help facilitate optimal drying conditions, stack the logs in such a way the pieces are crisscrossed to create air pockets between the wood. To ensure the wood does not absorb any moisture from the earth, place the stack on wood beams or pallets so it’s elevated off the ground. Lastly, cover the top of the stack with a tarp or a shed to protect it from the elements – while keeping the sides open to facilitate drying.
Duration of Seasoning Process:
Roughly, wood seasoning takes anywhere from 6 months to year, depending on the type of wood and the weather. Hardwoods like oak and maple may take a year or more to season, while softer woods like pine and birch may take closer to 6 months. To check the wood’s moisture, you can periodically inspect the wood ends for signs of cracking and the wood will be lighter in weight.
Tips for Ensuring Properly Seasoned Wood:
- Use a moisture meter to measure the wood’s remaining moisture. Properly seasoned wood will have less than 20% remaining moisture and will burn better than green wood.
- To aid in the drying process, locate your woodpile in a sunny spot that receives the most sunlight. Sun exposure will help to heat the wood, which will in turn help accelerate the drying process
- Occasionally, rotating your wood stack will help ensure uniform drying throughout the pile. Do not stack your wood too close together.
- Avoid stacking wood too tightly, it will restrict airflow and it will take longer for the wood to dry.
Following these steps will help you to make sure that your wood is properly seasoned and ready for a safe and efficient burn in your fire pit.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, knowing the details of burning wood in a fire pit is critical to having a safe and enjoyable experience. Though green wood might seem like an obvious, inexpensive option, the downsides to the emissions, byproducts, and health hazards are numerous. By using seasoned wood, you will ensure a cleaner, hotter, and safer fire. Properly dried wood significantly improves fire pit performance and safety, so that you can enjoy many relaxing evenings around a warm and welcoming fire.
