The Best Fast Growing Trees for Firewood

Share this post:

There’s nothing better than sitting around a crackling fire when the nights get windy and cold. So when it comes to keeping your home warm all year round, having a full supply of firewood is essential. 

However, not all trees are created equal! Some take forever to grow, while others only need a few months. 

If you’re looking for the best fast-growing trees for firewood, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll walk you through the top options for fueling your fireplace or wood stove. 

Fast-Growing Trees for Firewood Overview

If you’re gearing up to cozy up by your fireplace when winter creeps in, you’ll need to find a constant fuel supply. Firewood has been used for heat for thousands of years, and even though there are other, more popular options on the market, you should know that it’s still one of the best choices.

But let’s face it, stocking up on firewood isn’t usually a walk in the park. 

Some trees take a long time to grow large enough to work as fuel. Because of that, a small log can cost an arm and a leg.

That’s why fast-growing trees can be a lifesaver. These provide affordable firewood at a constant speedy rate to ensure you don’t burn a hole in your pocket to stay warm. 

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 you manage the fast-growing trees with care and grow them properly, they should be able to provide fuel year-round. 

Firewood Advantages

Before we talk about the different kinds of fast-growing trees for firewood, I have to mention the crucial advantages the fuel source has to offer. 

1. Renewable Resource

This one’s obvious, and it’s one of the main reasons firewood is such a popular source of fuel and heat. Whenever we cut down a tree for firewood, we can plant another in its place.

Plus, you don’t have to cut the tree all the way down; if you leave the stump, the tree can produce rapid new growth each year.

2. No Dependency

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

We all know how inconvenient blackouts can be. As soon as the power goes out, you won’t be able to use your HVAC. 

On top of that, most conventional heating systems are vulnerable to the weather. For instance, strong winds can block your gas pipeline and leave your home feeling like the Arctic!

Luckily, you can avoid all these issues with firewood. It’s going to keep you warm and safe for as long as it continues to burn. 

You don’t have to worry about power outages or stormy weather either. 

3. Lowers Utility Costs

Firewood is widely regarded as the most cost-effective fuel for domestic heating purposes. Here’s how it compares to other energy sources:

• Six times more economical than electrical heating methods
• Five times more economical than gas-powered heaters
• Four times more economical than using oil-powered heaters

So, if you’re on a budget and need to keep the purse strings tight, you should consider using firewood.

To top it all off, the ambiance created by a crackling fire in the house is hard to beat. Having your entire family gathered by the fireplace to shoot the breeze is a great way to bond with everyone.

In this age where everyone is glued to their mobile phones, this can provide your entire household a chance to bond and talk to each other—something that’s tough to come by.

4. Carbon Neutral

You should know that burning firewood has a minimal impact on the environment. More and more people are becoming aware of their carbon impact and taking action to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Well, switching to firewood can help with that.

For starters, the fuel source is carbon neutral, meaning it won’t contribute to global warming. The amount of carbon dioxide released by decomposing wood in the forest is the same as firewood when you burn it.

Top 7 Fast-Growing Trees for Firewood

There are countless types of firewood trees on the market. This can make landing on a choice quite the chore. 

So, to make your life easier, here are some of the most popular choices.

1. Poplar Trees

Populus is a family of plants that includes aspen and cottonwood trees. These are incredibly common and generally grown for firewood.

Some of the most popular varieties include the Raverdeaux, the Robusta, and the Carolina.

These trees are famous for their silvery leaves and tend to grow at a rapid rate. In just a matter of days, the seeds can sprout into saplings.

On top of that, you can propagate the plants from cuttings to make the growth process go even faster. 

Yet, you have to keep in mind that the trees generally spread using their roots. That means it won’t be long before the poplar tree creates a thicket.

Finally, you should also know that certain varieties of poplar can reach as high as 100 feet. That’s a lot of firewood to keep your home warm!

2. Black Locust

I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry. This isn’t an insect that’s going to eat all of your plants! 

The black locust is a tree that people grow all over the United States. You may have even seen it if you’ve walked through the woods. 

These trees usually reach as high as 50 feet and have an exceptionally straight trunk that grows quickly. That’s one of the chief reasons black locust is the go-to firewood for many people. 

On another note, the trees grow rapidly from the roots and can tolerate an extensive range of soil conditions. So, even if you cut a black locust down to the stump, it’ll sprout new saplings in no time. 

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

3. Catalpa

The catalpa tree prefers to grow in well-drained and moist soils, though it’s capable of tolerating a range of different conditions. It’s a “weedy” tree that grows fast, reaching heights of up to 70 feet.

That’s one of the reasons catalpas are found throughout the United States. 

Besides that, the seed pods generally resemble long beans and usually appear after the tree blooms a few flowers during the springtime.

4. Green Ash

Green ash is a hardy tree that thrives in various soil types across the country, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes. 

One of the green ash’s standout features is that it can withstand extreme cold. This trait sets it apart from most of the other trees on this list. 

Green ash trees also grow pretty fast, reaching heights of around 60 feet. They spread quickly from seeds that they produce during the fall. 

Lastly, green ash trees don’t require much maintenance. With this plant, you won’t have to spend much time pruning or fertilizing.

5. Thornless Honey Duct

When compared to the other trees on this list, the thornless honey duct is much stronger and can live much longer. This tree is native to North America and grows at a speedy pace, eventually reaching a height of up to 75 feet.

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

Plus, thornless honey ducts are capable of adapting to a range of different soils and growing conditions. Just like the green ash, it can survive extreme cold.

6. Willow Tree

The willow tree, also known as the Usain Bolt of trees, is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world. Not only is it easy to plant, but it’s also one of the most affordable trees on this list. 

It has excellent form, and the yield is exceptional, making the willow one of the best trees to grow during the year for use as firewood. 

The log scale willow can be produced within four years! However, it has garnered a bad rap as of late.

Some people claim the tree is difficult to grow or doesn’t burn as evenly as other firewood. However, none of that is true. 

Willow trees don’t take up a lot of space, and even though they can be massive, they’re pretty easy to maintain and prune.

While willow wood generally has a higher moisture content than other types of wood, that doesn’t mean you can’t dry it. If you know what you’re doing, you can season the willow logs and make them ready to burn in under three months.

7. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees, known for their rapid growth and dense wood, are a top contender if you’re after high-quality firewood with extended burning capabilities. Unlike willow or poplar, eucalyptus trees boast a higher density, resulting in longer-lasting logs. 

These trees can reach a height of 12 meters in just over 4 years. This rapid growth makes eucalyptus a lucrative option for those looking to establish a sustainable firewood source.

Planting eucalyptus at a density of 1667 per hectare allows for thinning operations after 4 years, leading to a productive harvest. By the 8-year mark, you can cut down the remaining trees, providing an excellent resource of quality logs. 

Plus, certain eucalyptus species can coppice, allowing for regrowth or easy restocking.

While there are some concerns about the difficulty of splitting eucalyptus wood, which may have unpredictable grain patterns, most species offer excellent form and an easy split.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for fast-growing trees for firewood, I’ve got you covered. 

Some of the most popular options include poplar, black locust, catalpa, and green ash. Other than that, you can opt for thornless honey duct, willow, or eucalyptus. 

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 order it at inexpensive prices from local suppliers.

Share this post: