Juniper and Biomass Utilization

As noted on the Woody Biomass Utilization page of our site, utilization of woody biomass is simply the conversion of woody biomass into a usable form—usually energy or other useful biomass products. And we are proud to contribute to the improved maintenance and care of our forest areas, and to the diminishing of atmospheric carbon emissions, through biomass utilization. And the fact that such utilization also produces and immediate benefit in heat or electricity is doubly rewarding. The recent addition of juniper into our Eco-Friendly bundled firewood product is just one more area in which we are promoting these two positive effects of biomass utilization.

The "Problem" with Juniper

Junipers are coniferous (evergreen) trees in the cypress family. They are a hardy, adaptable plant species which can grow in a variety of climates, elevations, and soil conditions, and which can have a vigorous rate of growth.They are so hardy in fact, that they often appear to grow out of solid rock. The indomitable attributes of the juniper lend to its being viewed as a very aggressive, competitive, and invasive plant, as junipers can encroach upon and actually take over the native habitat of other plants.

In pre-settlement times, juniper (particularly Western juniper in the northwestern U.S.) propagation was effectively restricted by natural wild-fires, preventing the spread of the species to areas outside its native boundaries. However, as wild-fire prevention has accompanied the expansion into and development of the juniper's habitat, the species has enlarged the borders of its reach throughout the Northwest. And this expansion has had a marked impact on those infiltrated regions. And this precisely because of its adaptability.

The root system of the juniper is tenacious and impressive, capable of reaching depths of up to 25 feet, spreading laterally over 100 feet from the tree itself in any direction, and accounting for up to 2/3 of the entire mass of the tree. A juniper may even continue to grow after being toppled by wind, due to the robustness of its root complex. Junipers have a remarkable knack for survival, often self-pruning one or more of their own branches during times of severe drought, ensuring their own survival while other trees and plants are succumbing to the extreme conditions.

The Effects of Juniper Infiltration

Because the juniper root system is so extensive, and also because of its evergreen nature, the juniper photosynthesizes year-round. Water and nutrients at the plant site are drawn in greatest quantity to the juniper, leaving fewer and fewer resources for native plants. Thus, inn juniper-populated sites, this causes the space between junipers to gradually become devoid of vegetation, with native plants and grasses becoming concentrated in the immediate space surrounding the juniper. This decreases infiltration (the absorption of water into the soil) during and after rainfall in the inter space areas, and erosion, loss of the most productive top-layer soils, and general degradation of ecological site usefulness are the results.

Efforts to Mitigate Juniper Infiltration

In order to control the spread of junipers, fire is commonly employed, as it has historically been the natural suppressor of juniper migration. Often, such fires are used among standing concentrations of junipers, while at other times, the trees are first cut, piled as slash, and then burned. Either way, valuable biomass fuels are spent with little residual gain.

Introducing Juniper into the Eco-Friendly Firewood

In order to further the positive environmental effects of woody biomass utilization, we have introduced juniper wood into our Eco-Friendly Firewood product. Not only will the juniper be joined with wood already slated for waste in slash burns, its use will further promote environmental stewardship through the reduction of this overly-competitive plant. Lessened demand on water resources by aggressive junipers will ensure well-managed and ecologically-balanced grass- and range-lands, and will increase the environmental effects of woody biomass utilization.

Why You'll Appreciate Burning Juniper

Not only does the addition of Juniper into our Eco-Friendly Firewood product promote a better environment, it adds great appeal and ambiance to a fire when burned. Juniper gives off a wonderfully aromatic scent when burned, similar to cedar, which can turn an ordinary fire into a pleasant, relaxing experience. When burned, juniper cracks and pops satisfyingly, adding character to any fire. And with the natural insect-repelling properties of its aroma, juniper is the perfect wood for that backyard gathering or overnight getaway. When well seasoned, juniper burns hot and satisfies on so many levels. We are proud to offer it in our firewood, and we're confident you'll enjoy it as well.