I'm noticing tree leaf patterns for trees often regarded as great firewood's tend to be similar in layout on the branch, and similar in shape. They tend to grow "ovalish" leafs, and are staggered similarly on the branch. Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about. Persimmon Hickory Ash Black Locust Mulberry Osage orange Is this just all coincidence???
That's why I love this place, always learning something new!!! What is it about compound leaf trees that make them better? Water retention? Rot resistance? So someone who knew little about species of tree, could in theory go solely on leaf type as a gauge as to whether its good firewood?
Just spitballing, but several would need to have extra wood strength to compensate for fruit and nut weight.
I can attest to that! Takes a long time to dry and not a lot of BTU's. Still better than Willow Burnt a lot of that over the years in the OWB!
With walnut, tree of heaven, and maybe a couple others being an exception to the theory.... Not to get into a theological discussion or anything but I can’t seem to wrap my head around what the intelligence of the universe could be telling us about compound leaf trees. They’re all good for something-firewood, lumber, edible, medicinal, rot-resistance. Each has its uses. If nothing else, compound leaf trees implore us to take a closer look at them.
I’m not going to argue that point but I think the same could be said about many trees out there. When you think of the uses of trees/wood, it’s really remarkable
It’s safe to say that without trees on our pale blue dot hurdling through space, civilization would never have gotten off the ground. This would be a planet full of simple brainless organisms and bacteria. It IS quite remarkable what trees have done for us and every other species that has ever occupied planet earth. Even the megaflora that died out millions of years ago is being utilized every day powering our vehicles down the road.
Yeah I can’t think of anything that provides as much to humans as trees. Food, shelter, O2, cleans air and water, blocks uv rays, heats and cools, improved mood, increased property value, saves you $ ...........
Compound leaves give the tree the advantages of less wind resistance and water evaporation, so they can grow in a drier and more windy environment...makes sense that their wood tends to be more dense.
Most people seem to think oak is pretty good firewood. Simple, not compound leaves. Not oval either. Nice hard maple is well-loved. Conversely, I don't hear many people raving about any of the sumacs. If we look to out west or far up north, the best firewood is probably a conifer. Of course pretty much all the wood a is a conifer there. In Southern Africa, Mopane is top-shelf firewood. Heart-shaped leaf. I'm leaning towards coincidence.
