Skip to Content

The Best Fast Growing Trees for Firewood

The Best Fast Growing Trees for Firewood

Share this post:

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you have a chimney and a fireplace in your house, you will probably want to light it up as the winter months approach. However, getting a consistent supply of firewood is definitely not easy, and many people usually don’t want to spend a lot of money on ordering firewood.

Firewood is relatively inexpensive in most places, mainly because providers make use of fast-growing trees. Whenever trees are cut and the firewood is chopped, these companies plant other fast-growing trees, which quickly grow.

Most companies don’t even have to cut the tree all the way down; they just leave the stump out, and the tree is able to produce rapid new growth each year.

Did you know that an area as small as three acres is more than enough to supply firewood for a typical household during the winter months, as long as the fast-growing trees are managed with care and grown properly?

Firewood has been used for heat for thousands of years, and even though there are other, more popular options available in the market, you should know that firewood is still one of the best choices.

Before we talk about the different kinds of fast growing trees that can be used for firewood, it’s important to talk about the advantages that firewood offers, and quell the myths associated with firewood consumption.

It’s a Renewable Resource

This one is obvious, and it is one of the main reasons why firewood is such a popular source of fuel and heat.

Replant New Trees

Firewood is renewable; you can easily grow the trees again. It is simply the energy that is stored in the tree from the sun as it continues to grow. Whenever a tree is cut down for firewood, another can be planted in its place.

The stump can be left behind, and it will quickly regrow for the next year. Humans have been using firewood in this manner for thousands of years, and it’s still one of the best choices.

No Dependency

Another reason why firewood is such a popular choice is because you don’t have to rely on energy companies or worry about conventional heating systems.

If there is a blackout in your area, your heating system might stop working. Or, if the gas pipeline is blocked in stormy weather, the fire might burn out.

If there is a power failure, you can simply light up the firewood. It’s going to keep you warm and safe for as long as it continues to burn. You don’t have to depend on anyone for your heating.

It Lowers Utility Costs

Wood Burner Heating House

Firewood is widely regarded as the most cost-effective fuel for domestic heating purposes. Studies have shown that firewood is six times more economic in usage when compared with electrical heating methods, and five times more economic than gas-powered heaters.

It’s also four times more economic than using oil-powered heaters.

If you are on a budget and need to save money on your heating, you should definitely consider using firewood.

Furthermore, the ambiance created by a crackling fire in the house is hard to replicate. Having your entire family gathered by the fireplace to just discuss things is a great way to bond with everyone in the family.

In this age where everyone is focused on their mobile phones, this can provide your entire household a chance to bond and talk to each other, something that is not as frequent anymore.

Carbon Neutral

Beautiful Bonfire Which Is Carbon Neutral

More importantly, you should know that the impact on the environment is minimal when you burn firewood. For starters, firewood is carbon neutral, so it has no impact on global warming.

The amount of carbon dioxide released by decomposing wood in the forest is the same as firewood when it’s burned in the right manner.

More and more people are becoming aware of their carbon impact and taking action to reduce their carbon footprint. Switching to firewood is a great idea.

Now, if you are interested in growing your own trees for firewood or just want to know about the different trees that are grown for firewood, here are the most popular choices.

Poplar

Fast Growing Poplar Tree

Poplar trees are incredibly common and are generally grown for firewood. Populus is actually a family of trees which also include the aspen and the cottonwood tree.

They are famous because of their silvery leaves, and they tend to grow at a rapid rate.

You will notice the trees sprouting from the seeds within a few days only, and they can also be propagated using cuttings. The trees generally spread using their roots, so it won’t be long before the poplar tree creates a thicket.

The most common varieties that are used for firewood include the Raverdeaux, the Robusta, and the Carolina.

You should also know that there are certain varieties of poplar that are able to reach heights as high as 100 feet.

Black Locust

Fast Growing Black Locust Tree

This isn’t an insect that’s going to eat all of your plants! The black locust is actually a tree that is commonly grown in the United States, and you might have seen it if you have taken a walk through the woods.

The tree usually reaches heights as high as 50 feet.

The black locust is distinguished because of its straight trunk, and it also grows very quickly, which is one of the reasons why so many people prefer it for producing firewood.

The black locust tree is able to tolerate an extensive range of soil conditions, and it also grows quite easily.

If cut all the way down to the stump, the black locust will sprout quite quickly, and it also grows rapidly from the roots.

However, the black locust needs to be managed properly because if it is ignored and left to grow on its own, the tree will multiply quickly and will form thickets.

Catalpa

Fast Growing Catalpa Tree

The catalpa tree is commonly grown in well-drained and moist soils, though it is capable of tolerating a range of different soil conditions.

It is one of the reasons why the catalpa tree is quite commonly found throughout the United States. It is a “weedy” tree that grows really fast.

It is an excellent tree that is also commonly used for producing firewood. The seed pods generally resemble long beans, and they usually appear after the tree gives off a few flowers during the springtime. This tree grows at a rapid pace, reaching heights of up to 70 feet.

Green Ash

Fast Growing Green Ash Tree

Then, you have green ash. It is another suitable tree that can grow quickly in various kinds of soils throughout the country.

The green ash tree is capable of tolerating extreme cold, and it also grows pretty fast, going as high as 60 feet. The tree tends to spread quickly from the seed that is produced during the fall season.

More importantly, the green ash tree is also great for landscaping, and is also pretty easy to maintain. If you don’t want to worry about spending a lot of time with pruning, this is a great choice.

Thornless Honeyduct

This is one of the trees that is native to North America. When compared with other trees on this list, the thornless honeyduct is much stronger than others, and is also able to live much longer.

The thornless honeyduct grows at a very fast pace and can eventually reach a height of up to 75 feet.

The leaves are generally small, which allows sunlight to penetrate through the canopy. This will allow other plants to grow under the tree.

It is capable of adapting to a range of different soils and growing conditions, and it is also able to survive extreme heat and cold.

Willow Tree

Fast Growing Weeping Will Tree

The willow tree, also known as the Usain Bolt of trees, is one of the fastest growing trees in the world.

The form is good, and the yield is great, which makes the willow one of the best trees to grow during the year for use as firewood. The willow tree is incredibly easy to grow, and it is also quite inexpensive.

The log scale willow can be produced within four years! However, willow has attracted a bad rap as of late, with many people saying that willow isn’t easy to grow, or it doesn’t burn as well.

However, none of that is true. Willow doesn’t take up a lot of space, and even though the tree can get really big, it’s pretty easy to maintain and prune.

Willow wood generally has a higher moisture content than other types of wood, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be dried.

You can easily season the willow logs and make it ready to burn in under three months, if you know what you are doing. A number of firewood producers and providers generally sell firewood from the willow tree.

These are just some of the most common choices for firewood. If you have a spacious area of land, you can easily grow firewood on your own, or you can always order at inexpensive prices from local suppliers.

--

If you want more backyard tips including recipes, how-tos and more, make sure you subscribe to my youtube channel

Share this post:

Thomas Lash

Friday 4th of November 2022

I would like to find land to develop into fire wood farms. With fuel futures being destroyed and millions of acres of land turning back into non farming arid ground. We need to be planting and harvesting millions of acres of firewood for world wide consumption.

Seth

Tuesday 3rd of May 2022

Good to know