Winter is over . . . Spring is here in Idaho . . . Let the hoarding begin . . . (or maybe continue) We had a real light winter, not much snow here in the Snake River valley. We could still get a storm or two, but its been running in the 60's and low 70's the past few days. I have been reading about people in Utah burning Juniper. Most call them Cedars. They are not a true Cedar but they carry the distinct cedar aroma. I took a cleanup job for a neighbor today and there were two old dry Junipers. It is very aromatic, dense, heavy wood. Have any of you used it? I'll block it up and try it this fall. Should be good.
In the east we have Red Cedar, which is actually Juniperus virginiana. It is closely related to the western junipers. I have burned a lot and it is pretty decent firewood.
I believe ours is the Common Juniper or Juniperus communis. It seems to be pretty wide spread. It is hard and heavy. I expect it to be a good burner.
Grandpachris, in Arizona we have alligator juniper (see my signature) and a similar version called shaggy bark juniper. They are commonly mistaken for cedar because as you say they smell just like cedar. They split fairly easily, especially when dry. I wouldn't exactly call them a hardwood, as they burn hot and fast more like a pine. They also pop and crackle so make sure the stove door is closed or you'll get sparks. Other than like I like juniper a lot.
I've never burnt cedar which is unusual because we have a abundance of it here in ky. Maybe I've been missing out. Might try a little
I burn both here in NM. Shaggy bark juniper burns just fine, and alligator juniper is the best I've burned here.
Love that area of the country. Was out there in March spent time in Logan,UT and Pocatello, ID. They had a horribly light winter sucks for everyone out there hopefully the fires don't get to intense this summer. But I would be hoarding preparing for next winter since it could be a record one, ya never know!
