Some standing dead ash to take the edge of the coming cold snap

In my OWB, and this could be my own bizarre strategy, here is what I do. I fill half to two thirds full with good seasoned hardwood, and then add a layer of the standing dead ash rounds. And here is the result. After 12 hours, when i go to reload, there is a higher temp on the furnace and better coal bed than when I burn 100% seasoned wood. During really cold snaps like now, around 0 at night, this has been working well. My theory is that lower level of seasoned does a pretty good job drying out the top layer. But I have no idea, it's just working for me.

 

Maybe so, but my real world experience burning green Ash a few times hasn't shown that. The recent experience, my stove was lucky to reach 300 degrees when it was three weeks split. And when I burned the rest a few weeks ago after being stacked on the hearth for a couple of months, my stove was around 450 degrees. Granted I have a relatively small stove, so that could be a factor. And of course a better draft with these recent cold temps probably helps as well.

 

Good looking set up Greg!
Your chocolate looks exactly like mine

 

That dog has stolen the whole families heart. He just turned 8, and is now the gentleman around the place. He still chases deer and rabbits and squirrels, but only to the edge of the yard. He is my faithful partner on wood trips now. Sits just far enough away that the saws don't hurt his ears, then first in the truck when time to go. And everyone he meets is his friend. Cooper is one of a kind. Will try to enjoy the maybe four or five years we have left.

 

I think our dogs are related
You just described my dog exactly
8 years old also

 

Hey, good to hear. Have we chatted before? I see you are in central pa as am I. I'm 10 miles west of Harrisburg. If your close enough, maybe we'll have to team up on some wood site and let the pups meet!