Is hemlock good firewood for woodstove burning
by Ed Baker
(Delaware)
I was able to get about 2 unsplit cords for free.I am wanting to know how you rate this type of wood for burning in a woodstove. Thanks!
Answer
Ed,
Hemlock is not a great species for firewood, but it certainly has its place. It's heating value is similar to pine. It won't burn as well as most hardwoods, but it's alright to use for campfires and to mix with other superior hardwood species for burning in a wood stove. Also, hemlock is suitable for those spring and fall fires when you are just looking to take the chill out of the house.
Because it is free, I do recommend that you use it. However, I certainly wouldn't pay normal firewood prices for a load of hemlock firewood.
I hope this helps!
-Firewood Matt