Black locust Firewood

Black locust is one of the densest, hottest firewoods in North America and one of the most rot-resistant, which is why it is also used for fence posts. Fast-growing and often weedy, it is common along fence rows and old fields in the East and Midwest.

Black locust firewood at a glance

Heat per cord: 27.9 million BTU
Weight per cord: 4,200 lb (air-dried)
Ease of splitting: ●●●○○ 3 of 5
Seasoning time: 12 months
Smoke: Low
Sparks: Few
Coals: Excellent
Scent: Faint
Type: Hardwood
Common in (US): Appalachia, Midwest, Northeast, Plains

Also called: Yellow locust, False acaciaHeat and weight are typical published figures for air-dried wood at about 20% moisture. Real loads vary with moisture, growing conditions and how the cord is stacked. Compare all species.

Splitting black locust

Locust splits moderately well when straight, but it is hard, heavy wood and knots are tough. It is also often thorny on young growth, so wear good gloves.

Seasoning black locust

Black locust is slow to rot and relatively quick to become burnable for such a dense wood, but give it a full year after splitting to get the best from it.

Burning black locust

Dry locust burns very hot and long, with little smoke and excellent coals. It can overheat a small stove, so mix it with lighter wood and follow the stove’s loading limits.

Gear for black locust

Locust is so dense that a little goes a long way. If you have a lot of it, a gas splitter and a sturdy log cart pay off.

Splitters and splitting tools

Chainsaws

Stoves, storage and moisture

Size the splitter for your black locust with the log splitter tonnage calculator, and see how many cords a winter takes with the firewood cord calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is black locust good firewood?

Yes, it is among the best: very high heat per cord, low smoke and long coals.

Is honey locust the same as black locust?

No. Honey locust is a different tree, also good firewood but a little lower in heat. Both can have thorns on young growth.

Can black locust overheat a wood stove?

It can if you pack a small firebox full of it. Mix it with other wood and watch the stove temperature.

Compare with similar woods

Osage orange (32.9 million BTU per cord), Hickory (27.7 million BTU per cord). Or see all 23 species side by side.