Rotten wood?

[Lmmatta]

I was given a load of wood...it looked ok but as I split it it revealed layers of wood on the inside that separated quite easily. It was almost like balsa. I assume this wood is too far gone to put the effort into splitting and stacking?

 

[andym]

It all depends on what else you have available. There is no doubt it will burn. I burned half a cord of similar stuff at the beginning of this season. I was actually surprised at how much heat it put out. Many of the splits looked rotten but were surprisingly heavy (and yes, definitely dry!). If they are wet now and noticeably lightweight then it won't supply a lot of heat.

 

[peakbagger]

Yes it burns but its like a sponge. If its damp its not worth burning.

 

[Lmmatta]

Is there a term for what this wood has done?

 

[peakbagger]

Dry Rotted

 

[Simonkenton]

Rotten.

Throw it out in the woods it will make great mulch.

 

[hickoryhoarder]

When it looks/feels like balsa, I've found it useless.

 

[MoDoug]

That looks nasty, but I wonder if some small pieces would be good enough for kindling?

 

[firefighterjake]

Is there a term for what this wood has done?

Punky . . . pretty much dry rotted wood.

If I have some I'll generally burn it in the fire pit vs. saving it for the woodstove. As long as it is dry however and kept dry it's OK to burn.

 

[Stinkpickle]

Yep, keep it dry and burn it, as is.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

I'd go for wood that has more BTUs.. its rotted and not worth the work or taking up valuable space for better wood.. It will burn fast and not put out alot of heat.. not worth the effort..

 

[Simonkenton]

Three stages of wood

1. Freshly cut and split

2. Rotten

3. Peat Moss

You are half the way there.

 

[Lmmatta]

I'd go for wood that has more BTUs.. its rotted and not worth the work or taking up valuable space for better wood.. It will burn fast and not put out alot of heat.. not worth the effort..

Thanks...thats what I feared.