Tree ID... Black Birch?

[bhildreth]

I am finally making it into my back lot to do some cleanup and realized there are a ton of birch trees. Some are healthy and some need to be taken down. What kind of Birch tree are these? Any good for firewood?

 

[paul bunion]

Not birch at all. Aspen (probably big tooth) or in some places its called popple.

 

[bhildreth]

Thanks Bunion. I never thought of this as an Aspen. Always thought it was birch. Will any of this make decent firewood?

 

[warno]

If it's free it will make perfect fire wood.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Not birch at all. Aspen (probably big tooth) or in some places its called popple.

" popple" is also known as poplar around here.

 

[firefighterjake]

As mentioned . . . looks like poplar (aka aspen, aka popple). It's a hard wood -- but a "soft" hard wood. I burn some poplar -- usually only if it's free or in my way. This wood tends to be better used in the Spring or Fall when you don't need a lot of heat . . . or coals. Truthfully, it's probably my least favorite wood to burn . . . but free wood is free heat . . . regardless.

 

[billb3]

The ones with fungi growing on them are usually pretty soft inside. The fungi feed on the decaying wood.

I have a bunch of big tooth aspen, grey birch and poplar that were pioneer species taking over what was a clearing and now all dying out under pines and oaks that have grown taller.

 

[Jay106n]

Doesn't look like it, but if they need to come down, take em.

 

[AmbDrvr253]

Yup, not a good sign with that fungus growing already. Get it down now before it falls....LOL

 

[dlj]

Back when folks cooked on wood stoves, poplar was used during the summer months to cook on. That was so there was enough heat to cook on but not much heat to heat up the kitchen. Just to give you an idea...

dj