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Choosing firewood
Both make excellent fuel when properly seasoned. Their different burning qualities are one reason they work so well together.
Quick answer
Seasoned ash is valued for dependable heat and a steady burn. Seasoned birch catches readily and produces an attractive, lively flame. A mix gives you the easy lighting of birch alongside the longer, reliable heat of ash.
The most important factor is not simply the tree species: it is whether the logs have been cut, split and seasoned properly before use.
How they compare
Ash is a dense, dependable hardwood. Once seasoned, it lights cleanly, gives sustained heat and is well suited to regular use in wood-burning stoves and open fires.
Birch tends to light quickly and gives a bright flame. It is useful when building a fire and adds lively heat, although it will generally burn faster than ash.
Start with dry kindling and smaller pieces, then add birch to establish the flame. Add ash as the fire develops when you want steadier, longer-lasting heat.
Follow the instructions for your stove and avoid overfilling it. Once the fire is established, adjust the air controls gradually rather than closing them too early.
What matters most
Wet logs spend useful energy driving off water, making a fire harder to light and reducing the heat reaching your room. Store your supply somewhere dry with good airflow and bring in only the amount you need for the next fire.
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