Ash Tree Good Firewood Benefits (7 Pro Tips For Perfect Seasoning)

Every year, improper firewood storage causes an estimated $176 million in property damage in the United States alone. Let’s make sure your ash firewood is not part of that statistic. I’m here to share my knowledge on how to properly season ash wood for the best possible burn.

Ash Tree Good Firewood Benefits (7 Pro Tips for Perfect Seasoning)

Ash. Just the word conjures images of cozy fireplaces and the satisfying crackle of a well-burning fire. But before you can enjoy those winter nights, you need to understand how to properly season ash firewood. As someone who has spent countless hours felling, splitting, and stacking wood, I can tell you that mastering the art of seasoning ash is crucial to unlocking its full potential as a top-tier firewood.

Why Ash Makes Great Firewood: My Personal Experience

I still remember my first winter relying solely on firewood for heat. It was a harsh one, and I quickly learned the difference between good firewood and, well, not-so-good firewood. Ash, thankfully, proved to be a lifesaver. It lit easily, burned hot and long, and left minimal ash. It wasn’t long before I understood that the key to all those benefits was proper seasoning.

Ash is a hardwood, known for its high density. This density translates to a high BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, meaning it releases a lot of heat when burned. On average, air-dried ash yields around 20 million BTUs per cord. That’s a significant amount of heat packed into each log. It also splits relatively easily, unlike some of its stringier hardwood cousins. And, perhaps best of all, ash seasons relatively quickly compared to other hardwoods like oak.

Understanding the Science of Seasoning

Seasoning isn’t just about letting wood sit around. It’s about reducing the moisture content to an optimal level for burning. Freshly cut (“green”) wood can contain over 50% moisture. Burning green wood is inefficient. A significant portion of the fire’s energy goes towards boiling off the water instead of heating your home. This results in less heat, more smoke, and increased creosote buildup in your chimney, which can be a fire hazard.

Properly seasoned firewood, on the other hand, should have a moisture content of 20% or less. At this level, the wood burns cleanly and efficiently, maximizing heat output and minimizing smoke and creosote.

Pro Tip #1: Choose the Right Time to Harvest

The best time to cut ash for firewood is in late winter or early spring, before the sap starts to rise. During the dormant season, the tree contains less moisture, giving you a head start on the seasoning process.

I’ve found that trees felled during this period lose moisture more rapidly than those cut during the summer months. Aim for cutting your ash in February or March, if possible.

Pro Tip #2: Split it Early, Split it Small

Splitting the wood is essential for proper seasoning. Splitting exposes more surface area to the air, allowing moisture to escape more quickly. The sooner you split the wood after felling, the better.

I prefer to split my ash into pieces that are approximately 4-6 inches in diameter. This size allows for good airflow and rapid drying. Using a hydraulic log splitter can make this process much easier, especially if you’re dealing with a large volume of wood. I use a 25-ton splitter, which handles most ash rounds with ease.

Pro Tip #3: Stack it Right: The Art of Airflow

Stacking your firewood correctly is crucial for maximizing airflow and promoting even drying. I always follow these principles when stacking my ash:

Elevate the Stack: Never stack firewood directly on the ground. Use pallets, scrap wood, or even a layer of gravel to create a barrier between the wood and the earth. This prevents moisture from wicking up into the wood. I typically use old wooden pallets, which provide excellent airflow underneath the stack.
Single Rows: Stacking wood in single rows, rather than large piles, allows for better air circulation. Each piece of wood should have exposure to the air.
Spacing: Leave a few inches of space between each row of wood. This further enhances airflow. I aim for about 2-3 inches between rows.
Sun and Wind Exposure: Position your wood stack in a location that receives plenty of sunlight and is exposed to prevailing winds. Sunlight helps to warm the wood and evaporate moisture, while wind helps to carry the moisture away.
Cover the Top: While you want good airflow around the sides of the stack, it’s important to protect the top from rain and snow. Use a tarp or a sheet of metal roofing to cover the top of the stack. Only cover the top, leaving the sides open for ventilation.

I once made the mistake of stacking my firewood in a damp, shaded area. The wood took forever to season and ended up being riddled with mildew. Learn from my mistake and choose a sunny, well-ventilated location for your wood stack.

Pro Tip #4: The Magic of the “Criss-Cross” Stack

For the first and last rows of my wood stack, I use a criss-cross pattern. This involves stacking the wood at right angles to each other, creating a more stable structure and further promoting airflow.

The criss-cross pattern acts like a “chimney,” allowing air to circulate up through the stack. This is particularly helpful in areas with high humidity.

Pro Tip #5: Patience is a Virtue: Knowing When it’s Ready

Knowing when your ash firewood is properly seasoned takes a little practice, but here are a few telltale signs:

Color: Seasoned ash will typically be a grayish-brown color, compared to the fresher, lighter color of green wood.
Weight: Seasoned wood will be significantly lighter than green wood. You’ll notice the difference when you pick up a piece.
Cracks: Seasoned wood will often have cracks or checks in the end grain. These cracks are a sign that the wood has lost moisture.
Sound: When you strike two pieces of seasoned wood together, they will produce a hollow sound. Green wood will sound dull and thuddy.
Moisture Meter: The most accurate way to determine the moisture content of your firewood is to use a moisture meter. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less. I use a pin-type moisture meter and take readings from several pieces of wood throughout the stack to get an accurate average.

I’ve found that ash typically takes about 6-12 months to season properly, depending on the climate and the stacking method. In drier climates with plenty of sunshine, it may season more quickly. In humid climates, it may take longer.

Pro Tip #6: The Kiln-Dried Advantage (But at a Cost)

If you don’t have the time or space to season your own firewood, you can purchase kiln-dried ash. Kiln-dried firewood has been artificially dried in a kiln to a very low moisture content (typically 10-15%). This results in firewood that burns extremely hot and clean.

Kiln-dried firewood is more expensive than seasoned firewood, but it can be a good option if you need firewood quickly or if you live in an area with strict regulations on firewood transportation.

Pro Tip #7: Protecting Your Investment: Proper Storage

Once your ash firewood is properly seasoned, it’s important to store it in a dry, sheltered location to prevent it from reabsorbing moisture. I store my seasoned firewood in a woodshed with a roof and open sides. This allows for good ventilation while protecting the wood from rain and snow.

If you don’t have a woodshed, you can cover your wood stack with a tarp, but make sure to leave the sides open for ventilation. Avoid storing firewood directly on the ground, as this can lead to moisture wicking and rot.

Tools of the Trade: My Go-To Equipment

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a collection of tools that make the firewood process easier and more efficient. Here are some of my go-to pieces of equipment:

Chainsaw: A good quality chainsaw is essential for felling trees and bucking them into manageable lengths. I use a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss, which is a reliable and powerful saw that can handle most firewood tasks.
Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re dealing with a large volume of wood. As I mentioned earlier, I use a 25-ton splitter.
Splitting Maul: For smaller rounds or for those who prefer a more manual approach, a splitting maul is a great tool. I have a 8-pound maul with a fiberglass handle.
Wedges: Wedges can be used to split particularly tough or knotty pieces of wood. I keep a couple of steel wedges on hand.
Axe: An axe is useful for limbing trees and for splitting smaller pieces of wood. I have a 3.5-pound axe with a wooden handle.
Moisture Meter: As mentioned earlier, a moisture meter is essential for determining the moisture content of your firewood.
Safety Gear: Safety should always be your top priority when working with wood. I always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.

Safety First: Preventing Accidents

Working with wood can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Wear appropriate safety gear: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
Be aware of your surroundings: Watch out for falling branches, uneven terrain, and other hazards.
Use the right tool for the job: Don’t try to use a chainsaw to split wood, or an axe to fell a tree.
Keep your tools sharp: A dull tool is more dangerous than a sharp tool.
Take breaks: Working with wood can be physically demanding. Take breaks to avoid fatigue.
Never work alone: It’s always a good idea to have someone else around when you’re working with wood, in case of an accident.
Chain Saw Safety: Always be aware of the potential for kickback. Keep both hands firmly on the saw and maintain a stable stance. Never cut above shoulder height.
Log Splitter Safety: Keep hands and feet clear of the splitting area. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.

The Environmental Impact of Firewood: Sustainable Practices

Firewood can be a sustainable source of heat, but it’s important to harvest it responsibly. Here are some tips for minimizing the environmental impact of your firewood:

Harvest from sustainable sources: Only harvest wood from trees that are dead, dying, or diseased. Avoid cutting down healthy trees.
Leave the forest floor intact: Avoid disturbing the forest floor when harvesting wood. This helps to protect the soil and prevent erosion.
Season your firewood properly: Burning properly seasoned firewood reduces smoke and emissions.
Consider using a wood stove with high efficiency: Modern wood stoves are much more efficient and produce less pollution than older models.
Plant trees: Planting trees helps to offset the carbon emissions from burning firewood.

Ash Tree Identification: Knowing What You’re Cutting

Before you start cutting, it’s crucial to accurately identify ash trees. There are several species of ash, but they share common characteristics:

Opposite Branching: Ash trees have opposite branching patterns, meaning that branches grow directly across from each other. This is a key identifying feature.
Compound Leaves: Ash leaves are compound, meaning that they are made up of multiple leaflets. Each leaf typically has 5-9 leaflets.
Diamond-Shaped Bark: The bark of ash trees is typically diamond-shaped, with ridges and furrows.
Paddle-Shaped Seeds: Ash trees produce paddle-shaped seeds that hang in clusters.

I’ve seen people mistakenly cut down other types of trees, thinking they were ash. Take the time to properly identify the tree before you start cutting.

Dealing with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has decimated ash tree populations across North America. If you live in an area affected by EAB, you may have access to a lot of dead or dying ash trees.

While EAB-killed ash can be used for firewood, it’s important to be aware of a few things:

EAB-killed ash may be more brittle: The wood may be more prone to cracking or splitting.
EAB-killed ash may rot more quickly: The wood may be more susceptible to decay.
Don’t transport EAB-killed ash across state lines: This can help to prevent the spread of the EAB.

I’ve harvested a lot of EAB-killed ash over the past few years. While it can be a good source of firewood, it’s important to handle it carefully and season it properly.

Troubleshooting Common Seasoning Problems

Even with the best intentions, things can sometimes go wrong during the seasoning process. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Mold or Mildew: If your firewood develops mold or mildew, it’s a sign that it’s not getting enough airflow. Try repositioning the stack to improve ventilation. You can also try wiping the mold off with a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
Insect Infestation: Firewood can sometimes be infested with insects, such as termites or carpenter ants. If you find insects in your firewood, try treating it with an insecticide. You can also try moving the wood away from your house to prevent the insects from spreading.
Slow Drying: If your firewood is taking longer than expected to season, it may be due to a lack of sunlight or airflow. Try repositioning the stack to expose it to more sunlight and wind. You can also try splitting the wood into smaller pieces.

The Economics of Firewood: Is it Worth the Effort?

Preparing your own firewood can be a lot of work, but it can also save you money. The economics of firewood depend on a number of factors, including:

The cost of firewood in your area: Firewood prices vary depending on location and demand.
The cost of alternative heating fuels: Compare the cost of firewood to the cost of natural gas, propane, or electricity.
The amount of time and effort you’re willing to invest: Preparing your own firewood takes time and effort.
The availability of free or low-cost wood: If you have access to free or low-cost wood, the economics of firewood become much more attractive.

I’ve found that preparing my own firewood saves me a significant amount of money each year. However, it’s important to factor in the cost of equipment, fuel, and your own time.

Advanced Techniques: Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the basics of seasoning ash firewood, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques:

Forced-Air Drying: Building a small, enclosed structure with a fan can dramatically speed up the drying process.
Solar Kilns: Harnessing the power of the sun to create a natural kiln is an environmentally friendly way to dry firewood.
Combining Methods: Using a combination of air-drying and kiln-drying can give you the best of both worlds: cost-effectiveness and rapid drying.

The Future of Firewood: Innovations and Trends

The world of firewood is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time:

Automated Wood Processors: These machines can automatically fell, limb, buck, and split trees, making the firewood process much more efficient.
Pellet Stoves: Pellet stoves burn compressed wood pellets, which are a renewable and efficient source of heat.
Gasification Boilers: These boilers use a process called gasification to extract more heat from wood and reduce emissions.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Warmth

Seasoning ash firewood is an art and a science. By following these pro tips, you can unlock the full potential of this exceptional fuel and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire all winter long. Remember to prioritize safety, practice sustainable harvesting, and embrace the satisfaction of providing your own heat. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of independence and self-reliance that comes with heating your home with wood you’ve prepared yourself.

Ash Tree Good Firewood Benefits (7 Pro Tips for Perfect Seasoning)