The Hackberry tree (Celtis occidentalis) is a common deciduous hardwood found across much of North America, often encountered in river bottoms, floodplains, and urban settings. This species is frequently considered for use as a home heating fuel. Assessing its value requires comparing its performance against established firewood metrics like heat output and ease of preparation.
Heat Output and Burning Characteristics
Hackberry is classified as a medium-density hardwood, placing it in a middle tier for heat output compared to denser species like hickory and oak. Its energy content typically registers around 21 million British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord, comparable to black cherry or hard maple. This output provides a steady, consistent warmth suitable for most heating applications.
When properly seasoned, Hackberry wood burns cleanly with relatively low smoke production, which is an advantage for both indoor and outdoor fires. The wood ignites easily and burns at a respectable rate, producing a mild, pleasant aroma. The residual coals are of moderate quality and can hold heat for a reasonable time, allowing for easier rekindling of the fire.
Processing and Handling Hackberry Wood
The preparation of Hackberry wood is often the most debated aspect of its use as firewood. The wood has a relatively low initial moisture content when freshly cut, similar to ash, allowing it to season much faster than many other hardwoods. Under good drying conditions, split Hackberry can reach a ready-to-burn moisture level within six to twelve months.
The tree’s grain structure presents a significant challenge during splitting. Hackberry often features an interlocking or twisted grain, which makes splitting by hand with a maul extremely difficult and “stringy.” For this reason, using a hydraulic splitter is recommended to process large rounds, particularly those from older trees. Once split and stacked, the wood must be used relatively soon, as Hackberry is susceptible to rot and decay and should not be stored damp or left outside for multiple years.
Final Verdict and Comparison to Standard Firewood
Hackberry wood proves to be a decent, middle-of-the-road choice, superior to softwoods like pine, but it does not match the performance of woods like oak or hickory. Its moderate BTU rating and quick-drying nature make it an excellent option for “shoulder season” burning when less intense heat is desired. The wood’s ease of ignition also makes it useful for mixing with higher-density logs to help start a slow-burning fire. While splitting difficulty can be a deterrent, the quick seasoning time and clean burn characteristics ensure Hackberry is a valuable part of any diverse firewood stack.