Red elm seasoning time

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brian89gp

Minister of Fire
Mar 15, 2008
505
Kansas City
What is the seasoning time on red elm? 1 year like silver maple, 3 year like oak, or somewhere inbetween? 37% fresh cut today.
 
Brian, I've never burned it but I think you are correct with a year.
 
It will be ready this time next year. (depending on weather, & stacking method)
Realistically, be good burning wood for 14/15 winter, having 2 summers to season .

In a pinch it would be OK for 13/14, but barely. ( If it's what you got, it's what you burn ;) )
 
Doesn't dry as fast as Silver Maple, but still is good by 1 year easy. I've burned a bunch this year and last.
 
I don't have a lot of experience drying it but some dead standing I cut last year seemed to be a bit slow to dry the rest of the way. Based on my limited experience, I think I would give fresh-cut a couple years. I think I have read two years for American Elm...
 
Best plan on 2 years CSS
 
I added some red elm to the pile that was dead standing but still wet inside (over 35%MC) last spring. With over 100 days of 100 deg plus temps and the normal Kansas winds it was 15% or less this winter, and burned great.
 
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