Is Ash Good for Firewood - Burning Ashwood Guide 2023

Use readily available, efficient wood if you rely on it to heat your house during the winter.

Because it burns cleanly and generates a sufficient amount of heat, ash makes good firewood. It won't make your hands all pitchy and has a neutral scent. Some contend that it makes for the best kind of firewood!

For more information on Ash and why it makes a great firewood option, keep reading.

How to Identify An Ash

The ash is a graceful tree with pale green leaves that resemble those of the elder or rowan and form a domed canopy. The leaves can sway in the direction of the sun, and occasionally the entire canopy will incline in that direction. Interestingly, ash leaves fall while they are still green.

Small purple flowers and fruit with distinctive winged keys fall from the ash tree in the winter and spring before the leaves appear. The ash grows distinctive black buds in the winter. The bark is a beige-gray color and frequently has moss or lichens growing on it.

Qualities of Ash Wood

Ash is a furniture-quality wood that is a light blonde color and has a distinct straight grain. Due to its shock absorbing properties, it is used in Ireland to make hurley sticks and is also suitable for hockey sticks and oars. It has a good strength to weight ratio and is very strong and durable.

In many European nations, the fungus known as "ash dieback" poses a constant threat. The threat has additional effects on forest floor fauna because Ash allows more light to pass through its canopy than other species. So, like many things that are pa

Types of Ash Used for Firewood

Particularly in the Northeastern United States, ash trees are a common source of firewood. Green ash, white ash, and black ash are the three different types of ashes; however, white ash is the most prevalent. To choose the ideal type of ash for your fireplace or campfire, you should understand each type of ash described in this section.

• White Ash

  The most prevalent variety of ash trees is white ash. They are quick-growing trees with a high density, which makes them perfect for use as firewood. White ash is easy to split into manageable pieces and is also reasonably hard.

  Compared to other types of wood, white ash burns hot and produces pure white embers. Add some kindling before using whole logs for the best results when burning in an open fire pit or fireplace so that they can ignite more quickly and burn for a longer period of time without needing constant attention.

• Green ash

  One of the most prevalent trees in North America and one that grows quickly is the green ash. It makes a great shade tree because it can reach heights of 60 feet and a spread of about 50 feet. This tree's wood has a lot of sapwood, which makes it perfect for firewood because it burns quickly and produces a lot of heat.

  You won't have to worry about green ash being too soft or brittle when you burn your firewood because the wood holds up well after being dried out and seasoning. Due to its propensity to burn quickly and hotly, green ash can also be used for open flame cooking.

• Oregon Ash

  Native to Oregon, Oregon ash is used to make firewood. It is lighter and simpler to split than other types of ash due to its density of 69 pounds per cubic foot.

  Because it burns hot, long, and clean, Oregon ash is frequently used as firewood. Compared to other types of wood, it has a high heat value and produces more heat per pound.

• Black Ash

  A hardwood with a high heat value is black ash. Due to its hot and even burn, black ash makes for excellent firewood. It's also well-liked because it makes long-lasting coals, which is useful for cooking with charcoal grills and smoker boxes. In comparison to lighter woods like aspen or birch, the wood has a high density, meaning you can get more use out of each piece when you burn it down to coals.

Working With Ash Firewood

What Does Ash Smell Like?

All kinds of wood can be used for firewood, but some are more effective than others. You should look into the amount of heat produced in addition to the aroma of the wood. The majority of woods emit scents that are fruity, nutty, or piney. Ash has a faint aroma that isn't overpowering like fresh red oak, which burns with a vinegar-like smell.

Is Ash Sap Messy?

People frequently believe that sap is dripping from their ash trees when, in fact, it is coming from a bug.

Aphids and scales, both tiny but frequent insects, frequently attack ash trees. It's possible that the substance, which appears to be sap, is actually honeydew, an insect secretion.

When honeydew coats the bark and leaves of a tree that is heavily infested with these bugs, it resembles sap.

How Hard is Ash to Split?

Ash is famous for having a low moisture content and for being extremely easy to split. A freshly cut piece of ash has a slightly higher moisture content than seasoned ash.

Because some people mistake Ash for Elm, Ash occasionally receives a bad reputation. Elm is extremely difficult to split, whereas Ash is generally thought to be simple.

The hardest split is typically the first one, which involves halving the log. Sometimes the split logs' sides are prevented from separating by "stringy" heartwood.

How Long Does Ash Take to Season?

Ash can be burned green if necessary, but it burns most effectively after being split, stacked, and aged for at least six months.

Your firewood needs to be seasoned if you want to get the most energy out of it. Firewood that has been seasoning is said to contain 20% moisture. As a general rule, cut firewood this year so you can use it next.

The heat output of the fire is reduced when burning green wood. Heat is lost as a result of the fire's energy being used to evaporate the moisture as the green wood burns.

To make sure your split wood is prepared for the fire, invest in a cheap, simple moisture meter like this one.

Does Ash Burn Clean?

Ash wood burns cleanly, emits little sparks, and produces no smoke. This makes it a fantastic option for your wood stove.

How Ash Compares to Other Trees

Ash is a simple to split tree that doesn't retain moisture like other trees, making it simpler to season than other kinds of firewood. When it comes time to season your logs, you will be able to identify ash because it frequently has tiny holes where insects have been eating away at it.

Place your logs in piles for seasoning after you've cut them into sticks and rounds (or whatever size you prefer). Until they are thoroughly dried and can no longer hold any moisture, if at all possible, keep each pile apart from the others. As a result, they won't become damaged by water stains or mold growth, ensuring proper seasoning.

Heat Output and Ash Efficiency

For use in fireplaces and wood stoves, ash firewood is ideal. It produces a lot of heat and burns longer and hotter than softwoods. Ash burns quickly, making it perfect for keeping your home warm during the coldest part of the year when supplies are running low.

The term "ash" refers to any tree species that produces an open-grained hardwood with a strong tendency toward splitting and notched corners on its trunk. Depending on whether an ash log fell or was cut down, it may have bark on one or both sides. Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra) and White Ash (Fraxinus americana) are the most popular species used in woodworking.

You can produce about 23 million BTUs of heat per cord of ash firewood. Compared to other domestic wood species, it produces two times as much heat as hardwood.

Ash firewood produces a lot of heat and contains little ash, making it a very efficient firewood. Because it produces a lot of heat and contains little ash, ash firewood makes a great heating option.

How Long to Season Ash Firewood?

For about a year, ashwood needs to be seasoned. As an illustration, firewood purchased in October will be usable in October of the following year. Because ash trees are deciduous and lose their leaves in the winter, this is the case.

The tree makes more sugar than usual during the process of losing its leaves, allowing it to produce new leaves without any issues with water loss or sap production in the spring. Ash trees are excellent for log production because they don't grow during the winter. Logs can then be split and stored until they are needed during colder weather, such as the winter.

What We Like About Ash Firewood

• Burns hot for long
• Fairly neutral odor when burning

What We Don't Like About Ash Firewood

• Expensive to purchase
• Don't grow straight
• Produce more creosote

How Hard is Ash to Split?

You might be curious about how difficult it is to split ash. Ash splits with some effort because it is a hardwood. Ash doesn't need much force to be split, in contrast to other woods used for firewood, such as oak or birch. Axes or mauls can be used without any issues by some people to split the logs, according to reports.

Having said that, it should be noted that the ease of splitting differs by species and the age of the log. Older (dry) logs are tougher because they are denser and more fibrous, whereas younger (green) logs are typically easier. Therefore, keep in mind that if you want something less demanding than an axe, choose an old wet log when searching for your next blockage remover project.

Is Ash Sap Messy?

Even though ash is less messy than oak, it still poses a risk. Because it's a byproduct of production, it's likely to get on your skin and clothing as you're chopping or splitting wood.

The good news is that ash sap is simple to remove from your body by washing it with soap and water. Wear long sleeves and gloves when working with firewood to avoid getting ash sap on your skin in the first place.

Fire Quality, Amount of Smoke, and Creosote

A good option for firewood is ashwood. It makes a lot of heat and is simple to split, making it a great fuel for your fireplace or wood stove. Similar to other types of hardwoods on the market, ashwood burns steadily and slowly, releasing little smoke and little to no creosote.

Other Common Uses

Charcoal, a product with a variety of uses, is produced using ashwood. For instance, it is frequently added to barbecue grills to improve the flavor of the food cooked on them. Aside from being a raw material for wood pulp, ash is also used to improve soil. Writing paper and cardboard boxes are just two of the many uses of this pulping process's paper. Aside from these typical applications, ash wood can also be used to make soap.

Conclusion

Ash is a fantastic fuel, there is no question about that. It produces a lot of heat for your house or cabin because of how hot and long it burns. The only drawback to using ash as firewood is that it's not very common in most places, making it challenging to locate a source. However, if you do come across some reliable sources of ash wood, use them. Your house will be grateful to you for it.

We hope this guide clarifies everything you need to know before using ash as firewood. If you have any questions or comments regarding the advice we have provided above, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

Ash Firewood FAQs

If you still have concerns, such as whether or not you should use ash rather than coal, please feel free to contact us. oak for firewood, here are the answers.

Can Dead Ash Trees Be Used for Firewood

Wood from trees killed by the emerald ash borer can still be used for firewood at the location where the trees were removed. But moving this firewood to another location is not advised.

Is Ash Good Firewood for Fireplace

One of the best woods for a steady fire and good heat. Although ash can burn when it is still green, seasoned ash burns more efficiently. Birch: This wood burns quickly but has a pleasant scent and good heat.

Is Ash Wood Good to Burn?

Ash wood is a great option for campfires and fireplaces.

Ash emits less smoke and sparks compared to other woods, especially maple and pine, despite having a higher heat output.

Does Ash Firewood Produce Coals?

Ash firewood doesn't produce a lot of coals. Despite this, ash wood still produces a lot of heat, making it a great material for fireplaces.

Is Ash Or Oak Better for Burning?

Although ash has many positive attributes, I advise burning oak if you require additional heat and want wood that will yield more coals for a long-lasting fire.

Ash is much better than firewood such as poplar, which burns quickly and generates little heat.

Is White Ash Good Firewood?

Both white ash and green ash firewood perform remarkably well when used in campfires and fireplaces.

Is Mountain Ash Good Firewood

Rowan has a very good heat output that burns slowly. Mountain Ash is another name for the plant rowan. In case you've ever wondered, Rowan is a tree that isn't used for burning wood. It is believed to be magical and to provide protection from evil spirits.

Ash Firewood Drying Time

It's best to carefully split your firewood, stack it on your rack, and allow it to dry out completely. What is the seasoning time for ash firewood? About 6-8 months, but for denser wood, it could take more like 12 months.