In Praise of Ash

By Bud Cottrill, KC Ext. Agent

IN PRAISE OF ASH

Beechwood fires are bright and clear

If the logs are kept a year.

Chestnut only good, they say,

If for long ‘tis laid away.

But ash new or ash old

Is fit for queen with crown of gold.

Birch and fir logs burn too fast.

Blaze up bright and do not last.

It is by the Irish said

Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.

Elm wood burns like churchyard mold,

E’en the very flames are cold.

But ash green or ash brown

Is fit for queen with golden crown.

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,

Fills your eyes and makes you choke.

Apple wood will scent your room

With an incense like perfume.

Oaken logs if dry and old,

Keep away the winter’s cold.

But ash wet or ash dry

A king shall warm his slippers by.

Crane, C.E. 1941.  Winter in Vermont.

Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, NY

I came across this poem some years ago and kept a copy because of the mental picture it creates of warming by a fire or stove.  With plenty of cold weather still to come, there will be much opportunity to enjoy a fire and you may already be planning for next years’ wood supply.

We have used wood as a primary source of heat for most of the last twenty years and thoroughly enjoy the warmth and comfort it gives.  Having worked in the orchard business during that time, I was always provided with plenty of apple wood for burning, as well as using hardwoods that were standing dead and dried and ready for use.  Oak, hickory, ash, locust, cherry, and maple all produce excellent heat for the home.

Although there is some dirt, dust, bark and ash to contend with, the benefits easily exceed the disadvantages, and the savings from the reduced use of gas or oil fuel are significant.  I personally enjoy the work involved of cutting, splitting and hauling wood.  It is great exercise and provides outside activity during the dark, cold, winter months.

Below is a chart from the WV Department of Agriculture Market Bulletin listing various types of trees and their ratings in several categories.  Also available from the Extension Office is USDA Bulletin 559 – “Firewood for Your Fireplace”.

Characteristics for Some Common Types of Firewood

Species                  Overall                  Heat                        Smoke                   Popping/                Ease of

                                                 Rating                 Value                       Production            Sparking               Splitting

                Apple                     Excellent                High                       Low                           Low                    Difficult

                Ash, Birch,            Excellent                High                       Low                           Low                    Easy

                Cherry, Maple,

                and Oak

Hickory                  Excellent                High                       Low                           Moderate           Moderate

                Locust                    Excellent                High                       Low                           Low                    Moderate

                Elm                          Fair                         Medium                  Medium                    Low                    Difficult

                Sycamore               Fair                         Medium                 Medium                     Low                    Difficult

                Poplar                     Poor                        Low                        Medium                     High                   Easy

                White Pine            Poor                        Low                        Medium                     High                    Easy