Dead Elm Firewood Prep (Seasoning Tips For Optimal Burn)

Introduction: Quick Start Guide to Seasoning Dead Elm for Firewood

Let’s face it: you’ve got a dead elm tree, and you want firewood, fast. I get it. No one wants to wait years for wood to dry. While true seasoning does take time, there are steps we can take to significantly speed up the process, especially with dead elm. Elm, in general, can be a bit of a bear to split and dry, but dead elm presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. In this guide, I’ll provide a quick start to getting your dead elm ready for the fire, followed by a more in-depth look at the entire process, including the science behind seasoning, the best tools to use, and some tricks I’ve learned over the years. I’ll also share some insights from my own experiences, including a case study where I managed to drastically reduce the seasoning time for a batch of elm during a particularly dry summer. Let’s turn that dead elm into usable firewood.

Understanding Elm and Seasoning: The Basics

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover some fundamental concepts. This will help you understand why we’re doing what we’re doing, which will ultimately make you a more effective firewood processor.

Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood

Green Wood: This is freshly cut wood. It’s full of moisture (often 50% moisture content or higher) and incredibly difficult to burn. It’ll smoke, smolder, and produce very little heat. Green wood also contains compounds that, when burned, can contribute to creosote buildup in your chimney, a serious fire hazard.
Seasoned Wood: This is wood that has been dried to a moisture content of around 20% or less. It burns hotter, cleaner, and is much safer for your fireplace or wood stove.

Why Seasoning Matters

Seasoning is all about reducing the moisture content of the wood. Water in wood impedes burning because energy from the fire goes towards evaporating the water instead of producing heat. Seasoned wood ignites easily, burns efficiently, and produces more heat with less smoke.

Elm: A Unique Challenge

Elm is notoriously difficult to split, especially when green. It has a stringy, interlocked grain that makes it resistant to cleaving. Dead elm can be even more challenging. While some moisture will have already evaporated, the wood can also become tougher and more brittle, making splitting even harder. However, dead elm also presents an advantage: the drying process is already underway.

Step 1: Assessment and Planning

Before you even touch a chainsaw, take stock of the situation.

Evaluating the Dead Elm Tree

Species Identification: Ensure it’s truly elm. Different species season differently. Look for telltale signs like the asymmetrical leaf base and the distinctive bark (though bark may be damaged on a dead tree).
Extent of Decay: How long has the tree been dead? Is there significant rot or insect damage? Severely decayed wood is not worth processing into firewood. Poke around with a screwdriver or axe. If it crumbles easily, it’s too far gone.
Tree Size and Location: How large is the tree? Where is it located? Is it near power lines or structures? This will influence your felling strategy.
Personal Story: I once took down a massive, dead elm that I thought was solid. Turns out, the inside was basically a giant termite condo. I ended up with a fraction of the firewood I expected and a whole lot of frustration. Learn from my mistake!

Planning Your Attack

Felling Strategy: How will you safely fell the tree? Consider hiring a professional if you’re not experienced.
Processing Location: Where will you buck (cut into shorter lengths) and split the wood? Choose a location that’s easily accessible, well-drained, and has enough space for stacking.
Splitting Method: Will you split by hand or use a log splitter? Elm is tough, so a log splitter is highly recommended.
Stacking Method: How will you stack the wood to maximize airflow?

Step 2: Felling the Tree (Safety First!)

WARNING: Felling trees is dangerous. If you’re not experienced, hire a professional arborist.

I can’t stress this enough. Every year, people are seriously injured or killed while felling trees. Don’t become a statistic.

Essential Safety Gear

Hard Hat: Protects your head from falling branches.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs. Chainsaws are loud.
Chainsaw Chaps: These protect your legs from chainsaw cuts. Absolutely essential.
Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet.
Gloves: Improve grip and protect your hands.

Felling Techniques

The Notch (or Hinge): This is the most important part of felling. It controls the direction of the fall. Cut a notch on the side of the tree you want it to fall towards. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
The Back Cut: This is cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the bottom of the notch. Leave a hinge of wood between the back cut and the notch. This hinge will guide the tree’s fall.
Felling Wedges: Use these to help push the tree over in the desired direction, especially if it’s leaning the wrong way.
Push Pole: A long pole used to help push the tree over.

Case Study: The Leaning Elm

I once had to fell a large elm that was leaning precariously towards a neighbor’s fence. It was a nerve-wracking situation. I used a combination of felling wedges and a come-along winch to carefully guide the tree away from the fence. It took a lot of time and patience, but we got it down safely. The key takeaway is: never rush the felling process.

Step 3: Bucking the Logs

Bucking is the process of cutting the felled tree into shorter, manageable lengths.

Choosing the Right Length

Fireplace/Wood Stove Size: Measure your fireplace or wood stove and cut the logs slightly shorter than the firebox. A common length is 16 inches, but adjust as needed.
Ease of Handling: Shorter logs are easier to handle, especially if you’re splitting by hand.

Bucking Techniques

Support the Log: Use log stands or smaller logs to support the log while you’re cutting. This prevents the chainsaw from pinching and makes the job safer.
Cut from the Top: Start by cutting from the top of the log, about halfway through. Then, roll the log over and finish the cut from the bottom. This prevents the log from pinching the saw blade.
Maintain a Sharp Chain: A dull chain is dangerous and inefficient. Sharpen your chain regularly.
Chainsaw Specifications: I recommend a chainsaw with at least a 18-inch bar for felling and bucking elm. Stihl and Husqvarna are two reputable brands. Consider a model with chain braking system.

Step 4: Splitting the Wood

This is where elm earns its reputation for being difficult.

The Challenge of Splitting Elm

Elm’s interlocked grain makes it incredibly resistant to splitting. It tends to tear and shred rather than cleave cleanly. Dead elm can be even more challenging, as the wood can become tougher and more brittle.

Hand Splitting vs. Log Splitter

Hand Splitting: Possible, but extremely difficult, especially with larger rounds. Use a heavy splitting maul (8-12 lbs) and wedges. Expect a workout.
Log Splitter: Highly recommended. A hydraulic log splitter will make the job much easier and faster. A 20-ton splitter should be sufficient for most elm.

Splitting Techniques

Follow the Grain: Look for natural cracks or splits in the wood and aim for those.
Use Wedges: If the wood is particularly tough, drive wedges into the cracks to help split it.
Split from the Outside In: Start by splitting the outer edges of the round and work your way towards the center.
Hydraulic Log Splitter Settings: Ensure the splitter is properly adjusted for the size and density of the wood. Start with a lower pressure setting and increase as needed.

Debarking: To Bark or Not to Bark?

Debarking firewood is a personal choice with both pros and cons.

Pros: Debarked wood dries faster, is less likely to attract insects, and burns cleaner.
Cons: Debarking is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Recommendation: For elm, I recommend debarking, especially if you’re trying to speed up the seasoning process. Use a drawknife or a debarking spud. A hatchet can also be used carefully.

Step 5: Seasoning: The Key to Optimal Burning

This is where we focus on maximizing the drying process for your dead elm.

Understanding Moisture Content

Target Moisture Content: 20% or less for optimal burning.
Moisture Meter: Invest in a moisture meter to accurately measure the moisture content of your wood. These are relatively inexpensive and will take the guesswork out of seasoning.

The Science of Seasoning

Wood dries through evaporation. The rate of evaporation depends on several factors:

Airflow: The more airflow, the faster the wood will dry.
Sunlight: Sunlight warms the wood and speeds up evaporation.
Temperature: Warmer temperatures promote faster drying.
Humidity: Lower humidity allows for faster evaporation.

Stacking Methods for Optimal Airflow

Elevated Stacks: Stack the wood on pallets or rails to allow air to circulate underneath.
Single Rows: Stacking the wood in single rows, rather than large piles, maximizes airflow.
Cross-Stacking: Alternate the direction of the rows to create air gaps.
The Holzhaufen: A traditional German wood stack that allows for excellent airflow. It’s a circular stack with a hollow center.
Spacing: Leave space between each piece of wood to allow air to circulate.

Location, Location, Location

Sunny Location: Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
Well-Drained Location: Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or standing water.
Sheltered Location (Optional): While sunlight is important, protecting the wood from rain and snow can also speed up the drying process. A simple roof or tarp can help. However, ensure there is still good airflow.

Speeding Up the Seasoning Process

Top Covering: Covering the top of the stack with a tarp prevents rain and snow from soaking the wood, but leave the sides open for airflow.
Kiln Drying (Advanced): Building a small solar kiln can drastically reduce seasoning time, but it requires more effort and investment.
Blowing Fans: Using fans to circulate air around the wood stack can also speed up drying, especially in humid climates.
Borate Treatment (Optional): Applying a borate solution to the wood can help prevent insect infestation and decay.

Seasoning Time Estimates

General Rule: Most hardwoods take at least 6-12 months to season properly.
Dead Elm: Dead elm may season faster, but still requires adequate time and proper stacking. Aim for at least 6 months.
Moisture Meter is Key: Don’t rely solely on time estimates. Use a moisture meter to determine when the wood is truly seasoned.

Case Study: The Dry Summer Elm Experiment

During a particularly dry summer, I decided to experiment with speeding up the seasoning process for a batch of elm. I debarked the wood, stacked it in single rows on pallets in a sunny location, and covered the top with a tarp. I also used a fan to circulate air around the stack. I checked the moisture content regularly with a moisture meter. The results were impressive. The wood reached a moisture content of 20% in just under 4 months, significantly faster than the typical 6-12 months. The key was maximizing airflow and sunlight while protecting the wood from rain.

Step 6: Storage

Once the wood is seasoned, it’s important to store it properly to prevent it from reabsorbing moisture.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Dry Location: Store the wood in a dry, well-ventilated location.
Covered Storage: A woodshed or tarp-covered stack is ideal.
Elevated Storage: Keep the wood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up.

Protecting from Pests

Inspect Regularly: Check the wood for signs of insects or decay.
Remove Infested Wood: If you find infested wood, remove it from the stack immediately.
Borate Treatment (Preventative): Applying a borate solution can help prevent infestations.

Tools and Equipment: A Detailed Look

Having the right tools can make all the difference in efficiency and safety. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the tools I recommend for processing dead elm.

Chainsaws

Size: As mentioned earlier, an 18-inch bar is a good starting point, but consider a larger saw (20-24 inch) for larger trees.
Power: Look for a chainsaw with at least 50cc engine displacement.
Features: Chain brake, anti-vibration system, and easy starting are important features to look for.
Brands: Stihl and Husqvarna are top choices, known for their reliability and performance. Echo and Poulan Pro are more budget-friendly options.
Maintenance: Keep your chain sharp, maintain proper chain tension, and clean the air filter regularly.
Chainsaw Sharpening: Learn to sharpen your own chain. It will save you time and money. A chainsaw sharpening kit is a worthwhile investment.

Log Splitters

Type: Hydraulic log splitters are the most efficient for splitting elm.
Tonnage: A 20-ton splitter should be sufficient for most elm, but consider a larger splitter (25-30 ton) for particularly large or knotty rounds.
Orientation: Horizontal splitters are more common and easier to use, but vertical splitters can handle larger logs.
Engine: Gas-powered splitters are more powerful and portable, while electric splitters are quieter and require less maintenance.
Safety Features: Look for a splitter with a two-handed operation, which prevents your hands from being near the splitting wedge.
Maintenance: Check the hydraulic fluid level regularly and change the filter as needed.

Axes and Mauls

Splitting Maul: A heavy (8-12 lbs) maul is essential for hand splitting. Look for a maul with a fiberglass handle for durability.
Splitting Axe: A lighter axe (4-6 lbs) can be used for smaller rounds or for splitting kindling.
Felling Axe: A specialized axe designed for felling trees.
Wedges: Steel wedges are used to help split tough wood.
Maintenance: Keep your axes and mauls sharp. Use a file or sharpening stone to maintain the edge.

Other Essential Tools

Measuring Tape: For measuring log lengths.
Log Stands: To support logs while bucking.
Drawknife: For debarking.
Debarking Spud: Another tool for debarking.
Moisture Meter: To measure the moisture content of the wood.
Wheelbarrow: To transport firewood.
Gloves: For hand protection.
Safety Glasses: For eye protection.
Hearing Protection: For hearing protection.
Steel-Toed Boots: For foot protection.
Hard Hat: For head protection.
Chainsaw Chaps: For leg protection.

Safety Considerations: A Top Priority

Safety should always be your top priority when working with chainsaws and firewood.

General Safety Rules

Read the Manuals: Familiarize yourself with the operating instructions for all your tools.
Wear Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear.
Work in a Safe Area: Clear the work area of obstacles and hazards.
Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions.
Take Breaks: Avoid fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
Never Work Alone: Have someone nearby in case of an emergency.
First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand.

Chainsaw Safety

Kickback: Be aware of the risk of chainsaw kickback, which can cause serious injury.
Proper Stance: Maintain a stable stance and keep both hands on the saw.
Chain Tension: Check the chain tension regularly.
Sharp Chain: Use a sharp chain to reduce the risk of kickback.
Avoid Cutting Overhead: Never cut branches above your head.
Fueling: Refuel the chainsaw in a well-ventilated area and away from sparks or flames.

Log Splitter Safety

Two-Handed Operation: Use the two-handed operation to keep your hands away from the splitting wedge.
Proper Positioning: Position yourself so that you are not in the path of the splitting wedge.
Clear the Area: Keep the area around the log splitter clear of debris.
Avoid Overloading: Do not try to split logs that are too large for the splitter.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best planning, you may encounter problems along the way. Here are some common issues and how to address them.

Difficult Splitting

Cause: Knots, interlocked grain, or overly dry wood.
Solution: Use wedges, split from the outside in, or try a different splitting angle. Soaking the wood in water for a short time can sometimes help.

Chainsaw Pinching

Cause: The log is pinching the saw blade.
Solution: Use log stands to support the log, cut from the top and bottom, or use a wedge to keep the cut open.

Slow Seasoning

Cause: Poor airflow, lack of sunlight, or high humidity.
Solution: Re-stack the wood to improve airflow, move the stack to a sunnier location, or use fans to circulate air.

Insect Infestation

Cause: Insects are attracted to the wood.
Solution: Remove infested wood, apply a borate solution, or store the wood in a drier location.

Strategic Insights: Thinking Beyond the Basics

Beyond the practical steps, there are some strategic considerations that can improve your firewood operation.

Woodlot Management

If you have access to a woodlot, consider implementing sustainable forestry practices. This will ensure a continuous supply of firewood for years to come.

Selective Harvesting: Only harvest mature or diseased trees.
Reforestation: Plant new trees to replace those that are harvested.
Invasive Species Control: Control invasive species that can compete with native trees.

Marketing and Sales

If you plan to sell firewood, develop a marketing strategy.

Target Market: Identify your target market (e.g., homeowners, campers).
Pricing: Price your firewood competitively.
Advertising: Advertise your firewood online or in local newspapers.
Delivery: Offer delivery services to attract more customers.

Value-Added Products

Consider producing value-added products, such as kindling or wood chips. These can increase your revenue and reduce waste.

Networking

Connect with other firewood processors and share tips and best practices.

Assess Your Dead Elm Tree: Evaluate the tree and plan your felling strategy.
Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment.
Fell the Tree (Safely!): If you’re not comfortable felling the tree yourself, hire a professional.
Buck and Split the Wood: Cut the logs to the desired length and split them.
Stack the Wood for Seasoning: Stack the wood in a sunny, well-ventilated location.
Monitor the Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to track the drying process.
Store the Seasoned Wood: Store the wood in a dry, covered location.
Enjoy Your Firewood!

Remember, patience is key when seasoning firewood. Don’t rush the process. With proper planning, preparation, and execution, you can turn that dead elm into a valuable source of heat and enjoyment. And always, always prioritize safety. Good luck!