Battle of the firewoods-Ponderosa Pine vs Lodgepole Pine

In today’s episode we’re headed West....way West to Pine Country. Although the selection of hardwoods is not the same as other areas of the country, there are still some beloved firewoods they get those high elevation folks through some damm cold nights. Let’s compare!!! On one side we have Ponderosa Pine. Pumping out 14.8 MBTU per cord and seasoning in just 6 months. On the other side we have Lodgepole Pine. Coming in with slightly more heat potential at 15.3 MBTU per cord and also a quick seasoner at 6 months. Let’s get it on....Its the battle of the Pines!!!

 

Don't burn Pine you'll burn your house down . Couldn't resist

 

Lodgepole is often easier to split. But oh, the slash! Gnarly, abrasive, tangled mess. So, ponderosa wins if I am working it, but if you are dopping logs at my place, I'll take the lodgepole instead!

 

Can i vote for Eastern white pine? The only i have experience with, albeit very little. Nice job SBA giving the Western members a chance!

 

I voted for the PP. Made me think of Little Joe,Hoss and Hop Sing.
EDIT. Not sure if the under 50 crowd will understand.

 

I'm over 50 and I understand completely.

 

I love them both, and burn a lot of both. I’d give a slight edge to lodgepole. It’s not quite as sappy, and it’s easier to handle. It’s much smaller in diameter than the big pondos. Some of our ponderosa pines are so massive that you have to do a lot of noodling to get manageable pieces. They both burn incredibly hot, but fairly fast. They are both super easy to light and season very quickly. Both species are great wood to get a quick, hot fire going with. Especially when you get home early in the morning from work, and the house is chilly.


Thanks for including us, high mountain western folks

 

I don't get it, but you seem to have a Bonanza of a memory.

 

im over 50 and im confused...of course ive been confused for years!

 

I have no experience with either.

I'm willing to entertain offers for my vote!

 

I have no experience with either so I have no business voting I wonder though, for our members out west, does it drive them up a wall every time we flatlanders in the east wholesale label every conifer species as "pine"? "Gahhhhh it's SPRUCE! It's DOUG FIR! It's TAMARACK!"

 

We have and

 

Great post. Should be educational for me. Learning about needle trees and voter fraud all in one spot. Carry on Hoss!!

 

How tall do the Ponderosa’s get? In pics they look like they are pretty damm tall

 

I have no experience with either yet but will this winter; at least felling & splitting. I have 5 large Ponderosas to take down for my uncle. By out west I assume you mean west of the Mississippi

 

I’m under 50 & totally understand your reference.

 

Voter fraud?? I resemble that remark!

 

Certainly do. Although you don’t live in a swing state so don’t go buying any big purchases just yet.

 

X2
I too fully understand the Ponderosa reference.

 

What about the fly over states in the middle? I gots only the ponderosa in my yard, 2 of which I’ve had to take down since I joined here. Sticky to handle, but dries quickly, burns hot and fast and ain’t burnt the house down yet. Good for shoulder season but woodn’t want to have to rely on it all winter