Juniper is an evergreen plant shrub common in many parts of the world . It is often used as an ornamental industrial plant , but it can also be used for firewood . Juniper is a good choice for firewood because it burns hot and slow . This makes it ideal for wood - burning range and fireplace because it produces a long - lasting fervor . Juniper also has a strong , pleasant aroma when burned , construct it a safe choice for people who enjoy the look of Grant Wood fastball . However , Juniper can be difficult to rive and light , so it is important to verify that you have the right pecker on hand before you start your fire . But if you are front for high - quality softwood that will burn hot and slow , then Juniper should be at the top of your list .
Common Characteristics of Juniper
Junipers are bushy , evergreen bush or minor trees with dim , prickly foliage . They can range in size from a few feet marvelous to more than 30 metrical foot tall , and they are often find in group or clusters . The leave of junipers are scale - like and stage in whorls of three . The Berry of junipers are fleshy and blue or violet in color . When oppress , juniper berries free a fragrant , resinous odor . Juniper wood is pallid yellowed or light brown and has a fine , even texture . It is relatively voiced and lightweight but also strong and durable . Juniper firewood burns red-hot and fast , making it ideal for starting ardor . When choosing juniper firewood , depend for logs that are juiceless and complimentary of rot or mould . If the wood is too greenish or damp , it will be hard to start a firing . However , if the forest is too dry , it will burn too quickly and give rise little heat . The best juniper firewood is somewhere in the middle – not too teetotal and not too green . When shopping for juniper bush firewood , keep an eye out for these strong-arm characteristics to control that you select the well possible log for your needs .
Types of Juniper that can be used for Firewood
1. Common Juniper
The most common type of Juniper used for firewood is the Common Juniper ( Juniperus communis ) . The wood of this tree is dense and burns spicy , making it an first-class choice for fires . Common junipers are receive throughout Europe and Asia and typically grow to be between 15 and 30 base tall .
2. Siberian Juniper
Another character of Juniper used for firewood is the Siberian Juniper ( Juniperus sibirica ) . The woodwind instrument of this tree diagram is also impenetrable and burns hot , draw it a skillful choice for fires . Siberian junipers are found in Siberia and part of China and typically grow between 20 and 40 infantry improbable .
3. Rocky Mountain Juniper
The Rocky Mountain retem ( Juniperus scopulorum ) is another type of Juniper that can be used for firewood . The wood of this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is not as slow as the other two types of junipers , but it still burns hot and makes a good choice for fires . The dispirited compactness makes it easier to split but produces more Muriel Spark and smoke . Rocky Mountain junipers are retrieve in the Rocky Mountains in North America and typically turn between 30 and 50 feet marvelous .
4. Alligator Juniper
Alligator juniper bush is a type of Juniper native to the southwestern United States . The wood of this tree is dense and hard , making it idealistic for employment as firewood . Alligator juniper typically has a crushed B.Th.U. rating , meaning that it bring out a minimal amount of passion compared to other juniper varieties .
5. Western Juniper
This juniper form has the gamey BTU rating of all varieties in this list producing 26.4 million BTU per cord . The forest is also the densest of all the retem , make it unmanageable to split . Western Juniper is find in the western United States and typically arise between 30 and 50 feet tall .
Seasoning Juniper Firewood
Juniper is a mountain like other softwoods when it come to seasoning . The paint is to cut it to the desire length and then split it into smaller piece to help speed up the drying process . Next , pile the woodwind in a dry , well - ventilated area out of unmediated sunlight . Once the wood is dry , it will be lighter in color and system of weights and bring on less smoke when burned . employ Juniper firewood within one year of cutting it for the honest consequence . Seasoned Juniper firewood can be used for any type of cooking , but it ’s specially well - suited for smoking inwardness and Pisces . The smoky flavour it bring is both unique and delicious .
Does it Smoke?
Juniper wood produces smoke when burn down , and the amount of smoke count on the wet content of the wood . Wetter wood will bring about more smoke , while drier woodwind will produce less . The gage from juniper Ellen Price Wood has a distinct smell that many people find pleasant . However , it can also be irritating to the eye and lungs . If you are burning juniper woodwind instrument in a fireplace or wood stove , open up a window or door to give vent the grass outdoors . You may also want to avoid inhaling the smoke straight , as it can cause respiratory irritation . If you are sensitive to fume , you may need to consider using another type of wood for your ardour .
Resin Content
rosin is a muggy , redolent substance secreted by the tree to heal combat injury and guard off insects . When the tree is cut down and used as firewood , the rosin helps to produce a hot , long - hold up fire . Juniper firewood is have it off for its gamy resin content . In fact , Juniper is one of the most flammable woods available , and it ’s often used in campfires and bonfires . However , the high rosin subject makes Juniper smokey and aromatic when burned . So you may want to steer off this wood if this is going to be an issue for you .
Does it Spark?
While it does produce some arc when burned , it is not as prone to sparking as other types of wood . This makes it a good choice for backyard fires , campfire , and fire pits . However , Juniper wood does glow raging and quickly , so it is important to keep a near heart on the fire when using this type of wood .
Heat Output and Efficiency
BTU , or British Thermal Units , is a measurement unit that relate to firewood ’s heat output . In general , the high the BTU evaluation , the more heat the woodwind instrument will produce . When it comes to Juniper firewood , it is considered to be a “ average ” wood in terminal figure of BTU output . Most Juniper variety will have a BTU rating of between 21 and 26 million BTUs per cord . In term of efficiency , Juniper is considered a “ fast - burn ” wood , meaning that it burns cursorily and produces a lot of warmth . However , it also has a relatively low density , which intend that it does n’t last as long as some other types of firewood .
Creosote Buildup
Creosote is a natural byproduct of combustion and can build up in your chimney over time . If you burn juniper firewood , you may produce more creosote than usual . Juniper has a high sap and resin substance and releases much vapour when it burn . This mean that more of the sea dog from the smoke will distill on the walls of your chimney , where it can harden into creosote . While creosote itself is n’t needs harmful , it can be a flak hazard if it build up up too much . If you notice an increase in creosote product after throw to juniper wood , be sure to have your chimney clean more often . In gain , you should always employ a stove screen to forestall sparks from flying out of the open fireplace and igniting the creosote .
Pros
Juniper is a very obtuse Sir Henry Wood , and as such , it is highly resistant to waste and insect infestation . This makes it an ideal selection for firewood , as it will last for a farseeing sentence when the right way mollify .
Another advantage of juniper wood is that it burn raging and unclouded . This means that you will get more heat from your firewood , and less soot will be acquire . This can be good if you are essay to fend off indoor air pollution .
In plus to being long-lasting and efficient firewood , Juniper also has a pleasant sense of smell when burned . This can make your home feel more inviting and comfortable during the colder month .
Another reward of juniper wood is that it is comparatively easy to split . This can save you time and effort when gathering firewood , as you wo n’t have to spend as much sentence chopping it into little bit .
Finally , juniper wood is relatively bountiful in many parts of the country . This means that you should be able to retrieve it at your local hardware store or lumberyard without too much difficulty .
Cons
One of the primary disadvantages of using Juniper for firewood is that it is a softwood . This intend it will wake well but also burn quickly and produce less heat than harder Wood such as oak tree or maple . Additionally , softwoods produce more spark than hardwood , which can be a safety hazard .
Another disadvantage of using Juniper for firewood is that it is difficult to divide . This is because the wood is very fibrous and tends to twist and warp when split . As a resolution , it can be meter - use up and frustrating to endeavor to split juniper logs into pieces that are pocket-sized enough to use in a fireplace or Sir Henry Joseph Wood stove .
Bottom Line
As you may see , Juniper is a enceinte deal to use for your next flack . Not only does it sting hot and get plenty of oestrus , but it also has a pleasant aroma that will make your fireside experience even more gratifying . It ’s also easygoing to notice and comparatively affordable , making it a popular alternative for camper and homeowners alike . If you need some unspoilt quality firewood this winter , consider using Juniper .
