Discover the Benefits of Using Ash Tree Firewood
If you have chopped wood or burned a few cords, you’ve heard of ash. But Is ash tree good firewood? Oh yeah, it is. And I’m not just hyping it up. Let’s break down why this wood is a favorite for so many firewood junkies, campers, and homesteaders.
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What Is Ash Wood?
Ash is a hardwood that grows mostly in North America and Europe. Ash trees grow tall and straight. The wood they produce is light-colored, dense, and strong. Think baseball bats, tool handles, and even flooring. Yeah, it’s that solid. But firewood? That’s where Ashwood shines.
Why Is Ash Tree Good Firewood?
Alright, here’s the deal. Ash burns hot. It splits easily. It even burns when it’s a bit green. That’s rare in the firewood world. Let’s get into the real perks:
1. Low Moisture Content
Freshly cut ash has around 20–25% moisture. That’s way lower than stuff like oak or maple. Because of that, it dries out faster and can be burned sooner. Most hardwoods need a full year to season. Ash? Six to eight months, and it’s ready to go.
2. High Heat Output
White ash provides roughly 24 million BTUs for each cord. That’s better than softwoods like pine or spruce and close to maple. In simple terms? It heats your house without needing to load the stove every hour.
3. Easy to Split
Splitting ash is smooth. No twisted knots. No need to wrestle it apart like elm or gum. Whether you’ve got a maul or a hydraulic splitter, ash makes it simple.
4. Burns Clean
Ash burns steadily with very little smoke. That means less creosote buildup in your chimney. Which means fewer chimney fires. And less cleanup. Win-win.
5. Light But Dense
Ash is dense, so it burns longer than softwood. But it’s still light enough to carry without wrecking your back. Carrying a few logs inside won’t feel like a workout.
Types of Ash You’ll Find
You’ll run into different types, and they’re not all the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- White Ash: High heat output, super clean burn, top-tier choice
- Green Ash: Slightly lower heat, but still great
- Black Ash: Not as hot, more stringy, better for kindling
- Blue Ash: Rare, but burns hot like white ash
White ash is the king, no question. If you’ve got access to it, grab it.
When to Use Ash Firewood
- Cold winter nights? Ash keeps the heat going long and steady.
- Camping trip? Ash burns clean, so your gear won’t stink.
- Cooking over a flame? Ash burns evenly, perfect for grilling.
It’s kind of the do-it-all firewood. You can use it for anything and not regret it.
Ash Borer
Now here’s the bad part. Emerald ash borers are wrecking ash trees across the U.S. These bugs burrow under the bark and kill healthy trees in a few years. It’s brutal.
So if you’ve got dead or dying ash on your land, it’s smart to cut it now. Use it before it rots. Or, buy it from local suppliers while you still can.
Tips for Burning Ash Like a Pro
Want to get the most out of your ash firewood? Here’s what you do:
- Stack it off the ground with airflow underneath.
- Cover the top, not the sides (let it breathe).
- Don’t burn wet logs, even if ash handles it better than most.
- Mix ash with other hardwoods to stretch your stash.
A smart stack and good seasoning make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
So, is ash tree good firewood? No doubt about it. It checks all the boxes: hot, clean, easy, and fast to dry. If you can get your hands on it, stack it high and burn it proud. No need to overthink it. Ash gets the job done without any drama. It’s solid, reliable, and straight-up underrated. If your firewood stash needs an upgrade, ash is a no-brainer. Now go split some logs and stay warm.
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