Poplar is a general term encompassing several species, most commonly aspens, cottonwoods, and sometimes the tulip tree (yellow poplar). Poplar is considered a low-density, soft hardwood. It is not suitable as a primary heat source for frigid winter months, but it performs well for shoulder-season use or as a mixing wood to temper the burn of denser hardwoods. Its fast-growing nature and ease of processing make it an appealing option for those who cut their own wood.
Poplar’s Burning Characteristics
The performance of poplar as a fuel is directly tied to its low density compared to woods like oak or maple. A cord of seasoned poplar yields a relatively low heat output, around 13.5 to 14.7 million British Thermal Units (BTUs), making it one of the lowest-ranking firewoods by volume. This low energy density means the wood catches fire easily and burns hot initially, but it consumes itself rapidly.
The rapid burn rate necessitates frequent reloading of the stove or fireplace to maintain a consistent temperature. This quick consumption is advantageous for quickly heating a space or for use as a reliable source of kindling, but it prevents the development of a long-lasting coal bed. When properly seasoned to a moisture content below 20%, poplar produces a moderate amount of smoke and a relatively low amount of creosote buildup compared to resinous softwoods like pine.
Burning unseasoned poplar can lead to excessive smoke and a significant drop in heat output because the energy is wasted boiling off the water inside the wood. If fully dried, the wood often emits a mild, pleasant aroma appealing for indoor fires. Its overall low heat output limits its utility for serious home heating.
The Need for Rapid Seasoning and Storage
Poplar’s low density and porous structure allow it to dry out faster than most dense hardwoods. Under favorable conditions, split poplar can be fully seasoned and ready to burn in as little as six months, compared to the 12 to 18 months often required for denser species.
This porous nature also makes poplar highly susceptible to moisture absorption and decay if left exposed. Once the wood is seasoned, it must be stored correctly to prevent it from reabsorbing moisture. Improperly stored poplar can quickly begin to rot or develop mold, especially if it is left in contact with the ground.
To maintain quality, seasoned poplar should be stacked off the ground on pallets or runners to promote airflow underneath the pile. The stack should be covered on the top to shield it from rain and snow, but the sides must remain open to maximize air circulation.
Preparing Poplar: Splitting Ease and Handling
Poplar is one of the easiest woods to process and split, a considerable benefit to the person doing the work. Its straight grain structure and soft nature mean that most rounds split cleanly and with minimal effort, often requiring only a maul or axe rather than a hydraulic splitter. This ease of splitting saves significant time and physical labor during the processing stage.
Split poplar when the wood is still green, shortly after felling, rather than waiting for it to dry. Splitting the wood green exposes more surface area, which accelerates the seasoning process. Waiting too long can sometimes make the wood slightly more difficult to split, as some species can develop a tough, stringy texture upon drying.
While the majority of poplar splits easily, some larger rounds, particularly those from cottonwood, can occasionally be stringy, causing the maul to get stuck or the pieces to tear apart with jagged edges rather than separating cleanly. Even in these cases, the effort required is usually less than that needed for a knotty hardwood.