Special memories by the fireplace

Growing up in the heart of Kansas City, I’ve known all my life the fullness of the four seasons and what they can offer in the heartland!

My mom, the epitome of a Scout – was always prepared. She would listen to the weather reports, and keep our shelves stocked. Days before a big storm was due to hit, she’d start cooking up stews and soups. My dad had the type of job where he would be gone a lot of the time, so mom had to deal with a lot on her own.

Our big, old house was notorious for the power going out for days at a time. During those events, we’d build a big fire in the fireplace and put one of mom’s soups or stews on. She’d read aloud as all seven of us kids would pile around. You can imagine how we’d pray for snow storms, not only so school would be out, but just so we could experience our own adventures at home!

I’ve had many wonderful experiences around those fires, and many others since and can’t fathom living in a house without a fireplace. To me, a fireplace is the very heart of the house. Whether you’re enjoying fires inside the house, or outside around a campfire, you may want to be aware of some of the differences between the woods and the qualities they offer.

Most people know that if properly dried, hardwoods provide more heat because they are denser. Hardwoods that contain the highest energy content include osage orange, hickory, locust, oak, ash, and hard maples. The rule of thumb is the slower growing the tree, the denser the wood. Less dense woods that have a lower energy content, and therefore a lower heat emission include basswood, cottonwood, cedar, pine, silver maple, elm and sycamore.

Heat is measured in BTU, or British Thermal Units. This is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The range of BTUs in woods is 30.7 with the osage orange, to 14.7 with basswood – roughly half of the heat value.

I’ve heard it said that osage orange (or hedge apple, or hedge tree) burns so hot that you should only put one log in the fire at a time and mix it with other woods. I’ve heard others say to never use it in a stove because it burns so hot, it can crack the stove!

Not only do hardwoods burn hotter, they also split easier and don’t spark or smoke as much making them safer and more enjoyable. Nothing’s worse than sitting around a campfire that is smoking so much you can’t even enjoy it.

If you haven’t already had your fireplace cleaned this year, this is a good time to do it. Although fireplaces create the charm we all desire, when it comes to adding heat to the home they lose. In actuality, more heat goes up the chimney than into the room. Adding glass doors can help a lot, and a good fireplace insert can maximize your fireplace’s energy efficiency while still being able to enjoy the ambiance. For true heating, a good air-tight wood stove is the way to go.

Remember, firewood is one of Missouri’s natural, renewable resources. It is heating the GREEN way!

It’s also the best way to make some good memories! I hope you’re able to enjoy some good fires this year with family, friends, or just a good book.

Comparing the firewood



SPECIES          BTU/cord of wood

Ash             23.6

Basswood        14.7

Box Elder        17.5

Cedar (red)        18.9

Cottonwood        16.1

Elm            20.1

Hackberry        21.6

Hickory        29.1

Locust            28.1

Maple (silver)        20.8

Maple (sugar)        25.0

Oak (red)        25.3

Oak (white)        27.0

Osage Orange        30.7

Pine            19.0

Sycamore        20.7

Walnut        21.8

Chart taken from University of   Missouri Extension Service