White vs Green Ash: Wood Processing Tips (5 Logging Secrets)

White vs. Green Ash: Wood Processing Tips (5 Logging Secrets)

If you’re anything like me, the scent of freshly cut wood is practically aromatherapy. I’ve spent countless hours in the woods, from my early days helping my grandfather in his small sawmill to now, managing my own woodlot and firewood business. White ash and green ash: they look similar standing tall, but their properties and processing needs differ significantly. So, let’s dive into the world of ash, uncovering the secrets to successfully logging, processing, and utilizing these valuable hardwoods. I’ll share my hard-earned knowledge, not just about identifying the wood, but also about the costs involved, and how to optimize your approach to maximize your return.

Understanding the Ash Family: White vs. Green

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of logging and processing, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between white and green ash. Think of it as knowing your enemy (or, in this case, your resource) before you head into battle (or the woods).

• White Ash (Fraxinus americana): Known for its creamy white sapwood and brown heartwood, white ash is the wood of choice for baseball bats, tool handles, and high-end furniture. It’s strong, relatively lightweight, and has excellent shock resistance.
• Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica): As the name suggests, green ash has a slightly greener hue to its sapwood. It’s generally heavier and more flexible than white ash, making it suitable for applications where bending strength is critical. Think oars, bows, and some types of flooring.

The key difference, from a processing standpoint, lies in their density and moisture content. Green ash tends to hold more moisture, which impacts drying time and susceptibility to fungal decay if not handled correctly.

Secret #1: Identifying Ash Trees in the Forest

This is where your detective skills come into play. Telling white ash from green ash in the forest isn’t always easy, but here are some clues I use:

• Leaf Shape: Both have compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets. However, white ash leaflets are typically smooth-edged, while green ash leaflets often have slightly serrated edges.
• Bark: White ash bark has a diamond-shaped pattern, while green ash bark is more tightly ridged and furrowed.
• Habitat: Green ash is more tolerant of wet conditions, so you’ll often find it growing along riverbanks and in swampy areas. White ash prefers well-drained soils.
• Twigs: The twigs of white ash are smooth, while green ash twigs are slightly downy or hairy.

Cost Consideration: Correct identification is crucial. If you misidentify and process green ash expecting the properties of white ash, you could end up with warped lumber and wasted time, impacting your profitability.

Secret #2: Logging Ash Sustainably and Efficiently

Logging ash, like any timber harvesting operation, requires careful planning and execution. Sustainable forestry practices are not only environmentally responsible but also economically sound in the long run.

Sustainable Practices:

• Selective Harvesting: I only harvest mature trees, leaving younger trees to grow and regenerate the forest.
• Minimizing Soil Disturbance: Use low-impact logging equipment and techniques to prevent erosion and protect water quality.
• Replanting: If necessary, replant ash seedlings to ensure future harvests. (Though, with the Emerald Ash Borer, this is becoming increasingly challenging – more on that later).

Efficient Techniques:

• Felling: Use proper felling techniques to avoid damaging surrounding trees and ensure the tree falls in a safe direction.
• Limbing and Bucking: Limbing (removing branches) and bucking (cutting the trunk into logs) should be done efficiently to maximize timber yield. I always measure twice and cut once.
• Skidding: Use a skidder or tractor to move logs to a landing area.

Cost Breakdown (Example):

Let’s say I’m logging a stand of ash on my property. Here’s a rough breakdown of the costs involved per thousand board feet (MBF):

• Labor (Felling, Limbing, Bucking): $150 – $250 (depending on experience and efficiency of crew)
• Equipment (Chainsaw, Skidder Rental): $100 – $200 (This assumes I own my chainsaw but rent a skidder)
• Fuel: $50 – $100 (Gas prices fluctuate, so this is an estimate)
• Permits/Licenses (if required): $25 – $75 (This varies greatly by location)
• Total Cost per MBF: $325 – $625

Data Point: According to the USDA Forest Service, the average stumpage price (price paid for standing timber) for ash in the Northeast region of the US ranges from $200 to $400 per MBF. This means, in my example, I need to sell the logs for at least $325 – $625 per MBF to break even, and ideally, significantly more to make a profit.

Cost Optimization Tip: Invest in proper training for yourself and your crew. Efficient felling and bucking techniques can significantly reduce labor costs and maximize timber yield.

Secret #3: Mastering Ash Wood Processing: Sawmilling and Drying

Once the logs are skidded to the landing, the real work begins: processing the ash into usable lumber. This involves sawmilling and drying, two critical steps that determine the quality and value of the final product.

Sawmilling:

• Choosing a Mill: You can either hire a custom sawyer or invest in your own portable sawmill. Custom sawing is a good option for smaller volumes, while owning a mill makes sense for larger operations.
• Cutting Patterns: The cutting pattern determines the grade and yield of lumber. I prioritize cutting for clear, knot-free boards for high-value applications like furniture.
• Waste Reduction: Minimize waste by using efficient sawing techniques and optimizing log placement.

Drying:

• Air Drying: Air drying is the most common and cost-effective method for drying ash. Stack the lumber with stickers (thin strips of wood) to allow air circulation.
• Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is faster and more precise than air drying, but it requires specialized equipment and energy.
• Moisture Content: The target moisture content for ash lumber is typically 6-8% for interior applications.

Cost Breakdown (Example):

Let’s assume I’m processing the ash logs from the previous example into lumber. Here’s a cost breakdown per MBF:

• Sawmilling (Custom Sawyer): $200 – $400 (This varies depending on the sawyer’s rates)
• Sawmilling (My Own Mill – Depreciation, Maintenance, Fuel): $100 – $200 (Over the long run, owning a mill reduces costs, but there are upfront investments)
• Air Drying (Stickers, Yard Space): $25 – $50
• Kiln Drying (Electricity, Kiln Rental): $150 – $300
• Total Cost per MBF: $375 – $750 (Custom Sawyer & Air Drying) or $275 – $550 (My Mill & Air Drying) or $525 – $1050 (Custom Sawyer & Kiln Drying) or $425 – $850 (My Mill & Kiln Drying)

Data Point: The average price for kiln-dried ash lumber ranges from $800 to $1500 per MBF, depending on grade and thickness. This means that even with the added cost of kiln drying, there’s still potential for a significant profit margin.

Cost Optimization Tip: Properly air-drying lumber before kiln drying can significantly reduce kiln time and energy costs. I aim for 12-15% moisture content before moving lumber into the kiln. This can save hundreds of dollars per MBF.

Drying Time Calculation:

A simple rule of thumb for air drying hardwoods in a moderate climate is one year per inch of thickness. However, this is just an estimate. Moisture meters are essential for accurately monitoring the drying process. A good moisture meter can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, but it’s a worthwhile investment for ensuring the quality of your lumber.

Secret #4: Understanding the Emerald Ash Borer Impact

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has devastated ash populations across North America and is rapidly spreading globally. Understanding its impact is crucial for anyone involved in ash logging and processing.

Impact:

• Tree Mortality: EAB infestations can kill ash trees within a few years.
• Timber Supply: The widespread mortality has led to a glut of ash timber in some areas, driving down prices.
• Salvage Logging: Many landowners are conducting salvage logging operations to harvest ash trees before they die and become unusable.

Cost Considerations:

• Reduced Stumpage Prices: Stumpage prices for ash have plummeted in areas heavily affected by EAB.
• Increased Logging Costs: Salvage logging can be more expensive due to the increased risk of tree failure and the need for specialized equipment.
• Quality Concerns: Wood from EAB-infested trees may be lower quality due to fungal decay and insect damage.

My Experience: I’ve seen firsthand the devastation caused by EAB in my own woodlot. I’ve had to adjust my logging plans and focus on salvaging ash trees before they become worthless. It’s a sad situation, but it’s important to make the most of the available resource.

Strategies for Dealing with EAB:

• Salvage Logging: Harvest ash trees before they die.
• Insecticide Treatment: Treat valuable ash trees with insecticide to protect them from EAB.
• Reforestation: Replant ash forests with other tree species that are resistant to EAB.
• Utilize Ash for Firewood: Ash makes excellent firewood, even if it’s not suitable for lumber.

Data Point: The economic impact of EAB in the United States is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. This includes the cost of tree removal, insecticide treatment, and lost timber value.

Secret #5: Marketing and Selling Ash Wood Products

The final step in the process is marketing and selling your ash wood products. Whether you’re selling lumber, firewood, or finished products, it’s important to understand your market and price your products competitively.

Marketing Strategies:

• Target Market: Identify your target market (e.g., furniture makers, cabinet shops, firewood dealers) and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly.
• Online Presence: Create a website or use online marketplaces to reach a wider audience.
• Networking: Attend trade shows and industry events to network with potential customers.
• Certifications: Obtain certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to demonstrate your commitment to sustainable forestry practices.

Pricing Strategies:

• Cost-Plus Pricing: Calculate your costs and add a markup to determine your selling price.
• Competitive Pricing: Research the prices of similar products in your area and price your products accordingly.
• Value-Based Pricing: Price your products based on the perceived value to the customer.

Cost Considerations:

• Marketing Expenses: Advertising, website maintenance, and trade show fees can add up.
• Sales Commissions: If you’re using a sales representative, you’ll need to pay them a commission.
• Shipping Costs: Shipping lumber and firewood can be expensive, especially over long distances.

My Approach: I focus on building relationships with my customers and providing them with high-quality products at a fair price. I also emphasize the sustainability of my logging practices and the unique characteristics of ash wood.

Example Pricing (Rough Estimate):

• Air-Dried Ash Lumber: $600 – $1000 per MBF
• Kiln-Dried Ash Lumber: $800 – $1500 per MBF
• Firewood (Seasoned Ash): $200 – $350 per cord

Data Point: According to the National Firewood Association, the average price for seasoned firewood in the United States ranges from $200 to $400 per cord. This varies depending on location, wood species, and demand.

Actionable Takeaway:

To make this all actionable, let’s create a hypothetical budget for processing 10 MBF of ash logs into lumber.

Scenario: You have access to 10 MBF of ash logs. You plan to have them custom sawn and then air dry the lumber.

Estimated Budget:

Potential Revenue:

• Selling 10 MBF of air-dried ash lumber at $800/MBF: $8,000
• Profit: $8,000 – $7,500 = $500

Important Considerations:

• This is a simplified example. Actual costs and revenue will vary.
• Factor in your time and labor costs.
• Be prepared for unexpected expenses.
• Shop around for the best prices on sawing and other services.
• Don’t underestimate the impact of EAB on log prices and quality.

Final Thoughts:

Processing ash wood, whether it’s white or green, presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the differences between the species, employing sustainable logging practices, mastering the art of sawmilling and drying, and adapting to the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer are all crucial for success. By carefully managing your costs and marketing your products effectively, you can turn ash wood into a valuable resource. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the world of wood processing, it’s the key to a profitable and sustainable operation. So, get out there, get your hands dirty, and let the scent of freshly cut ash fill your senses! It’s a rewarding journey, and I hope these secrets help you along the way.

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