Yew logs as firewood - will it be dry enough

Sep 25, 2010 4 Replies

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David 15 years ago

Dear All

I've been offered a bunch of yew trunks as firewood. I know they'll spit a bit, but as they're going in a stove, not a problem.

However, they have been left as 6 foot trunks for the year they've been in the dry. Is it likely that when I saw and split them into useable log-sized logs that they will be dry enough to burn straight away? Or will I be left with a lot of hissing, little heat and nowhere to store the burnable stuff I'll have to buy anyway? I know the standard advice is split and wait two years, but any experience would be welcomed.

Incidentally, I know it's a shame to burn yew, but if the chap who has them can't get interest from wood-turners/archers/wiccans, then that's the way it'll have to go!

Thanks

David

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Jonathan 15 years ago

I burnt a lot of year-old yew last winter in our wood burner. It had been cut into small lengths and split. It burnt well and gave a good heat. I would try some and see and save it for another year if it's not dry enough (assuming you have the space to store it).

Jonathan

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Tabby 15 years ago

I'd probably saw it into 2x2, 2x3, 2x4

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The Natural Philosopher 15 years ago

Odd. but they are no longer usable - you need to plank the wood within weeks of cutting.

A year should be enough but cut and split as early as possible and store in dry places if you can.

I've burnt almost green wood without much problem, especially in a stove.

Light with something a bit drier, and then just pile it in.

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Andrew Mawson 15 years ago

that's

No it'll be absolutely useless and dangerous, but as a special favour, for a small consideration I'll haul it away and dispose of it safely for you

AWEM

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