Tree ID & Properties

There are many reasons for the need to identify trees, for instance, making shelters, fires, tools to name a few.

The Scout Wood Burning Properties Used to be taught like this:

These hardwoods burn well and slowly, Ash, Beech, Hawthorn, Oak and Holly, Softwoods blaze up quick and fine,
Birch, Fir, Hazel, Larch and Pine, Elder and Willow you’ll regret Chestnut green and Sycamore wet! Wikihow has some great info linked Below…

 

Ash

The best wood for burning as it provides both flame and heat and will burn when green if unable to find any seasoned wood.

Used for: firewood, charcoal and handles for tools.

 

Beach

Almost as good as ash but green wood is not as good as ash, never camp under a beech they are notorious for dropping their branches.

Used for: Beechnuts as a coffee substitute or be ground into flour. firewood, and handles for tools

Blackthorn

The best wood for burning as it provides both flame and heat and will burn when green if unable to find any seasoned wood.

Hawthorn

Similar to blackthorn.

Oak

Sparse flame and the smoke is acrid but very old dry seasoned oak is excellent for heat, burning slowly and steadily and producing little ash.

Yew

One of the best. Burns slowly with a fierce heat and the scent is pleasant.

Elm

Unpredictable since dutch elm disease. Can smoke violently. One large log put on before bed will keep the fire burning until morning.

Holly

Good only when seasoned.

Laurel

Has brilliant flame.

Pine

Burns with a splendid flame, but is apt to spit. The resinous Weymouth pine has a lovely scent and a cheerful blue flame.

Laurel

Has brilliant flame.

Plane

It Burns pleasantly but can throw sparks if very dry.

Rhododendron

The thick old stems, being very tough, burn well.

Walnut

Good with a pleasant scent.

Apple

Very good as it burns slowly and steadily, creating little flame but a good heat and smells nice.

Birch

Good heat but burns away quickly and also smells nice.

Cedar

Snaps and crackles and gives off good heat but little flame, it smells nice but needs to be fully dried out before burning.

Cherry

Slow burner produces good heat and nice smell.

Hazel

Good for burning.

Hornbeam

Almost as good as beech.

Maple

Good for burning.

Pear

Good heat and a good scent.

Plum

Good heat and scent.

Pear

Good heat and a good scent.

Sycamore

Burns with a good flame and moderate heat.

Alder

Poor in heat and doesn’t last.

Douglas Fir

Little flame or heat.

Elder

Average, quick burner creates and lot of smoke but not much heat.

Horse Chestnut

Good flame and heating power but spits a lot.

Larch

Crackly, scented and fairly good for heat.

Lime

Burns with a dull flame.

Poplar

Poor to fair.

Sweet Chestnut

Burns when seasoned but spits excessively making it unsuitable for campfires.

Spruce

Burns too quickly and with too many sparks.

Willow

It Burns slowly with little flame even when seasoned, and is apt to spark.