Indiana’s cold winters make firewood a popular choice for heating homes, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits. With its vast hardwood forests, the state offers a variety of excellent firewood options that provide long-lasting heat and efficient burning.
Top Firewood Picks in Indiana
1. Oak
Oak is the most popular and reliable firewood choice in Indiana. Its density ensures a hot, long burn, making it perfect for home heating during winter.
- Why it’s great: Long-lasting burn, steady heat, and excellent coals.
- BTU Rating: 24-26 million BTUs per cord.
- Where to find it: Widely available in Indiana’s hardwood forests, especially in southern regions.
2. Hickory
Hickory is a premium firewood known for its high heat output and aromatic smoke, ideal for both heating and cooking.
- Why it’s great: Very hot burn, long-lasting, and great for smoking meats.
- BTU Rating: 27-30 million BTUs per cord.
- Where to find it: Scattered throughout Indiana, particularly in rural and forested areas.
3. Ash
Ash is a versatile and efficient firewood option. It’s easy to split and burns well, even when slightly green.
- Why it’s great: Burns hot, steady, and dries quickly.
- BTU Rating: 20-22 million BTUs per cord.
- Where to find it: Found across Indiana but declining due to the emerald ash borer.
4. Maple
Maple is an excellent choice for fireplaces and wood stoves, offering moderate heat and a clean burn.
- Why it’s great: Easy to handle, burns steadily, and widely available.
- BTU Rating: 22-25 million BTUs per cord.
- Where to find it: Northern and central Indiana.
5. Cherry
Cherry firewood is valued for its pleasant aroma and clean burn, making it ideal for indoor fireplaces or recreational fires.
- Why it’s great: Sweet-smelling smoke, clean burn, and minimal ash.
- BTU Rating: 20-22 million BTUs per cord.
- Where to find it: Scattered throughout Indiana’s forests.
Firewood Regulations in Indiana
1. Cutting Firewood
- Permits: Cutting firewood on public lands requires a permit. Contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for details.
- Allowed Trees: Typically, only dead or downed trees are allowed for harvesting.
2. Transporting Firewood
- Pest Concerns: Indiana enforces strict rules to prevent the spread of invasive pests like the emerald ash borer and gypsy moth. Avoid moving firewood across county or state lines unless certified pest-free.
- Key Rule: Always buy and burn firewood locally.
3. Burning Restrictions
- Air Quality: Some urban areas, such as Indianapolis, may have burn bans during high-pollution days. Check local regulations before burning.
Firewood Costs in Indiana
- Hardwoods: Oak, hickory, and maple range from $250-$400 per cord for seasoned wood.
- Softwoods: Less dense woods are less common and typically cost $150-$200 per cord.
- Delivery Fees: Firewood delivery can add $50-$100, depending on location and volume.
Firewood Storage Tips for Indiana
- Protect from Rain and Snow: Stack firewood off the ground on pallets or racks and cover the top with a tarp to keep it dry.
- Seasoning: Allow firewood to season for 6-12 months to ensure efficient burning and minimal smoke.
- Pest Prevention: Store firewood away from your home to reduce the risk of termites and other insects.
Fire Safety Tips
- Burn only seasoned wood to minimize creosote buildup in chimneys.
- Avoid burning treated, painted, or pressure-treated wood, as it releases harmful chemicals.
- Regularly clean and inspect chimneys and wood stoves to ensure safe use.
Environmental Considerations
- Sustainability: Focus on harvesting dead or fallen trees to preserve Indiana’s forest ecosystems.
- Local Sourcing: Use locally sourced firewood to reduce the risk of spreading invasive pests and diseases.
Indiana offers an abundance of excellent firewood options, from the heat-packed oak and hickory to the aromatic cherry.