What type of wood??

[steved26]

i got a big pile of wood. Not sure what it is. It does look like 2 different types. Can anyone tell what it might be? Also how does anyone tell what type of wood they are getting for free from like Craigslist if the owner doesn't know? Any type of book or pictures??
Thanks

 

[Ryan'smilling]

The more textured one looks like ash to me. Basswood sometimes looks like that too, though. The other might be a soft maple, red or silver perhaps.

How to determine what's what gets easier the longer you do it. You'll get the hang of the usual suspects in your area.

 

[Mustang71]

The one I'm pretty positive is ash the other does look like a maple it has smooth bark. Ash is real common here on the north east. Burns great.

 

[Hunt4lumber]

Definitely Ash, but I'm saying cherry on the other ( you'll know when you split it)

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[michael j]

Looks like a blend of ash and basswood to me. They can kinda look alike on the outside, but the basswood's not as dense.

Love the smell of basswood burning, though.

 

[moondoggie]

Some of it looks like Bradford pear. I agree with the other that some looks like Ash.

 

[Mustang71]

I cut down a tree that I thought was ash mainly because it looked like ash and was surrounded by ash trees. Once i cut it I realized it was not ash it was a bit more yellow inside. I'm not sure if basswood is effected by the ash borer but I thought it was a dieing ash tree.

 

[babybart]

Poplar and cherry.

 

[Hunt4lumber]

Young white Ash, cherry.

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[Streblerm]

I think it might all be poplar.

As for tre identification, A dichotomous key is what you need. This book is a good start for tree ID
https://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/

The Audubon Tree Guide is good for picture ID


Identification from bark and grain is pretty tough. You almost need to start identifying trees in your area in their natural state (not cut up in a pile). It might be better to learn to identify the wood you don't want. I only mistook willow for black locust one time...

 

[Motorsen]

Picture 3 looks like ash on top of cherry on top of what looks like young oak.

Motorsen

 

[mr.finn]

I would say Ash and Basswood

 

[084Amateur]

Picture 3 looks like ash on top of cherry on top of what looks like young oak.

Motorsen

I thought so too, but those rows of small marks sure look like the work of a sapsucker.

 

[michael j]

The one on the left is white ash, on the right's basswood

 

[JCMC]

Cut to that length I would say it is Firewood. It looks to be Basswood, Poplar, and Ash