Yes, cherry wood is generally considered fairly easy to split, making it a favored choice for various applications, particularly for firewood. Its characteristic grain structure and moderate density contribute to its cooperative nature when cut.
Cherry logs split readily, which simplifies the process of breaking them down into smaller, manageable pieces suitable for use in wood stoves, fireplaces, or other burners. This ease of processing is a significant advantage for those who regularly prepare their own firewood.
Understanding Wood Splitting Characteristics
The ease or difficulty of splitting wood depends on several inherent properties of the timber. Knowing these factors helps to understand why some woods split effortlessly while others present a significant challenge.
Key Factors Affecting Splitting Ease:
- Grain Structure: Wood with straight, uniform grain splits much easier than wood with interlocked or wavy grain. Interlocked grain fibers resist separation, making the wood tough to cleave.
- Knots: Knots are areas where branches grew out from the trunk, creating swirling grain patterns that severely complicate splitting. The larger and more numerous the knots, the harder the wood is to split around them.
- Moisture Content: Drier wood typically splits more easily than green (freshly cut) wood. The cellular structure in dry wood is more brittle and prone to separation along the grain.
- Wood Density: While very dense woods can be hard, moderate density often strikes a balance, allowing for a clean split without excessive effort, especially when paired with straight grain.
- Species-Specific Properties: Each wood species has unique characteristics that influence its splitting behavior. For instance, some woods like oak or ash, despite being dense, can split fairly well if straight-grained, while others like elm are notoriously difficult due to interlocked grain.
Why Cherry Wood is Generally Easy to Split
Cherry wood, particularly Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), possesses several characteristics that contribute to its reputation for being easy to split:
- Straight Grain: Cherry often exhibits a relatively straight and uniform grain, which allows splitting tools to follow the natural lines of the wood fibers with minimal resistance. This straightness means less interlocking and fewer unexpected deviations during the split.
- Moderate Density: Cherry is a medium-density hardwood. It's not as hard and dense as some oaks or hickories, nor as soft as pines. This moderate density provides enough substance to hold a good edge for tools while remaining pliable enough to separate cleanly.
- Fewer Large Knots: While knots can occur, cherry wood typically does not have as many or as large challenging knots as some other species, especially if selected from good quality logs.
These attributes make cherry logs a practical choice for anyone needing to cut smaller pieces for various burning applications, ensuring less physical strain and faster processing.
Practical Tips for Splitting Cherry Wood
Even with wood that is easy to split like cherry, employing proper techniques can further enhance efficiency and safety.
- Use Sharp Tools: Whether using a splitting maul, axe, or hydraulic splitter, ensure your tools are sharp and in good condition. A sharp edge initiates the split more effectively.
- Aim Carefully: For manual splitting, aim for the edge of the log or where existing cracks are visible. Avoid aiming directly at the center unless you are trying to quarter a large round.
- Split When Dry: While cherry is easy to split green, it becomes even easier once it has dried out somewhat. Seasoned wood also burns better.
- Consider Log Length: Shorter logs (16-18 inches) are generally easier to handle and split than longer ones.
- Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Maintain a clear work area.
Comparative Splitting Ease
To put cherry's splitting ease into perspective, here's a general comparison with some other common woods:
| Wood Species | Splitting Ease | Typical Grain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry | Easy | Straight | Moderate density, good for firewood. |
| Ash | Easy | Straight | Splits well both green and dry. |
| Oak | Moderate | Straight | Can be tough due to high density, but generally splits cleanly. |
| Maple | Moderate | Straight/Wavy | Varies by species; some maples can be tough. |
| Elm | Difficult | Interlocked | Notoriously hard to split, often stringy. |
| Pine | Easy | Straight | Very soft, splits readily but lower heat output. |
The relative ease of splitting cherry wood makes it a desirable material for both firewood preparation and certain woodworking applications where its workability is appreciated.
