Well the ground was finally frozen for a change this past Saturday, so got a chance to get out in the woods for a bit. Took a ride on the tractor to scout for prospects and to clear any stuff that had fallen on the trails. Ran across a blow down that I think is elm. Normally I don't mess with elm, but had to cut off the trail and it seems to be a solid log. What type of elm am I dealing with here? Worth the effort to drag out? Top Did I mention that it was a beauty of a day to be out. Spent as much time gawking at the scenery as I did looking for wood.
The one red elm I've gotten was excellent firewood, and much easier to split than the more common and very stringy white elm.
I can't really tell by the pic. But it's down, it's solid, it's fairly dried I'm betting, and there are BTU's there... Worth it? Heck yea... Then Then then, :stacke:.... Finally
That is what I'm thinking. I actually have two of them now. I tried to split some freshly cut pizz elm once...splitter *smashed it into a ball! True enough...it's wood...it'll burn. Typically, I'll only bring elm in when it's convenient. Was just looking for opinions as to whether the elm is worth the efforts. I normally brake for Oak, Locust, Hickory, Beech, and Walnut, but usually pass by the Elms. Wood snob?...maybe. When you are the only firewood gatherer on 200+ acres of hardwoods, you can be choosey, I guess? It is decided! I shall drag that log up to the landing. If it gives me any trouble splitting, I'll roll it right over the hill!
Label me as an elm snob. I had one experience with it and I will forever pass. I do have a 34T hydro splitter and that doesn't change a thing (for me). This stuff was well seasoned but required much more draft to burn, then left very hard "blocks" of ash that clogged my grates. This was the offending tree:
Does appear to me to be red elm based on the color and sawdust. The bark falls off quickly which is another clue. Great wood in my opinion, splits way easier than American elm. It is also very rot resistant so it should be in good shape and not very punky. Heck yeah, I would grab that in a minute. Nice pictures, looks like my neck of the woods in southern Ohio.
Like WW said, sometimes it will leave a hard ash chunk, almost like a coal clinker. Still its great BTU's
Definitely worth the work. Elm is no problem with the right tools! Most of the elm I've css has been dead standing a loooonnnggg time, so it more or less popped open with just a few strings. Free btus is good btus!!
Have driven by it many a time before not even really noticing it...until it fell and was in the way. I don't often see them this big in my woods, so was hesitant as to what specie...pretty sure red elm. Normally, I'll get some rounds up to 10" or so, but this guy is a solid 18" tree. We do live in some pretty beautiful country. Muskingum County here. I was very pleased with this past fall's color display. Took a day off work to go out motorcycle riding and enjoy the colors.
Your right, that is a big red elm these days. I think I have 2 small ones in my stacks now. In my experience they make excellent firewood. No wonder our woods look familiar, I'm in the Hocking Hills area just a little south of you. I have the same rolling hills and only in the winter can you see the next ridge top like your pictures show.
