Splitting Elm for Firewood...Easy or Difficult?

[@michaelrivest2107]

Hey Dan great content ! we have an over abundance of standing dead elm here in southwestern Ontario, and yes you are correct, it really gives the splitter a workout as its very stringy............but great burning in my opinion.

[@stanleykeith6969]

Dan, how funny that the center log came out of that Big Elm..........WOW ! That was a First for me !!!! I think that Elm split pretty well, I would like to have some of that to split.

[@Back40Firewood]

Yeah the center coming out was pretty cool...there's another round I'm gonna try to just knock that center out of it without splitting it...lol

[@fricknjeep]

hi there that round inside the big round was caused by ring shank . plan on being there tomorrow night , some one has to make grinding comments to try to keep you in check , good splitting john

[@Back40Firewood]

lol....looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night.

[@terryhart2413]

I have cut and split tons of elm. In Michigan the Dutch Elm disease in the 60s took out a lot of these trees and many were very large. Standing dead with no bark. Splitting green is one thing but Splitting dry is even tougher. But heated my house for quit a few years and we sold tons of it people loved it because it was so seasoned.

[@denisricher1349]

Dan, I was told once that if you have elm... cut the rounds in warm weather and split the rounds when frozen.... Helps to eliminate the "Stringyness"

[@EuroYardService]

Like many others mentioned already, I believe the low temperatures helped to pop the fibres better. In our neck of the woods we have bylaws to not keep elm stored after felling.

[@billobermeyer660]

Glad to see that elm s[lit well for you as depending on the type and timing could really make a difference!

[@m9ovich785]

being Frozen helps to Dan. My 35 Ton blows right through Elm, and I put a chunk of Horse Stall Mat on the Foot Plate so the Wedge cuts all the Way down. Thanks. Mike M.

[@bwillan]

That was interesting how that one round popped the center right out of it without it splitting.

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

That is from wind/storm damage. When this happens, it's called "Ring Shake"

[@outdoorsinthe608]

That’s some great splitting elm! I believe it’s Siberian Elm, I have split it before👍👍

[@randyvoiles6579]

Great wood for my woodmaster

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Probably a year and a half ago, I took down a massive American elm on my property. It was a beautiful shade tree, but succumbed to dutch elm disease. I wasn’t bad to split with my splitter, but impossible to do with an axe or maul like I normally do. Burning elm is good though. It’s not my favorite, like oak or sugar maple, but it’s not the worst thing I’ve burned either, like birch or poplar. I would say it’s like cherry or red maple, right in the middle of what I have available. One thing I like about elm is the stringy pieces that are often hanging off the wood. Once those season, they’re like having built in kindling. Throw it on some coals and those stringy pieces catch quickly.

[@cut4fun50]

Red elm makes good firewood splits easy, lots of ashes only drawback. Also seems susceptible to ring shake like some of your rounds showed, center core separated.

[@gringopines3476]

HAY ( D ) FINALLY GOT BACK FROM SINALOIA. I WAS WITHOUT INTERNET FOR A MONTH, MORE OR LESS. I SAW YOUR SHORT THE OTHER DAY AND SAID THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT COOKIE FOR THE CABIN. THAT ELM LOOKED JUST LIKE A HEART. I SEE YOU STILL HAVE A LOT OF SNOW. THEY GOT A COUPLE OF DUSTINGS AT THE CABIN, BUT WE WERE, NT HERE TO SEE IT. WE WERE BUISSY FIXIN THE HOUSE IN SINALOIA & HANGIN OUT WITH FAMILY. STAY COOL BROTHER... PEACE...

[@Back40Firewood]

Yo G Pines....good to hear from ya my friend. Yeah I still have the one round from the Shorts that has nice heart shape to it, might buzz a cookie off that for a wall hanger to hold axes. Snow just won't go away up here...we might not make to 50 degrees all March...lol

[@billboyd7938]

I've never split green elm, but I have split a lot of standing dead. Smaller pieces split like this video, but big pieces are stringy. The problem isn't with splitting. The problem is pulling the last bit apart after the splitter has gone it's full stroke. Those strings want to hang on. In my area, Dutch Elm disease takes them out while they are still pretty young. Most of the time my rounds are under 15 inches, but every now and then I get a tree the size you just split. I like Elm. It stinks until it's dry, but burns a lot longer than cherry or Ash.

[@McKameyFarms]

I’ve personally never split elm. But to me those particular splits didn’t look too bad. That was really cool how the center heartwood popped out of that round 👍🏻

[@karlrovey]

The center heartwood is why it's hard to split. If you're splitting with a maul, good luck going through the heartwood.

[@danshouseofsmokeandoutdoor7119]

I went got load not sure if it was elm or gum. The stuff I got split hard. I ended up 1/4 it with the saw. I sure it make some good wood. That tall single wedge make it lot nicer. Keep up the good work.

[@rustymiller2855]

Yes Elm is good firewood. Doesn't burn down very well tho. Leaves alot of ash. Here in PA there's at least 3 or 4 different species of Elm the Elm on our property is miserable to split. You get wore out pulling it apart after splitting it

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Small elm in the summer is a pain to split because of the stringy nature of the wood. Doesn't split nice and clean, looks more like string cheese when you pull the splits apart. Other than that, it burns nicely. Have never had more than a stick or two of elm in a load of logs so can't pass proper judgement on elm.

[@timthompson6338]

I think elm is a really good burning wood. I've split some really nice elm and some really bad and stringy elm. Your right when it standing dead it's a bear to split. Stay safe my friend

[@bobladerach5131]

You must have caught that Elm in very good condition. I keep a hatchet on my splitter, to finish it off !!! LOL

[@knottwworking]

You broke that elms heart Dan!

[@Back40Firewood]

LOL...yeah these rounds have a interesting heart shape to them.

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Dan!!😀😀 That elm looks a lot like Chinese elm. Chinese elm usually splits pretty easy. American elm is the elm that splits really hard and is really stringy. Take care my friend!!😀😀💚💚 Logger Al

[@pyroman6000]

If it stinks like piss, or the zoo, as ontario anthony says- its probably chinese/siberian elm.

[@ElmhorstJ]

That was an easy one. south of me theres a woods that has both easy and very very stringy. growing next to each other ?? The way that center broke out separately was either in a fire or a wind storm.

[@williamellis8993]

I haven't used any firewood in a long time but the last time I tried to split elm (many, many years ago) wth a maul and wedges, it was an absolute nightmare. I buried two wedges side by side at each end and it still wouldn't give up. Bill

[@Back40Firewood]

A long time ago I tried to split a bigger round as well with maul & wedges...after a few swings I was done. Haven't tried with a maul since...lol

[@sethsevaroth]

The trick I found to split elm is to knock the edges first. Then hit the heartwood. Funny enough, it was acquiring a good supply of elm that cemented in my decision to buy a gas powered splitter in 2020. 34-ton champion tears right through it.

[@Back40Firewood]

Ha...yeah we talked on the Wood Hounds podcast that Elm was the reason for the invention of the hydraulic splitter....hahahaha

[@redtailwoods]

I've split some elm. Split fine with a maul when it was green. The rounds that sat for a year didn't split anywhere near as easy. Luckily I had my hydraulic splitter by then!

[@Back40Firewood]

Yep once it seems the drier the wood the harder it splits with Elm.

[@jeffy1466]

Some elm can be very twisted up in the grain. I've split elm that was so twisted that the log twisted as I split and I ended up with spiral shaped wood! Last year I had 3 siberian elm logs milled up, and this looks just like what I had milled. I also don't remember that being a pain in the butt to split. I'm one of the weird ones that likes the smell of elm as well.

[@Winterfell1066]

I had an elm tree that was knocked down in late April of 2024 in MS during a tornado. Abig oak tree also came down and knocked the elm down. I always thought and heard that you don't split elm. I have often cut smaller elms and just left them in 8-10 x 20 lengths and burned them in my main fireplace along with other wood. They always burned fine. However, this time, the diameter of the elm rounds was about 18 inches. Since I had my splinter up today (June 11th) to cut other wood, I decided to try to split it. ........... It split GREAT with my 30 ton splitter. No splintering at all. funny thing is that the bark popped off of every piece even though this is still relatively green wood. My Father is a forester and he always told me that it was not worth it to split elm. I don't know what kind my elm is, but it split just great.

[@Back40Firewood]

Yep there are a few species of Elm that are really stringy and are tough to split, it can also be more difficult to split as it dries...turns rock hard. Some Elm however split fine and aren't a problem.

[@kentcorbett5436]

I don't mind down it's pretty good and as it gets seen seasoned pretty good heat and cold. It might be Dutch elm. I find that not to be a stringing and it also might have a little frost in it and that makes. The wood pop apart don't matter what species it is

[@karlrovey]

It's great if you have a splitter like you do. If you're splitting with a maul or wedge.

[@taumbannon5289]

The last elm I got was a nightmare. That stuff looks not to bad.

[@bobikdylan]

I just gave up on splitting elm with an axe. Hardest wood I've ever tried to chop. I guess I'll just have to cut the logs smaller with the chainsaw.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Have you given any thoughts to getting a 12-way wedge? On the right sized wood, it flies. An easy full cord per hour without trying in 12-16in wood.

[@waynetharp]

There are approximately 35 different species of Elm...You just got lucky with this one (Slippery Elm,maybe??)being fairly easy! It all makes good firewood....

[@davidhickenbottom6574]

Oh good to know, I split some that was still green OMG stringy nasty.

[@Back40Firewood]

I think this was Siberian or Red Elm...and yes once seasoned the boiler will feast on it...lol

[@ml4te5ch4]

@@Back40Firewood Siberian elm for sure. I have tons of it around me, I don’t think it’s actually “red” elm but it may be called that. Obviously has that dark color to it but turns lighter as it dries.

[@coreyriley7160]

Nice work on that elm Shifty. SS. HF. BC.

[@centralmassoutdoors]

Not a big fan of splitting Elm, but it does make good firewood. Dan, my son and I are like the only Packers fans in Mass (LOL). We stopped at Lambeau on his way out to school last Fall. It was an awesome tour. Any thoughts on Rodgers/Jets? I've bled Green & Gold my whole life but have been ready to move on. Thanks for the video!

[@Back40Firewood]

I'm just waiting for when I can order my #12 Jets jersey...lol...It's crazy to think that over the past 30 some years there's only been 2 QBs I've watched as a Packers fan. Many memories I'm grateful for.

[@tomriblett2979]

I have cut and spit elm for many years it is the same as most wood. Once dry it burns hot and fast.

[@philbremenkamp7158]

Some elm might smell like a wet diaper when green but once it has seasoned that will usually go away unless the tree was growing next to a cow pen or leach line

[@jaredhildebrandt7210]

Piss Elm 🤢 didn't realize it back then but WOW did that stink!

[@frankp5992]

If you could count the rings on the outer piece, it would be interesting to find out what happened that year that caused the center part to separate from the outer part. Just saying . . . .

[@tonywoods3197]

I Watched you using the Japa 365 and I have a 280 20inch Bar Sthil Chainsaw and i know you love your 500 StiHL But I couldn't help to See what you thought about the Japa Chainsaw it looks like it has a Oregon Bar and I have a Bunch of Different Saws and One of them i had Was a Schindowa is that what That Saw is i know it can't be a STihL 👍

[@stevekeller9492]

I think you also have to credit your splitting wedge. Given its height and narrow kerf there's not much resistance for stringy species of wood. My old splitter has a narrow wedge as well...every now and again I run a flat file over it to remove any burrs that show up.

[@daviddunnmusic8323]

Yeah the elm rings I have don't split nothing like them 😅

[@lancekippenbrock5307]

It’s similar to pine if it’s cut down in the summer time I’d let it dry.

[@brandonhoad9033]

Any idea what makes the ❤️ wood break loose like that? I've seen it in other woods. Are there other varieties of elm? We have very little of it here and have never seen a big one

[@jeffdutton2500]

That is refered to as "Wind Shake" The heart wood actually breaks away from the sap wood due to the wind movement.

[@rockysplace2368]

All the elm we ever split was tough and stringy .

[@PDeker]

At 2.10 of the video that round the shape of a heart would have made some beautiful disks.

[@toddpacheco4748]

Dan you look like a alien 👽 nice 👍 video

[@Back40Firewood]

Hahahaha...I suppose I sort of do.

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Since Elm is just about none existing here in Washington state, I will take your knowledge on what it was..😁👍

[@Back40Firewood]

lol...I don't think you West Coasters could handle Elm up there anyways.😆🍻

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

@@Back40Firewood : I have a splitter now that can handle anything. So I don't think there is an issue there..😁👍

[@robertdendooven7258]

Were these rounds from the Tree Service and did you check the moisture content? It would be interesting to get data for your theory that very green Elm might be easier to split.

[@Back40Firewood]

Yes these were from the tree service...guessing the moisture % was pretty high. There was water coming out where the wedge would press into the wood...lol

[@robertdendooven7258]

@@Back40Firewood The moisture coming out where the round was contacting with the knife was not visible on the video, so I did not know. Thanks.

[@Back40Firewood]

@@robertdendooven7258 oh yeah...I know. Was just saying it was funny seeing how wet wood can actually be that water gets pressed out of it. Crazy to think some people try to burn it like that in boilers...haha

[@mikebransden452]

You should try splitting dry Eucalyptus !

[@arnecarlsson9740]

Shifty, do you know what kind of person an elmer is? 🤔🤔🤔

[@BarryKramer-vn4wt]

How many ton is your splitter? Mine is 25 ton and really struggles with 20 inch elm rounds.

[@Back40Firewood]

That one I was using there is a 28 ton.

[@BarryKramer-vn4wt]

@@Back40Firewood thnx

[@davidedwards3734]

Looks like if you split it with a single wedge, green uts easier to split. Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@Back40Firewood]

That does help with wood like this...if I would've used a 4 or 6 I think it would've been messy & stringy.

[@glenstokes3970]

I've cut elm all my life and split it , I have to say I hate elm, but my experience there is only 2 ways I would split it , frozen, or dead

[@saltrock9642]

You need to convince people that elm ❤ is the absolute best firewood ever and sell it by the stick. 😉

[@Back40Firewood]

lol...well not sure I'd go as far as 'best ever', but it's not bad.👍🍻

[@firewoodathome]

Elm creates a ton of ash.

[@dmmartin1958]

Hmm, it looks difficult. I'll never try it. Lol

[@tyharland1906]

You can tell it's elm because of the way that it is. Keep it up off the ground,it'll rot real quick

[@tonywoods3197]

Hi Daniel Akins and Elm has No Pitch in it But Yes it can be Stringey 😂

[@ScottMason-ss8ww]

I think they mean by hand, not with a big splitter.

[@tonyr6190]

Yes Dry elm don't split bad, but fresh cut wet elm very stingy

[@raymooney6506]

If u watch for the bark of the tree is twisted it will be hard elm oak hickory

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

You are selling wood , give Amazing Amanda some of that money to buy more boots and shoes , come on Dan !

[@johnbarnes8126]

The red elm splits ok. Try to split some white elm.

[@brandonhoad9033]

I'm gonna be an ass here and ask. Would you please say something to Scheib about horsing those big oak rounds. He's gonna hurt himself pretty bad sooner or later. Thanks. Maybe if Brad would too...

[@Back40Firewood]

I've been telling him that for over a year now...I'll drop him another reminder. 👍

[@brandonhoad9033]

​@@Back40Firewood thanks. Hope he 'gets it' B4 it's too late

[@charlesjochem5981]

Looks like ButterNut?Sure does not look like Dutch Elm

[@Back40Firewood]

I think it was either Red or Siberian Elm.

[@joekrzeminski467]

Here in the Northeast our ELM sure doesn't split as easy as yours appears to,

[@jimschlaugat6475]

The color of that elm looks alot like slippery elm or red elm is the other name. It splits alot better than American elm.

[@Back40Firewood]

Yeah was thinking Red or Siberian Elm perhaps.

[@bradkoste1128]

green yoga pants

[@overson15]

Splits great when it's 10 below..

[@turklayher4794]

Definitely not Chinese elm not stringy enough. But it makes good boiler wood!!

[@Frankzeien]

What I found out from Elm is when it’s frozen or close to it it’s easier to split. Now summer time it’s a whole other story.

[@marvinbrock960]

Your lever splitting! Come swing this Fiskars maul on my pile of White Elm! This stuff is held together by Hate and ill wishes! It’s like beating on a tractor tire! Ugh😂

[@howarddeheer8295]

I've had good luck burning Elm. But it smells like pee burning

[@danthedewman1]

it isnt bad at all to split.........once you have split sweet gum...lol

[@mrglock2313]

Red elm is awesome, white elm sucks

[@Tb-mq1ub]

Gray elm is easy to split red elm is not