Hawthorn and Blackthorn Firewood

Is hawthorn good firewood?

Yes. The Woodland Trust says hawthorn timber is finely grained and very hard, makes good firewood and charcoal, and has a reputation for burning at high temperatures. Stovax says it burns slowly and produces good heat, but must be handled with care. The DELTA timber database gives a density of 800 to 900 kg/m³, well above oak.

Is blackthorn good firewood?

Yes. The Woodland Trust says blackthorn burns well, so is a good choice for firewood, and the World Agroforestry database says it makes a hot, blazing fire. We found no reliable density figure for it.

How do I handle the thorns safely?

• Wear thick gloves. The Woodland Trust says blackthorn thorns can easily penetrate the skin, break off and stay trapped.
• Trim side shoots before you stack the wood, so the thorns don't catch you later.
• The World Agroforestry database says blackthorn thorns are very brittle and tend to break off in the wound, so take care pulling one out.

Where does hawthorn and blackthorn firewood come from?

Mostly hedges. The Organic Research Centre recommends cutting hedges for fuel at the coppice stage, when they're 6 to 7 m high and the larger stems are 15 to 20 cm across. It notes that blackthorn hedges, and hedges on infertile soils or exposed sites, are likely to give poor crops.

How do I dry hedge wood?

1. Cut it to stove length. Split anything thicker than your wrist.
2. Stack it under cover. Off the ground, with the top covered and the sides open.
3. Check it before you burn it. Test a split piece with a moisture meter. You want 20% or less. See firewood moisture content.