5 benefits of alder as a firewood
Part of our wood type benefits series. See also:
Alder is a deciduous tree native to Europe, including the UK. It’s known for being adaptable to various environmental conditions, and is often found in wetland habitats like riverbanks, marshes, and wet woodlands. Alders play an important role in stabilising soil, preventing erosion, and providing habitats for wildlife.
Best recognised by their serrated leaves and alder cones, alders have been valued for centuries as a source of durable timber, suitable for use in construction, woodworking, and, of course, firewood.
Here are five reasons it’s particularly good for burning:
It’s easy to split
If you’ve ever split wood you’ll know it can be hard work! Alder is softer and easier to split than some other firewoods, making it a popular choice for anyone who has to manually split it.
This shouldn’t be a problem for you, though: all our firewood comes pre-split for your convenience.
It’s quick to season
Seasoning firewood is the process by which its moisture level is reduced to a level low enough to encourage a good burn. Some woods can take more than a year to season but, in the right conditions, alder can be seasoned in 6-12 months – this means it’s ready to burn more quickly, freeing up space in logyards and other drying environments.
All our wood is RTB accredited, meaning a moisture content of 20% or less for a nice, healthy burn.
A nice steady heat
Alder is known for providing a steady and consistent heat output, making it suitable for use in wood stoves and fireplaces. While denser hardwoods may have a higher heat output, alder is a good choice when you want a longer, more moderate blaze.
Less residue
Burning alder leads to less ash and soot in your chimney and around your fireplace or stove, when compared to some other woods. If you’ve ever had to clean up after a fire you’ll know how much time this can save!
It smells great
Scent isn’t always a consideration when choosing firewood, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind. Alder is known for having a nice, ambient smell that evokes the outdoors – something that can make a subtle but significant to the fireside experience.
Buy alder firewood at Logwise
Our selection of firewood includes a range of hardwoods and softwoods, including alder, giving you the option to choose a firewood whose burn time, heat output, and scent aligns best with your preferences. Take a look at our range today.
