Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

Cherry vs Beech burning


CEE
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hi,

 

I have a lot of beech oak and cherry, several tons of each.

 

I find that the cheery does not burn nearly as well as the oak and beech - especially the beech.


Is this a normal thing or are my expectations too high? I have a moisture meter and all are nice and dry right through the middle - below 20% some are 10%

 

I am just wondering because you see many forums saying how wonderful cheery is and the lovely smell - I don't get either of those things.

 

Cheers,

Edited by CEE
correct spelling
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

Beech seems to be the king. Easy to split burns fantastic when dry. And plentiful in the chilterns where I live.

 

The cherry I have was very old - the trunk lay in the woods for maybe 4 years - is there such a thing as it being past it's best ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, CEE said:

Beech seems to be the king. Easy to split burns fantastic when dry. And plentiful in the chilterns where I live.

 

The cherry I have was very old - the trunk lay in the woods for maybe 4 years - is there such a thing as it being past it's best ?

Yes definitely, all the time it is lying and the moisture content is high the microbes that feed on the wood are reducing it's dry matter, and the volatiles that give a lively flame seem to go first. Also cherry bark is waterproof so the wood rots inside it, producing CO2 and water, thus it does not dry. It is similar to birch in this respect so best felled crosscut, split and stacked under cover asap.

 

You also find this with old bits of stagheaded oak which are dry but not very exciting to burn

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fruit wood used green on an open fire with other dry hardwood can produce a very faint fragrance.
I used to sell bay wood green to a Jamaican restaurant for BBQ smoking meats. Apparently in Jamaica they use pimento wood, and bay is the closest thing in the uk.
I presume once fragrant wood has dried it has lost all essential oils/phenols/volatiles etc.
[emoji106]

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.