Can You Burn Willow Firewood?

You can use willow trees as firewood, but they do not produce much heat.

Willow, considered a softwood, is generally not sold by firewood retailers, according to the Firewood website. While softwoods burn less efficiently than hardwoods, there is no reason they cannot be used as firewood.

Curing

According to the New Mexico State University website, willow kindling should be cured prior to burning. Curing woods means allowing it to dry completely prior to using it for firewood.

Pesticides

Homeowners should never burn willow wood that has been treated with pesticides. While many pesticides dissipate during curing, burning pesticide-treated willow wood may be toxic, according to New Mexico State University.

Heat

The primary difference between burning willow and burning hardwoods, such as oak, is the amount of heat produced. Willow does not produce much heat and therefore is probably not ideal for people wishing to produce a hot fire, according to the Firewood website.

References

• Firewood: Frequently Asked Questions
• New Mexico State University: Burning Willow Wood