That does look like it could be sassafras but I've never seen one get that big either. I'd is a contraction for I would. ID abbreviation stands for Identify
Jon, if you can find a leaf there is no doubt if sassafras. Most of the leaves will look like the 2nd or third leaf in the picture with the exception usually in that second picture the lobe on the rh side is larger. We used to say it looks like the lower peninsula of Michigan so many have called it a Michigan tree. Also, with the smell there is no doubt when it comes to sassy. It does smell very similar to root beer. I love cutting it just to enjoy the odor. But I think HDRock is right with the cottonwood ID.
Funny, I didn't think we had any cottonwood around here. A range maps shows it in the Connecticut River valley, but not east of that. Maybe it's made the jump!
Just under the top layer of gray outer bark it is stringy. The end of the outer bark has multiplenty thin layers. My dad carves cottonwood bark that is usually sourced west of New England and I remember it looks similar to this but much thicker.
I've processed a bit of wood over the years, but haven't seen it in wood piles or deliveries. Thanks again everyone. This is another reason this place is so great and members pass the knowledge along.
Sassafras almost has a "lemony" scent around here, you'd definitely know by the scent if it was sassafras..... The bark, cambium and heartwood layers on the wood you have resemble sassy, just can't say if the scent is right. It's 's light, soft wood, makes good fires but doesn't last long....
