I'm convinced that most of you are talking about species such as quaking aspen, hybrid polars, willows, basswood, cottonwood, etc. Yes i agree they arent worth much as firewood. However, the TULIP trees on my property in NE ohio are a dream to cut and split. Very few branches, tall straight trunks. And it seems to burn pretty much the same as soft maple, ash, and cherry. No it is not hard maple, oak, beech, or hickory but I would take all of the tulip polar that I could get.