Tree ID, Elm?

[mrd1995]

Found this tree down about 100yds from our yard, chipped into it with an axe wood is good and sound still. Was about 10ft from a stream bank and the roots rotted away and uprooted. Was originally thinking Elm? That was my only guess. I didn't think it was a Maple.

 

[Sodbuster]

Basswood?

 

[NickW]

Could be elm... Don't they usually lose their bark pretty quick though? If it's solid like you say, cut it up and split it. The grain characteristics should give more clues...

 

[mrd1995]

I got it cut and split in half stacked. Found a few limbs and I am now thinking Willow, when I was splitting it there was enough water and the density was so low I was getting splashed with water/sap. For once I am not exaggerating at all. If it wasn't easy to retrieve I wouldn't probably bother with it. I will grab some photos tomorrow of the splits, they almost peeled sapwood from heart wood.

 

[mrd1995]

Basswood?

It could be, I looked at basswood on the web. The bark looked similar but a little more "flaky". Wish it had some intact limbs, I can work with limbs or leaves but some bark is tough.

 

[mrd1995]

Some additional photos, I would love to figure it out for my own personal satisfaction. BTUs are BTUs to me plus we have a lot of shoulder weather here.

 

[johneh]

That's not Elm. Elm doesn't split like that and
the colour is not right

 

[mrd1995]

That's not Elm. Elm doesn't split like that and
the colour is not right

Any ideas what it could be @johneh I am searching for the answer still, leaning toward willow.

 

[byQ]

It's not elm. Elm is really 'tied together' - fiber wise and your wood looks loosely tied. It looks like willow to me, too. Was it growing in a wet area? And if willow, wood isn't wood when it comes to willow - maybe good for kindling.

 

[mrd1995]

Along a creek bank within 10ft.

 

[andym]

I'm thinking cottonwood. It has large grooved bark, grows near the 'crick', and I've been told it sometimes will make the saw throw water. I've never split it tho.

 

[hickoryhoarder]

My guess is willow.

 

[andym]

My guess is willow.

You could be right cause I have no experience with willow......

 

[Woody Stover]

You could be right cause I have no experience with willow......

Me neither, and from what they say, I'm glad I don't.

 

[Stinkpickle]

Whatever it is, it has some nice colors.

 

[nrford]

i'd say willow... but i could be mistaken.

 

[mrd1995]

Whatever it is, it has some nice colors.

My wife and I said the same thing when I split the rounds.

 

[byQ]

Willow trees commonly grow next to water, like you've stated. I have cut some willow and I remember that orange tint on the cut wood. Once the wood is dry if it is very light it is probably willow. In your area there are many better trees for firewood.

 

[mrd1995]

Willow trees commonly grow next to water, like you've stated. I have cut some willow and I remember that orange tint on the cut wood. Once the wood is dry if it is very light it is probably willow. In your area there are many better trees for firewood.

@byQ Thank you for your reply I appreciate the in person insight. I agree we have plenty of Oak, Ash, and Cherry. This one was lying close to the house and on a proposed walking trail we are cutting in on our new property. I definitely would not pay to receive it but free wood is free wood even if for a campfire!