I know another tree ID
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COTTONWOOD! Not worth the work IMO. Stinks like chit when burning, burns super fast and lots of ash......
Run, don't walk, away!
Run, don't walk, away!
If you need some shoulder season wood, and don't mind some stinky smoke outside, it would be OK for that. But generally cottonwood isn't very good stuff. Kinda like willow. Heavy when you cut it, dries out and ends up like balsam wood, very light and burns very fast....
Sorry to burst your bubble, too bad it wasn't oak or something. Did you cut it yourself or find it on a scrounge? How much did you end up with?
Cut it my self.. I think it is 1 cord. They say it has to dry for a long time too.
This is probably the only thing where Scott and I disagree. It will definitely stink when you are cutting it but after it dries, it won't. And I've never got bad odors from burning it.
Many folks have only cottonwood to burn and they get along fine. The only problem with burning it is that it will not give you long fires but it does burn hot. This can make it excellent for spring and fall burning or even daytime burning during the winter.
That said, no, I do not burn it but simply because I have so much other wood to burn that it is not needed. One also has to think that it takes about the same amount of time to put up good wood as it does for less than the best. Or, it takes very little more time to put up oak as it does cottonwood but the end result is huge between the two. So if you have it already cut, burn it. If not, turn it down.
Many folks have only cottonwood to burn and they get along fine. The only problem with burning it is that it will not give you long fires but it does burn hot. This can make it excellent for spring and fall burning or even daytime burning during the winter.
That said, no, I do not burn it but simply because I have so much other wood to burn that it is not needed. One also has to think that it takes about the same amount of time to put up good wood as it does for less than the best. Or, it takes very little more time to put up oak as it does cottonwood but the end result is huge between the two. So if you have it already cut, burn it. If not, turn it down.
Paulywalnut
Minister of Fire
aansorge
Minister of Fire
I'd burn it, you already cut it!
Sometimes some oaks have a similar bark, but I'm not seeing the medullary rays.
Sometimes some oaks have a similar bark, but I'm not seeing the medullary rays.
I already have it may as well split it this week and stack it. How long has it to dry some people say 2 years or can I used for next year.
No way! It dries quick like Poplar and Pine. You'll be fine next year. Keep it in the sun and then get it top covers after about 6 months or it'll start getting funky.
I say finish splitting it. Dont throw away your efforts. When you want a fire you wont be wasting your winters stash. Its very good wood for taking a morning chill out of the air. Its easily a 1 year drying wood.
If you cut it yourself do you still have leaves? Can you post some leaves? I think it looks like Aspen. A large aspen. I have some Eastern cottonwoods that are in a younger stage and the bark looks a little different. Rougher.
My own opinion . . . all wood is good . . . as long as you use it at the right time and in the right way.
Burn your softwood and "soft" hardwoods in the fall and spring when you just need a quick fire to warm up the stove and heat up the place, but don't need a lot of coals or need a long lasting fire. Keep the good stuff for later in the winter.
Burn your softwood and "soft" hardwoods in the fall and spring when you just need a quick fire to warm up the stove and heat up the place, but don't need a lot of coals or need a long lasting fire. Keep the good stuff for later in the winter.
No leaves came down last year and cut it up this week. I will split and stack for next year should be good.
I have a pile of softwood just for that reason so I will at the cottonwood to it.
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