Can You Burn Pine in a Log Burner?

Is pine bad for a chimney?

Not when it's dry and burned hot. Burnright says that burning pine or softwood being bad for the chimney is just not true, and that if you burn it at a reasonable temperature you won't have problems. Forest Research says logs that aren't dry smoulder and create tars and smoke, and that wood set to burn slowly leaves tarry deposits in the chimney.

Pine does contain more resin than hardwood, Forest Research notes, and some council leaflets say it leaves an oily soot. That makes it more important to dry pine properly and burn it hot, not a reason to avoid it.

How do I burn pine in a log burner?

1. Check it's dry. Burn it at 20% moisture or less. See firewood moisture content.
2. Light it from the top down. Pine catches quickly, so it makes a good first load. See how to light a log burner.
3. Add a few logs at a time. Pine burns faster than hardwood, so top it up little and often.
4. Keep the air up. Don't shut the stove down to make pine last longer. Burnright says that clogs the chimney.
5. Sweep the chimney regularly. At least twice a year for wood, as HETAS advises. See how often to sweep your chimney.

Is pine as good as hardwood?

Not for a long burn. HETAS says it's preferable to burn hardwoods such as beech and ash rather than softwoods like pine or fir, because denser wood burns for longer. Weight for weight, though, HETAS says the energy in hardwood and softwood is very similar. See hardwood vs softwood logs.

Can I burn pine on an open fire?

Yes, outside a smoke control area, but use a fireguard. Pine can spit, and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue advises always using a fireguard against flying sparks.

Can I burn a pine Christmas tree?

No. HETAS says the wood isn't suitable for burning because of its high resin and wax content.

Can I use pine cones?

Yes, dry ones. The Woodland Trust says dry Scots pine cones can be used as kindling.