Burned some Ash with high moisture content

[free75degrees]

A month ago I was scrambling to find enough seasoned wood to get me through this winter and I cam across 1 1/2 cords of ash that had been standing dead for several years. It was a 108 year old tree that was 3 1/2 feet at the base. I figured it would be a perfect last minute addition to the supply to be used at the end of the winter. I split it all up to small to help it dry faster and stacked it in my dehumidified basement boiler room. It has been there for over a month now and the moisture content is still over 30% so I started to get a bit worried that it won't be dry enough to burn this winter. I did a couple tests burns of it yesterday and the day before. I loaded the tarm about 2/3 with some of my more seasoned supply and when it burned down to about 1/4 full I loaded it up with the Ash.

Any guesses as to how it burned?

 

[WoodNotOil]

I burn green ash the same day I cut it with little trouble so I would guess well.

 

[chuck172]

I'd say if the ash had 30% moisture content, it had to quench the hot coals some, I hoped it burned well cause I'll be doing the same thing soon.

 

[free75degrees]

It burned great! It didn't seem to quench the coals at all. I didn't even hear any hissing. The tank temp ramped up normally and I didn't notice any significant difference between the ash and my dryer wood.

There are some posts in the wood shed that have poems about how great ash is. I think I'm becoming a believer.

 

[Nofossil]

In my first year, I had very little wood that was less than 30% moisture. Once you have a good bed of coals, it will work OK. Wood with higher MC has to be split a bit smaller.

 

[twofer]

I'm in a similar boat. Yesterday we cut up two elms that had a moisture content of ~25%. My wood supply for this first year is a little sparse so these trees were a godsend.

I'll wager they burned enough to heat your home.

 

[lawandorder]

I just picked up some ash a few days ago. I was hoping the mc was going to be low because it was split and stacked a month or so ago but it was still in the mid 20s range some close to 30. I was disappointed to say the least and I havent even tried burning it thinking that it wouldnt burn that well. I only throw a few pieces in a regular load of dry stuff and it seems to burn alright. I havent tried a full load of ash yet but maybe i will now.