Ash Firewood: Can You Burn Ash Green?

Why is ash good firewood?

The Forestry Commission says ash makes an excellent fuelwood, and Stovax says it produces a steady flame and a good heat output. At about 680 kg/m³ it's as dense as oak, according to the Wood Database, so a log of ash holds about as much heat as a log of oak.

Can you burn ash green?

You can, but it isn't a good idea. Freshly felled ash is about 32% water, the lowest of the common firewoods in Forest Research's figures, against 47% for oak. That's why the old saying claims ash burns green. But HETAS and Burnright both say to burn wood at 20% moisture or less, and Forest Research says well seasoned logs can hold about twice the energy of green ones.

How long does ash take to dry?

Less time than most hardwoods, as it starts drier. TRADA says ash dries at a fairly rapid rate. HETAS says hardwood generally takes 18 months to two years to dry. Split it to under 10 cm across, as Defra suggests, and check it with a moisture meter. See firewood moisture content.

Is ash easy to split?

Yes. COFORD lists ash among the straight-grained hardwoods that are easy to split, and Hyndburn Council says it splits easily with an axe.

What does ash dieback mean for firewood?

• Ash dieback is a fungal disease first recorded in the UK in 2012. The Woodland Trust says it will kill up to 80% of ash trees across the UK.
• A lot of the felled timber goes for firewood. The Forestry Commission says local markets may be available for firewood, and the Royal Forestry Society describes ash timber from affected woods being sold mainly for firewood.
• Ash wood can still be moved around Great Britain. Forestry Commission guidance says it may be moved from infected and uninfected sites, and advises brushing leaves and shoots off logs first. The RHS says the movement ban has been lifted.
• Dead ash still needs drying and checking with a meter before you burn it.

Is ash in your logs?

Yes. Our mixed hardwood is oak, ash, beech, sycamore and birch, kiln dried below 20% moisture. The tonne bag is £120 and the XL tonne bag is £160. Prices correct as of 21 October 2026.