In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Birch #2 added to the stack

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by bogydave, Jan 14, 2014.

  1. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Got another one today.
    It was hollow at the base too.
    DSCF2414.JPG DSCF2416.JPG DSCF2417.JPG DSCF2420.JPG DSCF2424.JPG DSCF2423.JPG
     
  2. papadave

    papadave

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    Right where I want to be.
    Ooooh, nice load Dave.
    I took down a couple Spruce that were like that.
    I think some black ants got to 'em.
     
  3. bogydave

    bogydave

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    After handling 3 year dried wood for the last 3 months,
    this green stuff is heavy.
    2 trailer loads, when dry, 1 trailer load wet.
    Dry load.... ............. ........... .... ..... .Green load
    DSCF2302.JPG DSCF2420.JPG
     
    thewoodlands and Certified106 like this.
  4. Certified106

    Certified106

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    Very nice! Looks like a great day to cut.
     
  5. thewoodlands

    thewoodlands

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    Looks good Bogydave, what type of Birch is it?
     
  6. bogydave

    bogydave

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    "
    Alaska Birch
    • Alaska birch (B. neoalaskana) occurs throughout much of the state, particularly in interior regions below 4,000 feet of altitude. It is the most common species of birch in Anchorage, where it thrives along waterways, wetlands and slopes within the Chugach mountain range. Growing to 65 feet in height, Alaska birch is a relatively small tree species with a slender, 12-inch diameter trunk topped by a narrow crown of foliage. The bark has a wide range of colors, from white to reddish-pink with nearly black twigs. Highly ornamental, Alaska birch is cultivated throughout North America for its attractive appearance and ability to withstand freezing temperatures."
    Some call it paper birch but has higher BTU and other differences . BTU similar to yellow birch.
    UAF (University of Alaska Fairbanks) BTU tested it for 23.6 million BTU/cord.

    I think it's a resinous wood due to the oily waterproof bark. Not sure though.
    8600 to 9700 Btu per pound for resinous woods.
    8000 to 8500 Btu per pound for non resinous woods.

    Depending on the BTU chart, close to red oak & ash & a little more than cherry.
    Not sure I understand the wide range on different BTU charts, for the same wood type.
    Climate & location probably a factor.



    AK forestry link
    sprce btu.jpg
     
  7. bogydave

    bogydave

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    UAF:
    "Resins, when present, are usually highly flammable and can result in more heat from wood that is
    less dense than others without high resin content."

    Something I need to , When calculating the BTU of birch, is it considered resinous.
    & what about the bark.


    UAF basically says green aspen is wet wood :) 100% moisture

    "Moisture content is usually expressed as green or air dry. Paper birch has a green moisture content
    of about 80 percent; aspen about 100 percent. This means that the moisture in green aspen weighs
    just as much as the wood itself when totally dry. Air dry means the moisture content is from 12 to 20
    percent."
     
  8. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    That is a nice size for birch too Dave. Most of ours rot before they get very big.
     
  9. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Yours might do better this year after the cold weather.
    Aphids love them ,
    cold winters help kill many bugs that attack the leaves in late summer.
     
  10. Locust Post

    Locust Post

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    I know that Birch is what you mainly burn Bogy and by reading your many posts I know this species well but have never burn a single stick, at least that I was aware of.
     
  11. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    As always, beautiful pics Dave!!

    Looks like it was a Lovely day for cutting!!