Glossary term
What is Softwood?
Short answer
Softwood is wood from conifers such as pine, spruce and fir, usually lighter and quicker to burn.
Softwood, explained for tree service owners
Softwood is the word for wood from conifers like pine, spruce, fir and cedar. It is usually lighter and less dense than hardwood, although there are exceptions. Softwood lights easily and burns fast, but it can make more sparks and, in some species, more creosote from pitch. For a tree service owner, softwood matters when you handle logs and chips. Pine and spruce make good kindling and are widely used in construction, but they are not the best choice for a long, steady fire. If you sell firewood, label softwood clearly and keep it separate. Honest labels help you avoid complaints, and a clear price per cord for each type keeps the sale simple.
Related terms
- Hardwood
Hardwood is wood from broadleaf trees such as oak, maple and hickory, usually dense and slow to burn.
- Heartwood
Heartwood is the older, inner wood of a trunk that no longer carries water but gives the tree strength.
- Sapwood
Sapwood is the younger, outer wood of a trunk that carries water from the roots up to the leaves.
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