Cherry vs. red elm

[Newburnerwisconsin]

Cherry vs. red elm......which is better? I want to burn up the softer wood this year and save as much of my oak as possible. What does everyone think? I am leaning on burning the cherry first. Thanks.

 

[trailrated]

I believe cherry will be better than the elm, so may want to save the cherry. I've read good things about cherry here on the forums. I have never burned it but just acquired a cord for next year. It seasons a little faster then your oak, hickory, etc.

 

[FaithfulWoodsman]

I've burned both this season and the btu difference is marginal. The cherry seems to burn a little longer and hotter, but deff produces less ash. I burned the elm first. Plus cherry smells better.

 

[Wood Duck]

Red Elm is better than American Elm, and I expect better than Cherry. I'd burn whichever one is drier to let the other one dry out longer. Both are pretty good. and similar enough I wouldn't sweat the decision.

 

[ReggieT]

If I had enough of it...I'd burn the elm and save the cherry for special "smoker & grilling" duty.
I mix cherry with pecan or green hickory and it's a hard combination to beat on the meats.
My more than ample girth can attest to it and the sheer number of folks who just "happen" to stop by everytime I fire it up is astounding!

 

[Stinkpickle]

If I had enough of it...I'd burn the elm and save the cherry for special "smoker & grilling" duty.
I mix cherry with pecan or green hickory and it's a hard combination to beat on the meats.
My more than ample girth can attest to it and the sheer number of folks who just "happen" to stop by everytime I fire it up is astounding!
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I agree 100%.

 

[heavy hammer]

Which ever of the two I'd dryer. Both produce nice heat.

 

[TheBigIron]

I love burning red elm, little ash and nice heat.

 

[Omaha419]

If I had enough of it...I'd burn the elm and save the cherry for special "smoker & grilling" duty.
I mix cherry with pecan or green hickory and it's a hard combination to beat on the meats.
My more than ample girth can attest to it and the sheer number of folks who just "happen" to stop by everytime I fire it up is astounding!
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What's your address?

 

[DougA]

I burn a lot of black cherry and a lot of American elm. Very similar BTU but I like to split and burn cherry much more. Wonderful smell and super easy to split. I find elm burns longer but not sure why.

 

[ReggieT]

What's your address?

Round Reggie
Chunky But Funky Blvd
El Lardo, AL 91111

 

[baseroom]

I burn a lot of cherry and some elm. Yes similar BTU's. Make sure you split the cherry quickly. The bark of some species will hold in moisture and can cause rot quickly.

 

[hickoryhoarder]

Cherry vs. red elm......which is better? I want to burn up the softer wood this year and save as much of my oak as possible. What does everyone think? I am leaning on burning the cherry first. Thanks.

I love black cherry for firewood. Seasons in 6 months, splits easier than anything, catches easy, burns relatively long for a softer wood. My ideal wood stack is 60% red oak, 30% cherry, 10% hickory. Mixed-wood fires are the best: cherry plus oak plus hickory. Don't use the hickory at the beginning or end.

 

[Firefighter938]

I cut a lot of cherry, but only because it is available. I think it is over rated. It doesn't put the heat out one would expect. If I had the option between black cherry or soft maple, I would pick the maple. Cherry does smell better and looks cooler in the stacks though.