I got some ornamental pear last year from someone that had one cut down. I didn't have to cut any of it up, but I split it all by hand (no hydraulic splitter), and the bigger chunks (around 20") diameter took a few extra swings. The wood spirals as it grows, kinda like some other fruit trees I think. Most pears tend to split off into branches so quick that there isn't much 'trunk' to them, just a lot of limb wood. I've only gotten into a couple of pieces of it thus far this year, and it does seem to give good heat, but I'm no expert by any means. I'd go for it, just have them get rid of all the small stuff (there will be a lot of it), Good Luck!