Magnolia

Last spring I tore out a 40-year old hedge of magnolias here at the nursery. I recently cleaned up the debris and cut and split about 1.5 cord of rounds. Most were in the 8"-12" caliper range. Surprisingly, all the wood was well seasoned and checked. Here is my question... anyone burn Magnolia here before? How was it? Smell good when burned?

I believe I read somewhere last winter that the BTU value is pretty low, somewhere around pine. This is supported by the short season time, as most low BTU woods seem to season quickly. I know that the roots and wood are nearly as fragrant as the flowers on Magnolia. I look forward to finding out how it smells when burned.

Brian

Exotic burns? I may burn some Franklinia this year as I pruned back a couple plants and have some nice sized branches. Google Franklinia alatamaha and you will see how rare it is. Basically extinct in it's native range of Georgia, USA.

A quick follow up, only 3 years later... The magnolia burned wonderfully. It also seasoned in a few months once split. I wish we had another hedge to get rid of. I have a huge Southern magnolia in my back yard, but I would shoot anyone that tried to cut it down, so that won't get cut or burned.

Ha ha ha. I could have seasoned soaking wet green white oak in the time since I've posted.