which wood

[fishinAK]

Hello all,
I posed this same question a long while back but didnt get may responses. So if it is ok I will try again. I live in an area where my only choices for firewood are Sitka spruce, western hemlock and red alder. Since this is my first season as an official wood burner I have zero experience with these 3 woods. does anyone else have any experience with any of these woods? Curious as to which I should fill the shed up with. and which is the fastest to season. any and all experience is greatly appreciated!

 

[elkimmeg]

red alder is the only listed hard wood in the 3. I would stock up on that. It is also usefull ffor smoking all the salmon you catch.
We on the east cost do not have it here so I cannot help you with drying times.

 

[minesmoria]

I am just below you in prince rupert bc, alder is the best wood burn longest gives most heat off. It also dyrs quite fast.

I have 13 cord of it ready to burn, hemlock is better than spruce i use spruce for kindling.

Dont you have any paper birch there.

 

[Todd]

No experience with those woods, but people got to burn what's available in their areas. I think soft woods usually take less drying time than hardwoods. I've heard 3-6 month dry times for pine, but I try to get 1 year ahead just to be on the safe side.

 

[fishinAK]

thanks so far for the replys guys. No, No paper birch here Mesmoria. There is birch further north but I am in Southeast Alaska.