Can You Burn Crepe Myrtle Wood

You can burn crepe myrtle wood, and it actually makes excellent firewood for your fireplace or outdoor fire pit.
 
This beautiful ornamental tree, known for its stunning summer blooms, produces wood that is dense, hard, and burns hot and clean.
 
If you’ve recently pruned a crepe myrtle or taken one down, you might be wondering if burning crepe myrtle wood is a smart choice or if you should just chip it and toss it.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why burning crepe myrtle wood is a great idea, how it compares to other hardwoods, and the best practices for seasoning and burning it safely.
 
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about this underrated firewood.
 

Why Burning Crepe Myrtle Wood Is a Smart Choice

When you burn crepe myrtle wood, you’re working with a dense hardwood that offers serious heat output.
 
It’s not as common as oak or hickory, but it holds its own in terms of performance.
 
Here’s why you should consider burning crepe myrtle wood over simply discarding it.
 

1. Great Heat Output and Burn Time

Crepe myrtle wood is dense and heavy when dry, which means it burns slowly and releases a lot of heat per log.
 
It’s comparable to other medium-density hardwoods like cherry or maple.
 
So, if you burn crepe myrtle wood in your fireplace, you’ll get a long-lasting fire with steady warmth without needing to add logs constantly.
 
This makes crepe myrtle an excellent choice for those cold winter nights.
 

2. Low Smoke and Minimal Sparks

When properly seasoned, burning crepe myrtle wood produces very little smoke.
 
This means less creosote buildup in your chimney, which is a major plus for safety and maintenance.
 
It also tends to pop and spark less than woods like pine, making it safer for open fire pits.
 
If you enjoy sitting around a crackling fire, you can burn crepe myrtle wood with confidence.
 

3. Pleasant, Mild Aroma

Unlike some woods that have a strong or even unpleasant smell, crepe myrtle gives off a mild, slightly sweet scent when burned.
 
It’s not as fragrant as apple or cherry, but it’s pleasant enough for outdoor gatherings.
 
So, burning crepe myrtle wood adds a subtle ambiance without overpowering your senses.
 

4. Easy to Split When Green

If you’ve just cut down a crepe myrtle, you’ll find that the green wood splits relatively easily.
 
This makes preparing it for seasoning a straightforward task.
 
Once dried, it becomes harder, but still manageable with a good maul or hydraulic splitter.
 
The ease of splitting is another reason to burn crepe myrtle wood instead of paying to haul it away.
 

How to Prepare Crepe Myrtle Wood for Burning

Now that you know you can burn crepe myrtle wood, you need to prep it properly.
 
Burning green, unseasoned wood is a mistake, as it creates excess smoke and less heat.
 
Here’s how to get your crepe myrtle firewood ready for the burner.
 

1. Cut and Split Right Away

As soon as you cut down the tree, cut the logs to your desired firewood length and split them.
 
Splitting immediately exposes more surface area, which speeds up the drying process.
 
Whole logs take much longer to season, so don’t skip this step.
 
When you burn crepe myrtle wood that’s been split and dried, the efficiency is night and day.
 

2. Season for at Least Six Months

Crepe myrtle wood needs time to dry out before you burn it.
 
Aim for at least six months, but a full year is even better for optimal results.
 
Stack the wood off the ground, with good airflow around each piece.
 
Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain, but leave the sides open for ventilation.
 
Seasoned wood has a moisture content below 20 percent, which you can test with a moisture meter.
 

3. Store It Properly

Proper storage is key to keeping your crepe myrtle wood dry.
 
Keep the stack in a sunny, breezy spot if possible.
 
Avoid storing it directly against your house, as this can invite pests.
 
A simple log rack or pallet will work perfectly.
 
Once seasoned, you can move it into a woodshed or keep it covered until you’re ready to burn it.
 

Comparing Crepe Myrtle Wood to Other Firewoods

It’s natural to wonder how burning crepe myrtle wood stacks up against more traditional firewood choices.
 
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide where it fits in your woodpile.
 

1. Crepe Myrtle vs. Oak

Oak is a heavyweight champion when it comes to heat output, but it takes up to two years to season.
 
Crepe myrtle dries much faster and still offers respectable heat.
 
If you need firewood sooner rather than later, burning crepe myrtle wood is the better option.
 

2. Crepe Myrtle vs. Pine

Pine lights easily and burns fast, but it creates more creosote and sparks.
 
Crepe myrtle is cleaner and denser, giving a longer burn with less mess.
 
For safe indoor burning, crepe myrtle is far superior.
 

3. Crepe Myrtle vs. Ash

Ash is famous for burning well even when green, but seasoned ash is similar to crepe myrtle in heat.
 
Ash is a top-tier wood, but crepe myrtle is a solid substitute if you have it available.
 
Burning crepe myrtle wood is a great way to use a resource you already have.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Burning Crepe Myrtle Wood

Even though you can burn crepe myrtle wood, there are a few pitfalls to watch for.
 
Here’s what not to do so you get the best burn possible.
 

1. Don’t Burn Green Crepe Myrtle

Burning green crepe myrtle wood will result in a smoky, low-heat fire.
 
It will also produce excess creosote, which is dangerous for your chimney.
 
Always wait until the wood is properly seasoned, no exceptions.
 

2. Don’t Use Treated or Painted Wood

If your crepe myrtle has been treated with any chemicals or has painted surfaces, don’t burn it.
 
Treated wood releases toxic fumes when burned.
 
Only burn clean, natural crepe myrtle wood that hasn’t been exposed to chemicals.
 

3. Don’t Expect Huge Logs

Crepe myrtles tend to have multiple trunks and are generally smaller than mature oaks.
 
This means your logs might be on the slender side, which is fine, but you’ll need more of them.
 
It’s still absolutely worth it to burn crepe myrtle wood if you have a supply.
 

So, Can You Burn Crepe Myrtle Wood?

You can burn crepe myrtle wood, and it makes excellent, reliable firewood for your home.
 
It provides good heat, burns cleanly, and seasons faster than many other hardwoods.
 
Just make sure to season it well, store it properly, and avoid any treated or painted pieces.
 
So, if you’ve got crepe myrtle branches or trunks lying around, don’t waste them.
 
Fire up your fireplace or fire pit and enjoy the steady warmth that burning crepe myrtle wood provides.
 
It’s a rewarding way to make the most of your tree maintenance efforts.
 
Happy burning, and stay warm out there.