FAQ - Trees, general

1. Are any of South Florida's exotic trees dangerous to use as fireplace logs or barbecue wood?

Identify before you burn!  Burning sapodilla is a bad idea.  The bark and seeds contain saponic glycoside.  If allergic, you can get very sick by breathing the smoke.  Schefflera has oxalates which can cause numbness or vomiting.  Palm is a porous wood  that doesn't burn well.  Don't burn Brazilian pepper, as it can give you facial inflammation and dermatitis.

The most common woods to burn are Australian pine, Southern pine, and oak.  You can also burn avocado and citrus woods.

Do not use for burning: Brazilian pepper, poisonwood, melaleuca, sapodilla, schefflera, and oleander.