Ash vs Elm Leaves: Identifying Wood Types for Firewood (5 Key Traits)

Isn’t it strange? We burn wood to stay warm, yet understanding the wood itself is often a cold, overlooked science. Identifying firewood species, especially tricky ones like ash and elm, can be the difference between a roaring fire and a smoky disappointment. As someone who’s spent years in the woodlot, I can tell you, it’s an art and a science. This guide is my attempt to distill that knowledge, so you can confidently choose the right firewood for your needs.

Ash vs. Elm: Identifying Firewood for a Better Burn (5 Key Traits)

Choosing the right firewood isn’t just about grabbing the nearest log. It’s about understanding the wood’s properties and how they affect its burn. Ash and elm, while both hardwoods, offer distinctly different experiences in the fire. Knowing how to tell them apart is crucial for efficient and enjoyable heating.

Why Identifying Firewood Matters

• Heat Output: Different woods have different BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings, meaning they release different amounts of heat when burned. Ash is known for its high BTU, while elm is moderate.
• Burning Characteristics: Some woods burn hot and fast, others slow and steady. Ash burns cleanly with little smoke, while elm can be smokier, especially if not properly seasoned.
• Ease of Splitting: Splitting firewood is a significant part of the process. Ash is generally easier to split than elm, which can be stringy and difficult.
• Creosote Buildup: Burning unseasoned or certain types of wood can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney, a fire hazard. Understanding the wood helps minimize this risk.
• Overall Efficiency: Choosing the right wood for your stove or fireplace optimizes efficiency and reduces waste.

Key Terms to Know

Before we dive into identification, let’s clarify some essential terms:

• Hardwood vs. Softwood: Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves annually), while softwoods come from coniferous trees (trees with needles). Hardwoods generally burn longer and hotter. Ash and elm are both hardwoods.
• Green Wood: Freshly cut wood with high moisture content. It’s difficult to burn and produces a lot of smoke.
• Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to reduce its moisture content, typically through air-drying for 6-12 months. Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and cleanly. The ideal moisture content for firewood is between 15-20%. I’ve used moisture meters (like the Wagner MMC220) to verify this on countless cords.
• BTU (British Thermal Unit): A measure of the heat content of fuel. The higher the BTU, the more heat the wood produces.
• Bark: The outer protective layer of the tree. Bark characteristics are a key identifier.
• Grain: The arrangement of wood fibers. Grain patterns can vary significantly between species.

5 Key Traits for Distinguishing Ash from Elm

Here’s a breakdown of five key traits that will help you confidently identify ash and elm firewood.

1. Bark Characteristics: A Visual Guide

The bark is often the first and most obvious clue.

• Ash Bark: Ash bark typically has a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern of ridges and furrows. The ridges are relatively narrow and sharply defined, creating a somewhat tight, interwoven appearance. The color ranges from a light grey to a darker grey-brown. The bark tends to be relatively smooth, especially on younger trees, but becomes more deeply furrowed with age. Think of it as a tightly woven basket.
• Elm Bark: Elm bark is characterized by its deeply furrowed, irregular ridges. The ridges are often wider and flatter than those of ash, and they tend to be less uniform in their pattern. The bark is typically a darker grey-brown, sometimes almost black. It has a rougher, more rugged appearance than ash bark. Elm bark often has a corky feel to it. Imagine a deeply plowed field.

My Experience: I once spent an entire afternoon trying to identify a pile of mixed firewood. The bark was my primary tool. I separated the logs based on bark patterns, then used the other traits to confirm my initial assessment.

Case Study: A local homeowner contacted me after purchasing a load of “mixed hardwood” firewood. They suspected they had been overcharged because the wood wasn’t burning well. After examining the bark, I identified a significant portion of the load as elm, which, while a hardwood, is less desirable than ash for firewood. We were able to negotiate a fairer price based on the actual wood composition.

2. Leaf Scars: A Tell-Tale Sign

Even if the leaves are gone, the leaf scars left behind on the branches provide valuable clues.

• Ash Leaf Scars: Ash trees have opposite branching, meaning that branches and buds grow directly across from each other. The leaf scars are shield-shaped and have a distinctive U-shaped notch at the top. The bud sits directly above the leaf scar.
• Elm Leaf Scars: Elm trees have alternate branching, meaning that branches and buds grow in an alternating pattern along the stem. The leaf scars are crescent-shaped and smaller than ash leaf scars. The bud is slightly offset from the leaf scar.

Pro Tip: Look for these leaf scars on smaller branches still attached to the firewood. They are easier to identify than on larger logs where the bark is thick and rough.

Original Insight: Many people overlook leaf scars, but they are particularly useful in winter when leaves are absent. I’ve found that even small twigs mixed in with firewood can be used to identify the species based on their branching pattern and leaf scars.

3. Weight and Density: A Matter of Feel

The weight of the wood can give you a general idea of its density, which is related to its BTU content.

• Ash Weight: Ash is a relatively dense wood, so it feels heavy for its size. A seasoned ash log will still feel substantial.
• Elm Weight: Elm is less dense than ash, so it feels lighter for its size. A seasoned elm log will feel noticeably lighter than an ash log of similar dimensions.

Practical Application: Pick up a piece of each type of wood and compare their weights. This is a subjective test, but with practice, you’ll develop a feel for the difference.

Data Point: On average, air-dried ash weighs around 40-45 pounds per cubic foot, while air-dried elm weighs around 35-40 pounds per cubic foot.

4. Splitting Characteristics: The Axe’s Verdict

The way the wood splits is a major factor in firewood preparation.

• Ash Splitting: Ash is generally easy to split, especially when green. It has a straight grain that allows the axe to follow the wood fibers cleanly. You’ll often hear a satisfying “crack” as the wood separates.
• Elm Splitting: Elm is notoriously difficult to split. It has a tough, stringy grain that tends to resist splitting. The wood fibers often tear and splinter, making it a frustrating experience. It’s best split when green or using a hydraulic log splitter.

Tool Recommendation: For splitting elm, I highly recommend a hydraulic log splitter. I personally use a 27-ton Huskee splitter, and it handles elm with relative ease. A splitting maul can also be used, but it requires significantly more effort.

Story Time: I once spent an entire weekend battling a large elm log with a splitting maul. It was a grueling experience, and I ended up investing in a hydraulic splitter the following week. It was the best decision I ever made for firewood preparation.

Splitting Technique: When splitting elm with a maul, aim for the edges of the log rather than the center. This can help to initiate a split and reduce the amount of force required.

5. Burn Characteristics: The Proof is in the Fire

Ultimately, the way the wood burns is the final test.

• Ash Burning: Ash burns hot and clean, with a bright, steady flame. It produces relatively little smoke, especially when properly seasoned. It leaves behind a fine, powdery ash. It’s a top-tier firewood choice.
• Elm Burning: Elm burns slower and with less heat than ash. It can produce more smoke, especially if not properly seasoned. It tends to leave behind more coals than ash. While not the best firewood, it can be useful for maintaining a long, slow burn.

Safety Note: Always burn firewood in a properly ventilated fireplace or stove. Regularly inspect and clean your chimney to prevent creosote buildup.

Strategic Advantage: Use ash for quick, intense heat and elm for a longer, more sustained burn. This combination can optimize your heating efficiency.

Detailed Guide to Firewood Preparation

Now that you can identify ash and elm, let’s delve into the process of preparing firewood. This is where the rubber meets the road, and understanding the steps will ensure you get the most out of your wood.

Step 1: Felling the Tree (If Applicable)

• Safety First: Felling trees is a dangerous activity. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps.
• Planning the Fall: Assess the tree’s lean, wind direction, and surrounding obstacles. Plan the direction of the fall to avoid hazards and make the subsequent steps easier.
• The Notch Cut: Create a notch cut on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
• The Back Cut: Make the back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch cut. Leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of the fall.
• Wedging: If the tree doesn’t start to fall on its own, use wedges to help push it over.
• Escape Route: Once the tree starts to fall, move away quickly along a pre-planned escape route.

Chainsaw Recommendation: For felling trees, I recommend a chainsaw with a bar length appropriate for the tree’s diameter. I use a Stihl MS 261 for most trees, but for larger trees, I switch to a Stihl MS 462.

Felling Technique: I always use the “humbolt cut” for larger trees. This helps to control the fall and prevents the tree from splitting.

Step 2: Bucking the Logs

• Bucking: Cutting the felled tree into manageable log lengths.
• Log Length: Determine the appropriate log length for your stove or fireplace. A common length is 16 inches, but this can vary depending on your needs.
• Safety: Use a chainsaw to buck the logs, being careful to avoid kickback. Support the logs to prevent them from pinching the saw.
• Cutting Technique: I use a “sawbuck” to hold the logs while bucking. This makes the process safer and more efficient.

Measurement: I use a measuring stick marked with the desired log length to ensure consistent cuts.

Step 3: Splitting the Firewood

• Splitting: Dividing the logs into smaller pieces for easier drying and burning.
• Tools: Use a splitting maul, axe, or hydraulic log splitter.
• Safety: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Position yourself with good footing and a clear swing path.
• Splitting Technique: Aim for the center of the log or any existing cracks. Use a wedge if necessary to split particularly tough logs.

Hydraulic Splitter Settings: On my Huskee splitter, I typically set the ram speed to medium for splitting ash and slow for splitting elm. This gives me the best combination of speed and power.

Case Study: I once helped a neighbor prepare firewood for the winter. He was struggling to split elm with a maul. I brought over my hydraulic splitter, and we were able to split an entire cord of wood in just a few hours. He was amazed at the difference in efficiency.

Step 4: Stacking and Seasoning

• Stacking: Arranging the split firewood in a way that promotes air circulation for drying.
• Location: Choose a sunny, well-ventilated location for your woodpile.
• Stacking Method: Stack the wood in rows, leaving gaps between the rows and between the pieces of wood. This allows air to circulate and dry the wood evenly.
• Elevation: Elevate the woodpile off the ground using pallets or timbers. This prevents moisture from wicking up into the wood.
• Covering: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or roof to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open for ventilation.

Drying Times: Ash typically takes 6-9 months to season, while elm can take 9-12 months. The drying time depends on the climate, the wood species, and the stacking method.

Moisture Meter Readings: I use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood before burning it. The ideal moisture content is between 15-20%.

Stacking Configuration: I prefer to stack my firewood in a “holzhaufen” (woodpile) configuration. This is a circular stack that is self-supporting and provides excellent air circulation.

Step 5: Burning the Firewood

• Fireplace/Stove Preparation: Clean your fireplace or stove regularly to remove ash and creosote.
• Fire Starting: Use kindling and tinder to start the fire.
• Wood Placement: Place the firewood in the firebox in a way that allows for good airflow.
• Monitoring: Monitor the fire regularly and add wood as needed.
• Safety: Never leave a fire unattended. Ensure that your fireplace or stove has a spark arrestor to prevent embers from escaping.

Burning Strategy: I start with smaller pieces of ash to get the fire going quickly, then add larger pieces of elm to maintain a long, slow burn.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Local Regulations: Check your local regulations regarding firewood burning. Some areas have restrictions on the types of wood that can be burned or the time of year when burning is allowed.
• Pest Control: Inspect firewood for signs of pests, such as insects or fungal growth. Avoid bringing infested wood into your home.
• Storage: Store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated location to prevent it from rotting.
• Safety Gear Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your safety gear, including your chainsaw, helmet, and chaps.
• Sharpening: Keep your chainsaw chain sharp for efficient cutting.
• Tool Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your splitting maul, axe, and hydraulic log splitter.

Conclusion: From Forest to Fire

Identifying ash and elm firewood is a skill that improves with practice. By paying attention to the bark, leaf scars, weight, splitting characteristics, and burn characteristics, you can confidently choose the right wood for your needs. Remember, proper firewood preparation is crucial for efficient and safe burning. So, get out there, explore the woodlot, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a well-fueled fire.

Next Steps

1. Practice Identification: Gather samples of ash and elm firewood and practice identifying them using the key traits described in this guide.
2. Assess Your Needs: Determine your firewood needs based on the size of your home, the type of stove or fireplace you have, and your heating preferences.
3. Source Firewood: Find a reliable source of firewood, either by felling your own trees or purchasing from a reputable dealer.
4. Prepare Firewood: Follow the steps outlined in this guide to buck, split, stack, and season your firewood.
5. Enjoy the Fire: Relax and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a well-fueled fire.

This knowledge, combined with practical experience, will transform you from a novice into a knowledgeable firewood enthusiast. Happy burning!

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