more choices than I thought for firewood

[waynebergman]

How do I know the diference between soft maple and hard maple? There seems to be a big difference between the two for heat output. I am in British Columbia Canada. I also have a Yelo cedar and Cyprus suplier. He says the yelo cedar burns hot but I have been told to just use cedar for kinkling. Is there something special about "YELO" cedar or is it just like red cedar for heat? Any thoughts on the cuprus, I didn't even know we had cyprus in the area here but apparently we do. ...wayne

[waynebergman]

Oh I forgot to mention I have some Arbutus that was from a fallen tree from last winters wind storms. I hear it also burn hot.....wayne

[nissanneill]

Hi Wayne,
I can't help you with your hard and soft cedar query but I have a pile of used western red cedar from our school demolition and that is great kindling. With a straight grain, it splits a dream and burns great. Really good for catching the heavier split wood. I use eucalypt (river red gum), for all my heat logs which goes against other members ideas, but it produces huge heat from minimal wood and it is freely availbale here.

Neill