Burning Ash: When Is It Ready? (5 Key Moisture Tips)

The Frustration is Real: Green Firewood Blues

Have you ever painstakingly split, stacked, and waited, only to be rewarded with a hissing, smoldering fire that produces more smoke than heat?

I know I have.

It’s a common tale, especially when dealing with wood like ash.

The culprit?

Moisture.

Burning wood that’s too wet is a frustrating, inefficient, and potentially dangerous waste of time, energy, and wood.

It’s like trying to run a marathon with lead boots – you’re going nowhere fast.

In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights on determining when ash firewood is truly ready to burn, focusing on five key moisture tips.

I’ll also delve into the costs associated with properly seasoning ash, drawing on my years of experience in wood processing and firewood preparation.

Let’s ditch the green firewood blues and get you burning clean, hot fires!

Why Ash Matters: A Firewood Favorite

Ash is prized as a firewood species for good reason.

It splits easily, burns hot, and produces relatively little smoke when properly seasoned.

It’s a favorite of mine for its consistent performance, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

However, ash, like all wood, needs to be dried or “seasoned” before it’s ready to provide optimal heat.

The Moisture Menace: Understanding the Problem

Green wood contains a significant amount of water, often exceeding 50% moisture content.

This moisture hinders combustion, reducing the heat output and creating excessive smoke.

Burning green wood also leads to creosote buildup in your chimney, increasing the risk of chimney fires.

It’s a triple threat: inefficient burning, potential hazards, and wasted effort.

5 Key Moisture Tips for Perfect Ash Firewood

Here are five essential tips to ensure your ash firewood is properly seasoned and ready to burn:

1. The “Split and Stack” Rule: Airflow is Your Ally

The Principle: The key to drying wood is airflow.

Splitting the wood exposes more surface area, allowing moisture to escape more readily.

Stacking it properly ensures good air circulation around each piece.
My Experience: I’ve found that splitting ash logs as soon as possible after felling significantly speeds up the drying process.

Leaving them in log form traps moisture and can even lead to rot.
The Method: Split ash logs into manageable sizes (typically 4-6 inches in diameter).

Stack the wood in a single row, elevated off the ground on pallets or sleepers.

Leave space between each piece and each row to allow for optimal airflow.

A sunny, windy location is ideal.
Cost Considerations: The cost associated with this step primarily involves labor.

If you’re splitting the wood yourself, factor in your time (and potential backache!).

If you’re hiring someone, expect to pay around \$20-\$40 per hour, depending on your location and the going rate for firewood processing labor.

Using a log splitter, which I highly recommend for larger volumes, will add to the cost.

A decent gas-powered splitter can be rented for around \$75-\$150 per day, or purchased outright for \$1,000-\$3,000.
Data Point: According to the U.S.

Department of Energy, proper stacking and splitting can reduce drying time by as much as 50%.

2. The “Seasoning Timeline”: Patience is a Virtue

The Principle: Ash, like most hardwoods, requires time to dry.

The duration depends on factors like climate, wood size, and stacking method.
My Experience: I generally aim for a seasoning period of at least 6-12 months for ash in my region (the Northeastern US).

In drier climates, this might be shorter, while in humid areas, it could take longer.
The Method: As a general rule, aim for a minimum of six months of seasoning.

However, don’t rely solely on time.

Use the other tips below to verify dryness.
Cost Considerations: The primary cost associated with the seasoning timeline is the “opportunity cost” of having the wood tied up for an extended period.

This means you’re potentially missing out on the opportunity to sell or use that wood for other purposes.

There might also be storage costs if you need to rent space to store the wood.
Data Point: Studies by the Forest Products Laboratory show that wood loses moisture most rapidly during the first few months of seasoning, with the rate slowing down significantly thereafter.

3. The “Moisture Meter Test”: The Definitive Answer

The Principle: A moisture meter provides a precise measurement of the wood’s moisture content.

This is the most reliable way to determine if your ash is ready to burn.
My Experience: I consider a moisture meter an essential tool for anyone serious about firewood.

It takes the guesswork out of the equation and ensures you’re burning dry wood.
The Method: Purchase a reliable moisture meter (prices range from \$20 to \$100).

Split a few pieces of wood and measure the moisture content on a freshly exposed surface.

Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning.
Cost Considerations: The cost of a moisture meter is a relatively small investment that can save you money and frustration in the long run.

It prevents you from burning wet wood, which reduces the efficiency of your stove or fireplace and increases the risk of chimney fires.
Data Point: The University of Tennessee Extension recommends a moisture content of 15-20% for firewood to burn efficiently and cleanly.

4. The “Soap Bubble Test”: A Low-Tech Indicator

The Principle: This is a simple, old-fashioned method for assessing moisture content.

When you apply soapy water to the end of a piece of green wood, bubbles will form as moisture escapes.
My Experience: While not as precise as a moisture meter, the soap bubble test can provide a quick indication of whether the wood is still releasing significant moisture.
The Method: Mix a solution of soapy water.

Apply it to the end grain of a freshly split piece of wood.

Observe whether bubbles form.

If bubbles are present, the wood is still relatively wet and needs more seasoning.
Cost Considerations: This method is virtually free, requiring only soap and water.

It’s a useful tool for those on a tight budget or who prefer a more hands-on approach.
Data Point: This method is based on the principle that moisture escapes more readily from the end grain of wood.

5. The “Sound and Feel Test”: Trust Your Senses

The Principle: Experienced firewood users can often assess dryness based on the sound and feel of the wood.
My Experience: Over time, I’ve developed a feel for dry firewood.

It’s lighter in weight, has a dull thud when struck against another piece, and often has cracks or checks on the end grain.
The Method: Pick up a piece of wood.

It should feel relatively light for its size.

Strike it against another piece.

Dry wood will produce a hollow sound, while wet wood will sound dull.

Look for cracks or checks on the end grain, which are signs of drying.
Cost Considerations: This method is free but requires experience and a keen eye.
Data Point: The weight of wood decreases significantly as it dries.

For example, a cord of green ash can weigh twice as much as a cord of seasoned ash.

Ash Firewood: Cost Breakdown and Budgeting

Now, let’s delve into the costs associated with preparing ash firewood, from sourcing the wood to stacking it in your woodshed.

I will use USD for currency.

1. Timber Purchase or Harvesting Costs

Timber Purchase: If you’re buying ash timber, prices vary widely depending on location, quality, and availability.

In my region, you might expect to pay anywhere from \$50 to \$200 per thousand board feet (MBF) for standing ash timber.

This is just a rough estimate, and it’s crucial to get local quotes.
Harvesting Costs: If you’re harvesting the ash yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of your time, equipment (chainsaw, fuel, oil), and any permits required by your local authorities.

A decent chainsaw can cost anywhere from \$300 to \$1,000, and fuel and oil can add another \$20-\$50 per cord.

If you’re hiring a logging crew, expect to pay \$50-\$150 per hour, depending on the size of the crew and the complexity of the job.
Permits: Depending on your location, you may need permits to harvest timber, especially on public lands.

These permits can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the volume of wood and the regulations in your area.

2. Tool Costs: Chainsaws, Splitters, and More

Chainsaws: As mentioned earlier, a good quality chainsaw is essential for felling and bucking ash logs.

Expect to spend \$300-\$1,000 for a reliable saw.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of fuel, oil, chains, and maintenance.

Chainsaw chains need to be sharpened regularly, and a chainsaw sharpener can cost anywhere from \$50 to \$200.
Log Splitters: A log splitter can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort, especially if you’re processing large volumes of ash.

As mentioned earlier, gas-powered splitters can be rented for \$75-\$150 per day or purchased for \$1,000-\$3,000.

Electric splitters are also available, but they may not be as powerful as gas-powered models.
Other Tools: Other essential tools include axes, wedges, sledgehammers, and safety gear (helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and chaps).

These items can add another \$100-\$300 to your overall cost.

3. Labor Costs: DIY vs. Hiring Help

DIY: If you’re doing all the work yourself, the primary cost is your time.

Be realistic about how much time it will take you to fell, buck, split, and stack the ash.

Factor in the cost of your time at a reasonable hourly rate.

Even if you’re not paying yourself directly, it’s important to account for the value of your time.
Hiring Help: If you’re hiring a logging crew or firewood processing team, expect to pay \$20-\$40 per hour per person.

The total cost will depend on the size of the crew, the complexity of the job, and the amount of wood you need to process.

4. Transportation Costs: Getting the Wood Home

Trucking: If you’re transporting the ash logs or firewood yourself, factor in the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and any rental fees for trailers or trucks.
Hiring a Trucking Company: If you’re hiring a trucking company, expect to pay \$2-\$4 per mile, depending on the distance and the size of the load.

5. Storage Costs: Protecting Your Investment

On-Site Storage: If you have space on your property, you can store the ash firewood for free.

However, make sure the wood is properly stacked and covered to protect it from the elements.
Off-Site Storage: If you need to rent storage space, expect to pay \$50-\$200 per month, depending on the size of the unit and the location.

6. Permit Costs (if applicable)

As mentioned earlier, you may need permits to harvest timber, especially on public lands.

These permits can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the volume of wood and the regulations in your area.

7. Miscellaneous Costs

Don’t forget to factor in miscellaneous costs such as sharpening chainsaw chains, replacing worn-out tools, and purchasing safety gear.

These costs can add up over time, so it’s important to budget for them.

Case Study: Cost Analysis of Processing One Cord of Ash Firewood

Let’s look at a hypothetical case study to illustrate the costs involved in processing one cord of ash firewood.

Timber Purchase: \$50 (assuming you’re buying standing timber and harvesting it yourself)
Chainsaw Fuel and Oil: \$25
Log Splitter Rental (one day): \$100
Labor (8 hours at \$25/hour): \$200 (This is what you might pay someone else, or the value of your own time)
Transportation (fuel): \$25
Total Cost: \$400

This is just an example, and your actual costs may vary depending on your specific circumstances.

However, it gives you a general idea of the costs involved in processing ash firewood.

Cost Optimization Tips

Source your wood locally: Buying wood locally reduces transportation costs and supports your local economy.
Harvest your own wood: If you have access to timber and the necessary skills, harvesting your own wood can save you money.
Invest in good quality tools: Good quality tools will last longer and perform better, saving you money in the long run.
Maintain your tools properly: Regular maintenance will extend the life of your tools and prevent costly repairs.
Split and stack your wood properly: Proper splitting and stacking will speed up the drying process, reducing the time it takes to season your wood.
Season your wood for the appropriate amount of time: Burning dry wood is more efficient and produces less smoke, saving you money on fuel.
Consider a wood-burning stove insert: These are much more efficient than open fireplaces.
Buy in bulk: If you have the space, buy your firewood in bulk to save money.
Consider buying green wood: Green wood is cheaper than seasoned wood, but you’ll need to season it yourself.

Global and Regional Timber Prices

Timber prices vary significantly around the world, influenced by factors like species, quality, accessibility, and local regulations.

Here’s a general overview:

North America: Prices for hardwood timber like ash can range from \$50 to \$200 per MBF (thousand board feet) for standing timber, and \$150 to \$400 per cord for seasoned firewood, depending on location.
Europe: Timber prices in Europe tend to be higher than in North America, due to stricter environmental regulations and higher demand.

Ash timber can cost \$100 to \$300 per MBF, and seasoned firewood can fetch \$200 to \$500 per cord.
Asia: Timber prices in Asia vary widely depending on the region.

In some areas, timber is relatively inexpensive, while in others, it can be quite expensive due to deforestation and scarcity.
Australia: Timber prices in Australia are generally high due to the country’s dry climate and limited forest resources.

These are just general estimates, and it’s essential to get local quotes to determine the actual prices in your area.

Relevant Calculations and Formulas

Estimating Volume of Logs in Board Feet: (Diameter of log in inches – 4)2 x Length of log in feet / 16.

This formula provides an approximate board foot volume of a log.
Estimating Volume of Firewood in Cords: A cord is a stack of wood measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet.

To estimate the number of cords in a pile of wood, measure the height, width, and length of the pile in feet, multiply the three measurements together, and divide by 128.
Estimating Drying Time Based on Moisture Content: This is more complex and depends on environmental factors.

However, a general rule of thumb is that wood loses moisture most rapidly during the first few months of seasoning, with the rate slowing down significantly thereafter.

Using a moisture meter is the best way to track drying progress.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

Assess your needs: Determine how much firewood you need for the season.
Source your wood: Decide whether you’ll buy standing timber, green wood, or seasoned firewood.
Gather your tools: Make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment.
Process your wood: Fell, buck, split, and stack your wood properly.
Season your wood: Allow your wood to season for the appropriate amount of time.
Monitor moisture content: Use a moisture meter to ensure your wood is dry enough to burn.
Enjoy your warm fire!

Conclusion: The Warm Glow of Preparedness

Preparing ash firewood is an investment of time, effort, and resources.

However, with careful planning, proper techniques, and a solid understanding of the costs involved, you can ensure a supply of dry, efficient firewood that will keep you warm throughout the winter.

Remember, the key is patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

And, of course, a good moisture meter!

So, get out there, split some wood, and enjoy the warm glow of a well-prepared fire.

You’ve got this!

Burning Ash: When Is It Ready? (5 Key Moisture Tips)