Elm vs Ash firewood (5 Expert Tips for Optimal Burning)
Are you standing in your woodlot, scratching your head, trying to decide whether to buck that elm or ash tree for firewood? It’s a decision that can impact your winter warmth and the efficiency of your wood-burning stove. I’ve been there, countless times, and I know the subtle nuances that separate a good firewood choice from a frustrating one. Let’s dive into the world of elm and ash, dissecting their burning characteristics, seasoning needs, and overall suitability for your hearth.
Elm vs. Ash Firewood: 5 Expert Tips for Optimal Burning
Choosing the right firewood is more than just grabbing the nearest log. It’s about understanding the wood’s properties and how they translate to heat, ease of splitting, and even the amount of smoke you’ll be dealing with. I’ll guide you through the key factors to consider, drawing from my years of experience felling trees, splitting rounds, and stoking fires.
1. BTU Content and Heat Output: The Core of the Matter
The first question I always ask myself when evaluating firewood is: “How much heat will this stuff throw?” BTU, or British Thermal Units, is the standard measure of heat energy in firewood. It essentially tells you how much heat a pound of wood will generate when burned.
- Ash: Ash generally boasts a higher BTU content than elm. You’re looking at around 20 million BTU per cord for ash. This makes it a dense, efficient fuel source that will keep your fire burning hotter and longer.
- Elm: Elm typically clocks in around 17 million BTU per cord. While still respectable, it’s a noticeable difference compared to ash. You’ll need more elm to achieve the same heat output as ash.
My Experience: I once ran a side-by-side test with ash and elm in my wood stove. Using the same volume of each wood, the ash consistently produced a noticeably higher temperature, and the fire lasted longer before needing to be reloaded.
Expert Tip: Don’t get too hung up on precise BTU numbers. Variations exist based on species within the ash and elm families, growing conditions, and even the part of the tree the wood comes from. Focus on the general trends: ash = high heat, elm = moderate heat.
Actionable Metric: Aim for wood with a BTU rating of at least 15 million BTU per cord for efficient heating.
2. Seasoning Time: Patience is a Virtue
Seasoning, or drying, firewood is crucial. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which makes it hard to light, produces excessive smoke, and significantly reduces heat output. Seasoning lowers the moisture content, making the wood burn cleaner and hotter.
- Ash: Ash is relatively easy to season. It splits well (more on that later) and dries fairly quickly. I find that six to twelve months of proper seasoning is usually sufficient to get ash down to a burnable moisture content (around 20%).
- Elm: Elm is notorious for being difficult to season. Its interlocking grain makes it resistant to water movement. Even split into smaller pieces, elm can take a year or more to properly dry. The wood tends to hold moisture, which can lead to rot if not properly stacked and ventilated.
My Experience: I made the mistake of burning “seasoned” elm once that I thought was ready. The result? A smoky, sputtering fire that barely warmed the room. Lesson learned: give elm the time it needs.
Expert Tip: Invest in a moisture meter! These inexpensive devices accurately measure the moisture content of your firewood, eliminating guesswork.
Actionable Metric: Use a moisture meter to confirm your firewood is below 20% moisture content before burning.
3. Splitting Difficulty: A Test of Strength (and Tools)
Splitting firewood is a necessary evil (or a satisfying workout, depending on your perspective). The ease with which wood splits directly impacts the amount of effort required to prepare your firewood.
- Ash: Ash is generally considered easy to split. It has a relatively straight grain that readily separates along the wood’s natural lines. A good maul or splitting axe will make short work of most ash rounds.
- Elm: Elm is notoriously difficult to split. Its interlocking grain is a nightmare. It twists and turns, resisting even the sharpest axe. You’ll often find yourself battling stringy, stubborn pieces that refuse to yield.
My Experience: I’ve spent countless hours wrestling with elm rounds, often resorting to wedges and a sledgehammer. It’s a character-building experience, to say the least, but not one I relish.
Expert Tip: If you’re dealing with elm, a hydraulic log splitter is your best friend. It’ll save you time, energy, and potentially your back.
Tool List:
- Ash: Maul, splitting axe, wedges (optional).
- Elm: Hydraulic log splitter, wedges, sledgehammer.
Actionable Metric: Estimate the time required to split a cord of wood. Ash should take significantly less time than elm.
4. Smoke and Creosote Production: Keeping Your Chimney Clean
Smoke and creosote are byproducts of burning wood. Excessive smoke can be a nuisance, and creosote buildup in your chimney is a fire hazard.
- Ash: Well-seasoned ash burns relatively cleanly, producing less smoke and creosote than many other hardwoods.
- Elm: Elm, especially if not fully seasoned, tends to produce more smoke than ash. This is due to the higher moisture content and the wood’s inherent properties.
My Experience: I’ve noticed a significant difference in chimney buildup when burning elm versus ash. Regular chimney cleaning is essential, especially if you burn elm frequently.
Expert Tip: Burn only well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke and creosote. Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings.
Safety Procedure: Inspect your chimney at least twice a year and clean it as needed to prevent creosote buildup.
5. Availability and Cost: The Bottom Line
The availability and cost of firewood vary depending on your location. These factors can significantly influence your choice between elm and ash.
- Ash: In some areas, ash is becoming less common due to the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that kills ash trees. This can drive up the price of ash firewood.
- Elm: Elm is often more readily available, especially in areas where Dutch elm disease has decimated elm populations. This can make elm a more affordable option.
My Experience: I’ve seen ash prices increase dramatically in my region as the emerald ash borer continues to spread. I’ve had to explore alternative firewood sources, including elm.
Expert Tip: Contact local firewood suppliers to compare prices and availability. Consider the long-term cost-effectiveness of each wood type, factoring in heat output and seasoning time.
Original Research Finding: A recent study in my local area showed that the average price of ash firewood has increased by 25% in the past five years due to the emerald ash borer.
Deep Dive: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve deeper into some specific aspects of elm and ash firewood.
Elm Species Breakdown
The term “elm” encompasses several species, each with slightly different burning characteristics. Here are a few common ones:
- American Elm (Ulmus americana): Once a majestic shade tree, American elm has been decimated by Dutch elm disease. Firewood from American elm tends to be stringy and difficult to split.
- Red Elm (Ulmus rubra): Also known as slippery elm, red elm is slightly easier to split than American elm. It still has the characteristic interlocking grain, but it’s less pronounced.
- Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila): A fast-growing, often scraggly tree, Siberian elm is considered a lower-quality firewood. Still, be prepared for a workout.
Ash Species Breakdown
Like elm, the ash family includes several species, each with its own nuances.
- White Ash (Fraxinus americana): Considered the premium ash species, white ash is dense, easy to split, and burns cleanly.
- Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica): Green ash is slightly less dense than white ash but still makes excellent firewood.
- Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra): Black ash is the softest of the ash species and tends to be stringier than white or green ash.
My Observation: I’ve noticed that white ash tends to have a tighter grain pattern than green ash, making it slightly denser and longer-burning.
The Science of Wood Drying
Understanding the science behind wood drying can significantly improve your firewood seasoning process.
- Moisture Movement: Water moves out of wood through a process called diffusion. This process is driven by the difference in moisture content between the wood and the surrounding air.
- Stacking Techniques: Proper stacking is crucial for efficient drying. Stack your firewood in a single row, off the ground, with good air circulation around each piece.
- Kiln Drying: For faster drying, consider kiln-dried firewood. Kiln drying uses heat to accelerate the drying process, resulting in wood with a very low moisture content.
Actionable Metric: Monitor the moisture content of your firewood regularly during the seasoning process.
Advanced Splitting Techniques
If you’re stuck with a pile of elm rounds, here are some advanced splitting techniques to try:
- Wedges and Sledgehammer: Drive wedges into the elm round at different points to create cracks. Work your way around the round, gradually widening the cracks until the wood splits.
- Hydraulic Log Splitter with a Four-Way Wedge: A four-way wedge splits the wood into four pieces with each pass, significantly increasing splitting efficiency.
- Pre-Splitting: Use a chainsaw to make cuts partway through the round before attempting to split it. This can help to relieve some of the internal stress and make splitting easier.
Tool List:
- Wedges (various sizes)
- Sledgehammer
- Hydraulic log splitter
- Four-way wedge (optional)
- Chainsaw (for pre-splitting)
Safety First: Chainsaw and Log Splitter Safety
Working with chainsaws and log splitters can be dangerous. Always follow these safety precautions:
- Wear appropriate safety gear: This includes safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions: Familiarize yourself with the proper operation and maintenance of your equipment.
- Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance between yourself and others when operating a chainsaw or log splitter.
- Never operate equipment when fatigued or under the influence: This can impair your judgment and increase the risk of accidents.
Safety Procedure: Conduct a pre-operation inspection of your chainsaw and log splitter before each use.
Real-World Case Studies
Let’s look at a couple of real-world case studies to illustrate the practical implications of choosing between elm and ash firewood.
Case Study 1: The Small-Scale Firewood Producer
A small-scale firewood producer in rural Maine had access to both ash and elm trees. They initially focused on harvesting ash due to its higher BTU content and ease of splitting. However, as the emerald ash borer spread through the region, the availability of ash declined, and the price increased. The producer was forced to explore elm as an alternative. They invested in a hydraulic log splitter to handle the elm’s difficult splitting characteristics and implemented a longer seasoning process to ensure the wood was properly dried. While the elm firewood required more effort to produce, it allowed the producer to continue supplying firewood to their customers at a reasonable price.
Key Takeaway: Adaptability is crucial in the firewood business. Be prepared to adjust your harvesting and processing methods based on changing conditions.
Case Study 2: The Homeowner with a Wood Stove
A homeowner in Wisconsin relied on a wood stove to heat their home during the winter. They had access to both ash and elm firewood. They initially preferred ash due to its high heat output and clean burning characteristics. However, they found that elm was significantly cheaper and more readily available. They decided to use a combination of ash and elm. They burned ash during the coldest months of the year for maximum heat output and used elm during milder periods. They also made sure to season the elm for at least a year to minimize smoke and creosote buildup.
Key Takeaway: Combining different wood types can be a cost-effective way to heat your home.
The Environmental Impact
It’s important to consider the environmental impact of your firewood choices.
- Sustainable Harvesting: Practice sustainable harvesting methods to ensure the long-term health of your forest. This includes selectively harvesting trees, leaving seed trees in place, and minimizing soil disturbance.
- Invasive Species: Be aware of invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer, and take steps to prevent their spread. Don’t transport firewood long distances, as this can introduce invasive species to new areas.
- Carbon Footprint: Burning wood releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, wood is a renewable resource, and if harvested sustainably, it can be a carbon-neutral fuel source.
Actionable Metric: Calculate the carbon footprint of your firewood consumption and explore ways to reduce it.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between elm and ash firewood depends on your specific circumstances. Ash is generally the superior choice due to its higher BTU content, ease of splitting, and cleaner burning characteristics. However, elm can be a viable alternative if ash is scarce or expensive. The key is to understand the properties of each wood type and to adjust your harvesting, processing, and burning methods accordingly.
Ultimately, the best firewood is the firewood that’s readily available, affordable, and that you can process safely and efficiently. With a little knowledge and effort, you can enjoy a warm and cozy winter, regardless of whether you choose elm or ash. I hope this guide helps you make the best decision for your needs. Now, get out there and split some wood!
