Northern Hemlock and Spruce

[JA600L]

(broken link removed to http://lancaster.craigslist.org/zip/5072079397.html)


This ad came up yesterday. I've never burned either of these woods. Are they worth the efforts and could I burn them yet this year? Its about a 20 minute drive to get them.

I am sitting on about 7 cords of hardwoods oak, locust, ash, cherry, and mulberry. I have a very large locust supply for the next couple of years I can cut from. I would like to get to a 50/50 mix of soft and hardwoods to even out the burn.

I'm just curious if this will do well for me. I am burning in a hybrid cat stove so I can really slow down the burn and tame softwoods.

 

[drz1050]

I'd take Spruce before Hemlock if given a choice. I'd burn either.

 

[JA600L]

Any reason why?

 

[drz1050]

I think Spruce is denser/ has more BTUs.. not sure if that's correct though. I also like the way Spruce smells.

 

[drz1050]

Whoops, got curious so looked it up.. looks like I'm wrong, Hemlock is stronger.

 

[Wood Duck]

I don't think the person who posted on Craig's List knows whether it is hemlock or spruce. They are similar, and I'd burn either one.

 

[billb3]

I wouldn't count on it be ready this year .

I like to have a cord of year old or cut down dead pine around. I had about 3/4 cord of some kind of spruce last Winter and liked it a bit better than pine.