Is Elder any good as firewood?

I dug out a few ‘large’ shrubs* in the back garden and looking at limbs on an Elder tree it’s big enough to make a few decent sized logs. Any good for log burners / open fires or kindling?

*small trees

NO NO NO!

A folk saying – says that you will bring a death in the family if you do that..

There’s also a bit of sense to the advice too, as it is rubbish for burning.

(Also every elder tree is a witch, so you should talk to them nicely before cutting them down)

You need to respect it.

There’s a reason they have that name.
Don’t.

It’s not brilliant but like all wood, when dry it burns and generates some heat. If it’s free use it unless scared of witches. Don’t buy it though.

Burns ok if you mix it with other wood, i did burn a load and we did have a death in the family. 😯

Superstitious lot you lot eh?

(Also every elder tree is a witch, so you should talk to them nicely before cutting them down)

Mmm. I did feel a bit sad about cutting it down as I think Elder flower is pretty and the berries are good for the birds in the autumn. I expressed this in front of the tree. Do you think that was enough?!

Beechwood fires are bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year,
Chestnut’s only good they say,
If for logs ’tis laid away.
Make a fire of Elder tree,
Death within your house will be;
But ash new or ash old,
Is fit for a queen with crown of gold

Birch and fir logs burn too fast
Blaze up bright and do not last,
it is by the Irish said
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Elm wood burns like churchyard mould,
E’en the very flames are cold
But ash green or ash brown
Is fit for a queen with golden crown

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke,
Apple wood will scent your room
Pear wood smells like flowers in bloom
Oaken logs, if dry and old
keep away the winter’s cold
But ash wet or ash dry
a king shall warm his slippers by.

Good for wands.

Good for wands.

Wand of Elder, never prosper…

Wot about cherry?

Cherry is good. As with others, leave it under cover to dry for a year.

Dry dead Elder twigs picked off the tree are superb for starting a camp fire though. Burn well and give a nice smokey smell almost like kippers.