There are many types of wood used in fireplaces to give heat at the needed times, some of which can be very good and some are not as per your need.
But today I will be discussing whether can you burn bradford pear wood?
Many people asked me in comments about using Bradford as a firewood.
Today I will discuss Bradford Pear Firewood Overview, What is Bradford Pear Wood, and most importantly Can You Burn Bradford Pear Wood?
Keep reading!!!!
Key Takeaways
- According to fireplace owners, it is one of the best firewood due to its moderate BTU(British Thermal Unit) output dense and heavy burning capabilities, which means it can be used as a firewood.
- One key point to keep in mind is using unseasoned wood leads to excessive smoke production and nasty odor which you might don’t like. Excessive smoke leads to the accumulation of build-up of creosote in your chimney.
- Dehydrated and seasoned Bradford pear needs to be used if you want to burn the firewood optimally and avoid issues related to using unseasoned wood for the fireplace.
Bradford Pear Firewood Overview
BTU (British Thermal Unit) | Approximately 26.5 million BTUs per cord. |
Nature of Smoking | Low to moderate |
Nature of Popping | Low |
Nature of Sparking | Low |
Ease of Seasoning | Moderate |
Ease of Splitting | Moderate to difficult |
Moisture Content | Freshly cut: around 50-60%. Properly seasoned: 20% or maybe less. |
Burning Characteristics | Burns great and for a long duration |
Fragrance | Mild and not very pleasant |
Ash Production | Moderate |
Availability | Urban & Suburban Areas |
Fruits production | Not edible |
What is Bradford Pear Wood?
Pyrus calleryana, also called the Callery pear or Bradford pear, is a type of pear tree that comes from China and Vietnam, in the Rosaceae family.
It’s famous for its ‘Bradford’ variety and its unpleasant smell, and it’s been widely planted across the United States, but now it’s seen as an invasive species.
Bradford pearwood is an Invasive species
Callery pear cultivars are often planted for their beauty, but their fruits are eaten by birds, who then spread the seeds.
The cultivars themselves can’t produce fertile seeds when self-pollinated or cross-pollinated with the same cultivar, but if different cultivars are grown nearby, they can produce fertile seeds that spread and grow into wild individuals with various genetic backgrounds.
These wild plants can interbreed and further expand the species.
Can You Burn Bradford Pear Wood?
Yes, you can burn Bradford pear wood as firewood, in fact, it is considered one of the best wood for a fireplace. Bradford pear wood heat output is approximately 26.5 million BTUs(British Thermal Units) per cord.
If you compare Bradford with Oak and maple you will find out bradford is less dense and has less BTUs value than other denser woods.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- First, before burning the wood ensure the perfect seasoning of the wood, a perfectly seasoned lumber is required to burn the wood, and seasoning of timber is done by allowing it to dry for at least six months to a year before using it as a firewood.
- Burning Fresh, wet, or unseasoned wood has repercussions for your house because burning wet or unseasoned wood emits a lot of smoke and a nasty odor you might not handle.
- Burning Wet Fresh or unseasoned wood emits smoke which leads to the accumulation of creosote in the chimney or flue which can be very dangerous for your house because it is very explosive.
- To burn bradford pear wood properly, you need to have proper ventilation and follow all the fireplaces’ guidelines.
Bradford Pear Firewood Pros
- Excellent efficient burning wood if perfectly seasoned.
- Produce low creosote while burning if perfectly seasoned.
- If you want to smoke meat and other food items then it would be perfect.
- Production of heat is high, suitable for cold times.
- Low spark production, if perfectly seasoned means more safer.
- Coal production is high, and high-quality coal is produced.
Bradford Pear Firewood Cons
- The challenge of cutting fresh or wet wood requires tools.
- Unseasoned wood produces a high amount of smoke and odor which might be harmful for you.
- Unseasoned wood had a higher chance of making sparks and smoke.
- Wet wood has a high chance of making smoke which can disturb your comfort at home.
- Due to a lot of smoke, there is a high chance that creosote will accumulate in your chimney and fireplace.
Smoking Nature
There are certain misconceptions in the market that only certain type of wood goes with certain types of food items but unfortunately, that is not true, suppose wood is an ingredient used in food to add flavors to it.
Like every ingredient needs to be balanced in a dish, the same way the wood smoke needs to be balanced.
Bradford pear wood adds a unique flavor to the food while smoking, it might produce a lot of smoke but here comes the previous point that balance is key.
Balancing the time you are smoking the food is important and you might like the smoking taste of the food.
Using Bradford pear wood for smoking may not produce the same results as sugar maple or white oak hardwood options.
Moisture Content of Bradford Pear Wood
For efficient burning of wood, you need to make sure the moisture content of the wood which needs to be lower than 20%.
Freshly cut wood of Bradford pear is gonna emit a lot of smoke if burned.
If you still have the question Can you burn bradford pear wood?
As I told you before to burn Bradford pear wood you must season the wood for at least 6-7 months, and try to lower its moisture content to 20% or even lower.
So, it is recommended to season the wood perfectly before using it as firewood.
How long does it take for Bradford Pear Wood to dry
Bradford pear wood takes at least 6 months to 1 year to dry, depending on the thickness of the log, consider split into thin pieces to dry faster.
Otherwise, it might take more time to dry because of the thickness of the wood.
If you don’t know how to measure the moisture content of wood then consider using a moisture meter.
If your wood is already in the drying process for 6-8 months then check the moisture with a moisture meter, if it is 20% or less than 20%.
Conclusion
Yes, you can burn Bradford pear wood, things to keep in mind is to only use seasoned wood for efficient burning otherwise the use of wet or unseasoned wood leads to the production of a lot of smoke and nasty odor.
If you have other options I would consider trying those instead of Bradford wood because there are many better options available in the market you can try.
Always prioritize safety over comfort.
FAQs
Is Bradford Pear a softwood?
No, Bradford pear is a hardwood.
How long does it take for Bradford Pear Wood to dry?
It usually takes around 8 to 12 months for Bradford pear wood to air-dry, although the drying time can vary.
Is Bradford pear wood good for smoking?
Yes, it is a great wood for smoking. It adds certain flavors to food items and enhances the taste of the food.
What is Bradford pear wood good for?
It is good for firewood, smoking meat, and other food items.
Can you use bradford pear wood to smoke meat?
Pear firewood is excellent for smoking meat as it adds a gentle, sweet flavor that elevates the overall taste of the meat.