Burning Pine in a Fireplace: Myths vs. Reality

Your tree surgeon is correct: well-seasoned pine (dried a year in hot sun) burns fine in a fireplace. The idea that pine creates more creosote than hardwood is a myth. Creosote buildup depends far more on burn rate and chimney draft than wood species. Any wood smoldering overnight in a stove produces creosote. Hardwood is denser and burns longer, but both pine and hardwood are safe if properly seasoned and burned with good airflow.