Various wood MC vs time CSS

[MRD1985]

Im running low on my 3-4 year seasoned wood. I decide to check the wood I have split this year so far. I have done about 11 cords since January. I’m surprised at these readings. For the better. I’m using a general MMD4E meter on wood, on fresh 3x4 ish splits (some slightly larger) in the middle parallel to the grain burying the pins as far in as possible. Temps outside today in the mid 50s with some showers last night. Wood is top covered and stacked on pallets.

White Ash split in March - 17.4%
Beech split in April - 17.6%
hickory split in late April/early May -17.5%
White Ash split in early June -18.5%
Red oak split in April for comparison-24.5%.

There is lots of wind exposure for these stacks and some sun. Wind is biggest factor. Stacks face N/S with prevailing winds out of the north most of the time.

Just food for thought.

 

[all night moe]

Ash is king of seasoning.

 

[MRD1985]

Ash is king of seasoning.

It sure seems that way. The hickory and beech surprised me though. I kind of expected the ash to be ready, but just wanted confirmation

 

[begreen]

That's surprising for a dense wood like hickory. Was it standing dead when cut?

 

[MRD1985]

That's surprising for a dense wood like hickory. Was it standing dead when cut?

No. It was cut green in April. It’s pignut, not Shagbark. I was quite surprised too. Not surprised about the oak, though. The ash that was split in June was partially dead, and the ash split it March was green. Beech was also cut green.

 

[all night moe]

Beech is a good easy seasoning wood. It's why it's a favorite of many for that and it's BTU value.

I find pignut hickory dries fairly quickly too. I bucked some up in the beginning of Sept. Those rounds checkered up nicely on the ends with prevailing winds and sun. Split it when I did "Splitter Fest 2024.'' Don't remember exactly when that was....mid Oct? I've got a bunch of it now hanging out on top of stacks in my basement. Up near the floor joists. With a box fan sitting opposite, and blowing towards the wood furnace, it's getting plenty of warm air circulation. They have a decent ring tone to them now when I check them. I'm saving them for Feb.