Can You Burn Crepe Myrtle Wood in a Fireplace?
Yes, you can safely burn crepe myrtle wood (Lagerstroemia spp.) in a fireplace, provided it’s properly seasoned. This popular ornamental tree produces dense, hardwood prunings that make excellent firewood. In Australian gardens, crepe myrtles thrive in warm climates like Queensland, northern New South Wales, and parts of Victoria, yielding usable wood from annual pruning.
Crepe myrtle wood burns hot and clean with a pleasant aroma, similar to oak or birch. It’s a sustainable choice for backyard gardeners looking to repurpose trimmings rather than sending them to the green bin. However, like any firewood, preparation is key to avoid issues like excessive smoke or creosote buildup.
This guide covers everything from wood properties to burning tips, tailored for Australian conditions.
Properties of Crepe Myrtle Wood as Firewood
Crepe myrtle belongs to the Lythraceae family and grows as a deciduous tree or shrub, reaching 3-10 metres tall depending on the variety. Its wood is prized for these characteristics:
- Density and Heat Output: High density (around 700-800 kg/m³ when dry) means it burns slowly and produces 20-25 MJ/kg of heat—comparable to Australian favourites like ironbark or spotted gum.
- Burn Quality: Produces a steady, hot flame with minimal smoke once seasoned. The fine grain gives a subtle, fruity scent.
- Sparking: Low tendency to spark, making it suitable for open fireplaces.
- Moisture Content: Fresh prunings have 40-50% moisture; must be reduced to under 20% for efficient burning.
In Australia, common varieties like Lagerstroemia indica ‘Muskogee’ or ‘Natchez’ produce straight branches ideal for splitting into 10-15 cm diameter logs.
Comparison to Other Australian Firewoods
| Wood Type | Heat Output (MJ/kg) | Burn Time | Smoke Level | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crepe Myrtle | 22-25 | Medium-Long | Low | Garden prunings |
| Ironbark | 28-30 | Long | Low | Bush/Commercial |
| River Red Gum | 20-23 | Medium | Medium | Widespread |
| Pine | 16-18 | Short | High | Plantations |
Crepe myrtle edges out softer woods like pine, which create creosote and sparks.
Is Crepe Myrtle Wood Safe to Burn Indoors?
Absolutely, with no toxicity concerns. Crepe myrtle is non-resinous and free of harmful chemicals, unlike some eucalypts that release volatile oils. The Ash from burning is neutral and can be used as a garden fertiliser, rich in potassium.
Australian Safety Notes:
- Check local fire bans via your state rural fire service (e.g., NSW RFS app).
- Use in approved fireplaces: open wood fires, slow combustion heaters, or pizza ovens.
- No issues with allergies; sap is mild compared to natives like wattle.
Avoid burning green wood—it produces acrid smoke and tarry residues that clog flues.
How to Prepare Crepe Myrtle Wood for Burning
Pruning crepe myrtles in late winter (July-August in Australia) provides the best firewood. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Prune Correctly: Remove suckers, water shoots, and crossing branches. Aim for 20-30 cm long sections from 2-5 cm diameter limbs.
- Split the Wood: Use a log splitter or axe for 20-30 cm lengths, 10 cm thick. Splitting exposes the core for faster drying.
- Season Properly: Stack in a single layer under a verandah or tarp (allow airflow). In subtropical areas (e.g., Brisbane), dry for 6-12 months; in cooler Melbourne, 12-18 months. Test readiness: wood cracks when split, weighs light, bark loosens.
- Store Smart: Elevate off ground on rails, cover top only. Ideal stack: 1 m high x 3 m long yields 0.5-1 m³ firewood.
Pro Tip: In humid coastal regions, use a moisture metre (under $50 online) to confirm <20% moisture.
Burning Tips for Your Fireplace
- Startup: Mix with kindling like dry gumbark twigs. Crepe myrtle excels as a base load once ignited.
- Load Size: 2-3 kg per hour in a 50 cm firebox for steady heat.
- Maintenance: Poke occasionally for airflow. Burns 2-4 hours per load.
- Cleanup: Minimal ash (5-10% volume); sift for garden use.
For closed stoves (e.g., Coonara models), it complies with AS/NZS 4013 emission standards when dry.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Smoke? Green wood or poor draft—season longer, clean chimney.
- Creosote? Rare, but annual sweeps recommended (every 1-2 years).
- Weak Flame? Too large logs—split finer.
Crepe Myrtles in Australian Gardens: Pruning for Firewood
These sun-loving trees suit USDA zones 8-11, perfect for Sydney’s warmth or Adelaide’s dry summers. Plant in free-draining soil, full sun. Water weekly first summer, then drought-tolerant.
Pruning Schedule:
- Winter (Jul-Aug): Hard prune for shape and wood harvest. Cut back by 1/3.
- Summer (post-flowering): Light trim dead wood.
Yields: A 5 m tree gives 0.2-0.5 m³ prunings yearly—enough for 20-50 fires.
Sustainability bonus: Reduces landfill waste. Unlike invasives, crepe myrtles are non-weedy in Australia.
Alternatives if Crepe Myrtle Isn’t Available
- Garden Options: Mulberry, olive, or citrus prunings (season well).
- Commercial: Kiln-dried hardwoods from Bunnings ($200/m³).
- Foraged: Avoid green natives; river red gum needs 2 years seasoning.
FAQs: Burning Crepe Myrtle Wood
Does crepe myrtle wood pop or spark?
Rarely—its even grain minimises explosions.
Can I burn it in a chimenea?
Yes, ideal for outdoor entertaining.
Is it good for wood heaters in winter?
Excellent overnight burner in Tassie or Vic highlands.
Any pests in the wood?
Inspect for borers; freeze or solarise stacks if needed.
In summary, crepe myrtle wood is a top-tier, underutilised firewood for Australian fireplaces. Harvest from your garden, season diligently, and enjoy efficient, aromatic warmth through cooler months. Always prioritise safety and local regs for responsible burning.