There are many different types of wood, each with its own characteristics. Black walnut is a type of wood that is often used for firewood. But is black walnut good firewood?
Black walnut is one of the best choices for firewood due to its high density and low moisture content. This means that it burns hot and slow, giving you a long-lasting fire.
Splitting Black Walnut Firewood
Most people think that black walnut is difficult to split. However, if the wood is dry, it will be easy to split with either an ax or a maul. Just be sure to take your time and split the wood along the grain.
[Related Article: Pecan Firewood: [Cutting, Splitting & Seasoning]
Seasoning Time For Black Walnut
Black walnut firewood needs between 1 to 2 years to season properly. This means that the wood should be left to dry in a humid and sunny environment.
The process of seasoning black walnut firewood can take up to 2 years, but it is worth the wait. Once the wood has seasoned, it will be more durable and last longer.
Seasoning black walnut firewood is a simple process, but it requires patience. First, cut the logs into pieces that are 18-24 inches long. Next, stack the wood in a dry and well-ventilated area.
Be sure to cover the top of the stack with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect it from the weather. Finally, check on the wood every few weeks to make sure that it is drying properly.
Once the wood has seasoned, it can be used for a variety of purposes. Black walnut firewood is perfect for building fires, smoking meat, or even making charcoal.
Seasoned wood is also less likely to rot or insect infestation. If you are patient enough to season your own black walnut firewood, you will be rewarded with high-quality wood that will last for years.
BTU Of Black Walnut Firewood
Black walnut firewood has an impressive BTU of 22.2 per cord. This high heat output is due to its density, which means that it burns slowly and evenly.
This makes it a great choice for those cold winter nights. Not only does it have a high BTU, but it also produces little smoke and creosote. This means that you can enjoy your fire without worrying about the hazards of chimney fires.
Is Black Walnut Smoke Toxic
There is some debate over whether or not black walnut smoke is toxic. While most people seem to agree that it’s not particularly harmful, there are some who believe that it can be dangerous.
The jury is still out on this one, but if you’re concerned about the potential risks, it might be best to avoid using black walnut firewood.
So what does the evidence say? Well, according to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency, black walnut smoke contains high levels of particulate matter.
Particulate matter is made up of tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health problems. Inhaling particulate matter can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer.
However, it’s worth noting that the EPA only tested for particulate matter and didn’t look at any other potentially harmful chemicals present in black walnut smoke.
Additionally, the study was done on rats, so it’s not clear if the same effects would occur in humans. More research needs to be done on this topic before we can say for sure whether or not black walnut smoke is toxic.
Conclusion
From our research, we can conclude that black walnut is good firewood. It burns hot and produces little smoke. Black walnut is a hardwood which makes it last longer in the fireplace. There are some cons to burning black walnut such as the cost and the fact that it can be difficult to find.
