Does Crepe Myrtle Wood Burn Well

Crepe myrtle wood burns well, and it can be a surprisingly excellent choice for your fireplace or campfire.
 
If you have a crepe myrtle tree in your yard that needs trimming or has come down in a storm, you might be wondering if those branches are worth keeping for firewood.
 
The short answer is yes, crepe myrtle wood burns well and offers a few unique benefits that make it a solid option for burning.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into why crepe myrtle wood burns well, the pros and cons of using it, and how to get the best burn from it.
 
Let’s get into the details so you can confidently use this wood next time you’re stacking your firewood pile.
 

Why Crepe Myrtle Wood Burns Well

Crepe myrtle wood burns well for several reasons, and understanding these can help you appreciate this often-overlooked firewood.
 
It’s a dense hardwood, and that density plays a huge role in how it performs in a fire.
 
Here are the main factors that explain why crepe myrtle wood burns well for heating and cooking.
 

1. It’s a Dense Hardwood with High Heat Output

Crepe myrtle is classified as a hardwood, and its density gives it a respectable heat output when burned.
 
High-density woods like crepe myrtle contain more energy per volume, which means you get a hotter and longer-lasting fire compared to softer woods.
 
If you’re using it to heat a room, you’ll find that crepe myrtle wood burns well and produces a steady, cozy warmth that sticks around.
 
This makes it a practical choice for those chilly evenings when you want a fire that doesn’t need constant tending.
 

2. Low Smoke Production Makes It Clean Burning

Another reason crepe myrtle wood burns well is that it produces relatively low smoke when properly seasoned.
 
Low-smoke wood is desirable because it reduces creosote buildup in your chimney, which is a major safety concern for any fireplace user.
 
Creosote is a flammable byproduct of burning wood, and too much of it can lead to chimney fires.
 
So, when crepe myrtle wood burns well, you’re not just getting a nice fire, you’re also keeping your chimney cleaner and safer.
 
It also means less smoke outdoors, so it’s a great option for campfires where you want to enjoy the flames without being engulfed in a smoky cloud.
 

3. It Produces a Pleasant Aroma

While not as fragrant as woods like hickory or apple, crepe myrtle wood does have a mild, sweet scent when it burns.
 
This subtle aroma adds a nice touch to your fire without being overpowering.
 
Many people describe the smell as slightly earthy and pleasant, which makes it enjoyable for both indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits.
 
So, if you’re looking for a wood that burns cleanly and adds a gentle scent, crepe myrtle wood burns well in that department too.
 

4. It’s Abundant and Easy to Source

Crepe myrtles are incredibly common across the southern United States and many other warm climates.
 
They shed bark and small branches regularly, and they often need annual pruning to maintain their shape and health.
 
All that pruning waste can be repurposed, so you’ll have a ready supply of wood that burns well without having to purchase it.
 
When you do a seasonal trim, you can set aside the larger branches and trunks to dry for the next fire season.
 
It’s a smart way to reduce yard waste while gaining a valuable source of heat.
 

How To Get The Best Burn From Crepe Myrtle Wood

Now that you know crepe myrtle wood burns well, you need to know how to prepare it properly to get the best results.
 
Like all firewood, crepe myrtle requires some patience and knowledge to burn at its peak efficiency.
 
Here are the essential steps to ensure your crepe myrtle wood burns well every time you light it.
 

1. Season It Thoroughly

Freshly cut crepe myrtle wood has a high moisture content, and burning it green will lead to poor burning, excess smoke, and less heat.
 
You absolutely need to season the wood for at least six to twelve months before you burn it.
 
Seasoning means splitting the wood and stacking it in a dry, well-ventilated area so the moisture can evaporate.
 
Once the moisture content drops below 20%, your crepe myrtle wood will burn well, with a clean, hot flame.
 
A moisture meter is a handy tool to check this, but you can also tell by the weight and the sound of the wood when you knock two pieces together.
 

2. Split The Larger Pieces

While the small branches from your crepe myrtle can be burned whole, larger trunks and thick branches should be split.
 
Splitting increases the surface area, which allows the wood to dry faster and catch fire more easily.
 
It also helps the wood burn well by allowing more oxygen to reach the fire, leading to a more complete and efficient combustion.
 
Don’t worry about splitting the thin twigs and small limbs, throw those in as kindling to get the fire started.
 

3. Mix It With Other Hardwoods

While crepe myrtle wood burns well on its own, you can enhance your fire by mixing it with other hardwoods like oak or hickory.
 
Mixing woods can provide a more balanced fire, as different woods have different burn characteristics.
 
For example, oak creates a long-lasting bed of coals, while crepe myrtle burns a bit faster but with a nice steady flame.
 
Using them together means you get sustained heat and an easy-to-manage fire without constant reloading.
 

4. Store It Off The Ground

Proper storage is key to keeping your crepe myrtle wood in top condition.
 
Stack your wood off the ground on a pallet or a firewood rack to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the soil.
 
Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open so air can circulate.
 
When your crepe myrtle wood burns well season after season, you’ll be glad you took the time to store it correctly.
 

Are There Any Drawbacks To Burning Crepe Myrtle?

For all its benefits, there are a few things you should know about crepe myrtle wood, so you have a complete picture.
 
While crepe myrtle wood burns well, it doesn’t have the extreme heat output of denser woods like hickory or ironwood.
 
It also burns a bit faster than those heavy hardwoods, so you may need to add logs more frequently during a long evening.
 
Additionally, the bark of the crepe myrtle tree can peel off and make a bit of a mess in your fire pit or fireplace.
 
That’s nothing to worry about, but you might want to knock off the loose bark before stacking it indoors.
 
Finally, because crepe myrtles are so common and produce a lot of smaller branches, it takes many pieces to make up a significant pile of firewood.
 
This isn’t a problem if you use it as a supplemental wood along with other seasoned hardwoods.
 
Overall, the benefits far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
 

So, Does Crepe Myrtle Wood Burn Well?

Crepe myrtle wood burns well, and it’s a fantastic way to make use of yard waste that you might otherwise haul to the dump.
 
It offers a beautiful flame, low smoke, and a pleasant aroma, making it perfect for campfires that burn well into the night.
 
While it isn’t the hottest or longest-burning wood available, its easy availability and clean burn make it a top choice for many homeowners.
 
Whether you’re using it for a cozy indoor fire or a lively outdoor gathering, you can trust that crepe myrtle wood will perform admirably.
 
So, next time you prune your crepe myrtle trees, hold onto those branches and let them season.
 
You’ll have a free and reliable source of firewood that burns well all winter long.
 
And once you get the hang of it, you might even plant a few more crepe myrtles just to keep your woodpile stocked.