Redgum Firewood - The Top Choice for Warm, Cozy Fires in Australia

The Top Choice for Firewood: Redgum Wood

When it comes to having a cozy, warm campfire or fireplace, the type of firewood you choose makes all the difference. One of the best options for burning is dense, hot-burning redgum firewood. Redgum has long been a top choice for firewood in Australia thanks to its excellent heating qualities and pleasant smell.

What is Redgum Wood?

Redgum wood comes from eucalyptus trees in the Eucalyptus genus that are native to Australia. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees, but the most common trees used for firewood are Red Gum and River Red Gum.

These hardy trees thrive in the floodplains of southeastern Australia. They produce a dense, heavy wood that burns hot and slow once it has been seasoned or dried adequately. The wood ranges in color from pale pink to a deeper red.

Benefits of Burning Redgum Firewood

There are several key reasons why redgum is one of the best firewood options in Australia:

• Burns hot - Produces more BTUs per cord than many other woods
• Long lasting - Burns slow and steady once properly seasoned
• Minimal smoke - Clean burning with less smoke than soft woods
• Pleasant smell - Gives off a lightly fragranced smell when burning
• Abundant supply - Found widely across southeastern regions
• Affordable price - Competitively priced compared to other hardwoods

Heating Capabilities

A major draw of using redgum for firewood is its excellent heating capabilities. Redgum produces around 30.6 million BTUs (British Thermal Units) per cord. That's even more than popular woods like oak or maple.

This high heat output means redgum firewood will burn hot and strong once your fire is established. Even dense logs will ignite readily and produce enough heat for cozy warmth on cold nights around the campfire or in your living room.

Slow, Clean Burns

Dry redgum logs burn efficiently and slowly, especially when compared to fast-burning soft woods like pine. A redgum fire can last for hours, reducing the need to continually add more logs.

As redgum wood burns, it produces far less smoke, water vapor, and creosote buildup than other woods. This makes it cleaner burning and better suited for indoor fireplaces. Less smoke also means less hassle if burning outdoors.

Pleasant Natural Fragrance

An added benefit of burning redgum firewood is the pleasant scent it gives off while burning. Unlike some wood species that smell bitter or chemical-like, redgum has an appealing natural fragrance.

While specific descriptions vary, most agree redgum has an earthy, balsamic type of aroma. It's strong enough to scent the surrounding air but not overbearing. The fragrance adds to the cozy atmosphere around a camp or hearth fire.

Where to Source Redgum Firewood

Thanks to the abundance of redgum trees in southeastern Australia, sourcing good firewood is fairly straightforward. You can often find redgum sold by the trailer load from tree removal services or at firewood suppliers.

Buying Considerations

When buying redgum for firewood, there are a few key things to look for:

• Moisture content - Well-seasoned wood under 20% moisture burns best
• Log size - Go for a range of small and large pieces for easiest burning
• Volume - Buy by the tonne/cord for an accurate quantity
• Source - Ask where the wood is sourced from
• Price - Compare prices between local suppliers

DIY Harvesting

You may also have access to fallen redgum branches or trees on your own property. This allows you to harvest and season the wood yourself for free.

If going the DIY route, be sure to have any necessary permits for collecting firewood on public lands. Also let the wood dry for at least 6-12 months stacked off the ground before burning.

Get Cozy with Redgum Fires

With its stellar heating ability, clean burn, and pleasant aroma, redgum is one of the best woods for warming fires in Australia. Its abundance also makes it easy to source and affordably priced compared to other hardwoods.

So next time you want a toasty outdoor campfire or living room blaze, be sure to stock up on quality redgum firewood. Let the heat and comforting scent take the chill out of winter nights.

FAQs

Why is redgum good firewood?

Redgum is excellent firewood because it burns hot and slow, produces minimal smoke, has a pleasant natural aroma when burning, and has an abundant supply across southeast Australia.

Does redgum wood spit a lot?

Properly dried redgum firewood has relatively low water content so it does not tend to spit and crackle much while burning. Some sap pockets may spit minimally, but overall it burns steadily.

How long does redgum firewood last?

In an indoor fireplace or outdoor campfire, a single redgum log will generally last for 1-2 hours on average thanks to the dense wood that burns slowly. This can provide a nice, long-lasting fire.

Where can I buy redgum firewood near me?

Quality redgum firewood can often be purchased through tree removal services, sawmills, nurseries, and other specialty firewood suppliers, particularly across southeastern Australian regions. Search for “redgum firewood near me” to find local sellers.