What Kinds of Wood Should You Avoid in Your Firepit?

You finally have your new campfire pit in your backyard and have been enjoying sitting around the fire with family and friends, making lifetime memories. These are more moments where everyone laughs and tells stories until the fire goes out. All of that campfire fun is possible because you have kept the wood well stocked. Keeping the woodpile stocked with firewood that burns well, cleanly, and long into the night is essential to creating more of those moments. Here are some types of wood that you should avoid burning in your fire pit.

The Types of Wood that You Should Never Burn

Not all wood burns the same, and it is essential to know which kinds are suitable for your campfire. While some might just burn too fast or not well, there are issues that you should know about so that you can avoid burning potentially toxic or harmful firewood that could make you or your friends and family sick. Read on to learn some of the firewoods to avoid, some at all costs!

Stay Clear of Burning Green-Wood

Greenwood is a term used to describe freshly cut wood. This wood has a lot of moisture that is still held inside the fibers. Throwing these logs on the fire will cause the fire to die down and start emitting a lot of smoke. The wood needs a few months to dry out to the point where it burns more cleanly. 

Large Logs Don't Burn Evenly

Most people who burn backyard fires only use the fire pit for a few hours, using adequately sized logs. Wood chunks that are too large can overwhelm the fire area and cause the fire to burn unevenly. A five-inch diameter is a perfect size for burning wood.

Don't Burn Unknown Logs in a Campfire 

If you have been camping and want to bring your spare logs home to use in your backyard fire area, you may want to rethink your idea. Many invasive species of tree-killing insects are transported through firewood. It is always a good idea to consider burning all the camp wood before leaving for home, and you can always leave it for the next camper to enjoy.

Soft Wood Burns Dirty In a Firepit

Softwood is known to be a dirty burning wood and can leave your pit coated with soot. If your fire pit area is in an in-ground option, you might be able to burn it there. But there will be a lot of ash and soot to clean up. 

Don't Burn Driftwoods or Harmful Woods

Wood that has been in the ocean is known to release toxins into the air. These fumes can be harmful if breathed in by campers. It is also a good idea to avoid burning wood with poisonous plants growing on it. These plants release irritants into the air, which can cause lung issues. 

Never Burn Wood From Endangered Trees

Certain types of trees should not be chopped up and burned. Endangered trees or those that are protected by law should be left alone. In some states, failure to obey burning laws can result in fines or jail time. Check your local ordinances and laws for details about these laws. 

A fire pit is an excellent addition to your home. It creates a place of gathering, which is an integral part of family life. The moments spent together telling stories and sharing special moments can never be replaced. You will find that a fire pit is just what is needed to build those meaningful memories spent with family and friends.

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