Old Man Pine Firewood — NZ Guide
Pinus nigra / P. contorta
Quick Answer
Old man pine is extremely resinous and creates dangerous creosote buildup. It is one of the highest chimney fire risks of any NZ firewood. Avoid as primary fuel.
Heat Output
Medium
Burn Time
Short
Smoke Level
High
Spark Risk
High
Creosote Risk
High
Price Range
$40-$60/m3
Best For
Avoid for primary heating
Available In
Notes
WARNING: Old man pine (especially wilding pines like P. contorta) is extremely resinous and produces dangerous amounts of creosote. The aged, dense resin creates thick, glazed creosote deposits that are the leading cause of chimney fires. If you must burn it, mix sparingly with hardwood and sweep your chimney frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is old man pine safe to burn?
Old man pine is one of the most dangerous NZ firewoods due to extreme resin content. It creates thick, glazed creosote deposits (Stage 3) that cause chimney fires. If you must burn it, mix very sparingly with hardwood and sweep your chimney frequently.
What is the difference between old man pine and regular pine?
Old man pine refers to aged or wilding pines (P. nigra, P. contorta) with very dense, resin-saturated wood. It produces far more creosote than young radiata pine and is significantly more dangerous.
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