Cut several different species today and tested all with the moisture meter. A few surprises.
Standing dead balsam (died this summer) 25-45%
Live black ash. 45%. This was a surprise as I've heard that BA was a dry tree. However, 3 hours later the ends of the cuts were noticeably drier so maybe it just dries fast.
Live birch. 30%. This surprised me as I would expect it to be higher. However the birch I cut last summer was ready to burn by fall.
Live aspen. 30-45%. This one was dying so I suspect that's why there were varying readings. Normally aspen comes in at 45-50% when green.
Live balsam poplar (balm of gilead locally). 50%
Blowdown cedar, suspended by branches. 18%
Blowdown cedar on the ground. 22%
Blowdown white spruce, suspended by branches. 20%. If this stuff splits easy enough I'm going to take the rest of the tree home to burn this winter.
Standing dead balsam (died this summer) 25-45%
Live black ash. 45%. This was a surprise as I've heard that BA was a dry tree. However, 3 hours later the ends of the cuts were noticeably drier so maybe it just dries fast.
Live birch. 30%. This surprised me as I would expect it to be higher. However the birch I cut last summer was ready to burn by fall.
Live aspen. 30-45%. This one was dying so I suspect that's why there were varying readings. Normally aspen comes in at 45-50% when green.
Live balsam poplar (balm of gilead locally). 50%
Blowdown cedar, suspended by branches. 18%
Blowdown cedar on the ground. 22%
Blowdown white spruce, suspended by branches. 20%. If this stuff splits easy enough I'm going to take the rest of the tree home to burn this winter.