When it comes to choosing the ideal firewood for a wood stove, several things are put into consideration.
Regarding wood, arborvitae wood has been debated whether it is ideal for wood stoves.
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So, Can You Burn Arborvitae Wood in A Wood Stove?
The answer is yes. Arborvitae wood is ideal mainly because it produces a lot of heat and releases a relatively small amount of smoke.
Understanding The Arborvitae Tree
Arborvitae tree belongs to the cypress family of trees.
It grows slowly and typically reaches a maximum height of about 24 inches annually.
Arborvitae trees exist in five known types. Two species dominate North America, while the others are native to East Asia.
How Does Arborvitae Wood Burn?
The number one consideration when choosing wood for fuel is its burning properties.
People consider other factors like weather and season when choosing wood fuel.
Eyes can be deceptive. If you think all evergreens like arborvitae trees do not suffer winter burns, you got it wrong.
Evergreens, just like other trees, are susceptible to winter burn.
Winter burn is when the tree above the snow level part turns orange.
Arborvitae is victim to this winter burn. When hustling around for wood, you are likely to come across arborvitae that is orange.
Chances are the tree is dead. Perhaps it is in its final rotting stages. So how does healthy arborvitae burn as firewood?
Arborvitae wood burns quickly, which is one of the main reasons people prefer to use it in wood stoves. When not dry, arborvitae releases a relatively large amount of smoke.
For most woods, smoke comes out when resin burns. Arborvitae has a relatively high concentration of resin.
All wood does. So, overall, arborvitae is perfectly fine for wood use in stoves.
They release an immense amount of heat energy; if it is the only alternative around you, it remains an excellent choice.
Arborvitae is an excellent kindling wood as well.
For safety concerns, however, using another wood type with a lower resin concentration is prudent.
The resin is a highly flammable material and may jeopardize your safety. More on this later.
Arborvitae Wood Preparation
Wood preparation is one of the most demanding activities.
You need to cut the logs into smaller sizes.
Before using them in your wood stove, you will have to split them into smaller bits.
You do not plunge the entire log into your stove.
You have to break them using an axe.
How Can You Minimize Smoke When Burning Arborvitae in Wood Stove?
As we mentioned, all trees have resins in varying concentrations depending on the tree type.
Arborvitae has resins, and the concentrations vary slightly from one specie to the next.
It is these resins that produce smoke once the wood starts burning.
The good news is that you can reduce resin concentration by drying the wood. So to minimize smoke, make sure that the wood stays for a while to allow it to lose some resin.
You can do so by drying it. If you reside in winter regions with premium sunlight, the trick is to cut the wood and pile them for some time to release water and resins.
What Does Arborvitae Wood Smell Like When Burning?
Arborvitae wood naturally smells nice.
It is why it has become a good choice for woodwork and wood crafting.
When burnt, the wood produces a delicate scent.
You do not need to worry about this as it is nothing too overpowering.
Of course, you should not sit close to the fireplace. Excessive smoke inhalation can cause breathing complications.
Safety Precautions When Burning Arborvitae Wood in a Wood Stove
1. Do Not Overload the Stove with Wood
It is not only crucial for the sake of avoiding great flames but also to minimize the wastage of wood resources.
Overloading the stove also fills it up faster. It is hectic to clear ash from the wood stove.
2. Keep Children and Pets Away
You should handle the fire with extreme care.
Do not allow your kids or pets to play around the fireplace.
They not only risk getting burnt themselves but also jeopardize the safety of everyone in the room.
So, ward off kids and pets from accessing the fireplace.
3. Do Not Get Too Close to The Stove
Arborvitae wood can release a relatively large amount of smoke. It is especially true when you use them before they are dry enough.
Inhaling excessive amounts of these gases can make you quite ill.
More so if you have had breathing complications before. Avoid the smoke by keeping some distance away from the stove.
4. Keep Flammables Away from The Fireplace
Infernos start from recklessness.
So, ensure that there is no flammable item, gases or fuels around your wood stove. Fires have devastated lives and property from time immemorial.
Most home fires occur due to carelessness.
You can avoid this by clearing the area around the fireplace.
Do not let wood get closer to the fireplace as sparks can land on them and cause a nightmare.
5. Keep Your House Ventilated
Woodstove safety is never complete without discussing the need for safe and proper ventilation.
Strategically install vents in your rooms to oust smoke the billows from your wood stove.
6. Do Not Leave the Stove Unattended
Vigil is a must when operating a wood stove.
Suppose you fill with wood and leave it to burn alone; you out the entire house at the mercy of a looming fire disaster.
Hang around the stove and ensure no glowing embers fall off the kiln.
7. Proper Disposal of Arborvitae Ash
People often overlook this safety tip.
Before disposing of ash, leave it to cool on the stove for some time.
You want to ensure that all glowing embers in the furnace die before disposing of them.
One thing about the fire can start from a tiny simple spark and grow into a menacing monster.
More so if your disposal site has some flammable matter.
Final Thoughts
Arborvitae wood is ideal for use in a wood stove.
Proper preparation of wood is critical to minimize possible problems like excessive smoke. Safety is vital as well.
And it does not only apply to using arborvitae wood alone but also other types of wood. Do not use too much wood at ago.
The aim is to enjoy the maximum amount of heat energy safely.
