how to identify split logs

[Art R]

My wife bought some firewood a few months ago and I was looking at it as possible smoke wood. Problem is, she doesn't know what kinds of wood the salesman said it was.

Is there a reliable method for identifying wood from the split logs?

Here in Illinois we have all kinds of trees so it could be anything or more than one kind.

Thanks!

AR

 

[John Mason]

You'd have to be able to identify the bark referencing against pictures.

Or you could cut and plane a surface and get scientific about it

 

[michael mc]

Leaf and bark are the most reliable indicators, once it's been split down, grain, color, and smell are your best bet. Hard to get from a book!

 

[Bryan S]

Bark is the easiest with what you have. Take some well lit upclose pics of the bark and post them.

 

[Greg Kemp]

I found TVWB website has a page with pics of wood.
Here is the link: pics of wood

aloha!

Greg Kemp

 

[Art R]

After comparing the bark on the logs to the pictures here and on other sites, I believe my logs are Ash.

Anyone smoke with Ash?

AR

 

[Greg Kemp]

I haven't used ash to smoke with but I've read that it burns fast and has a light but distinct flavor which goes with fish and red meats. Just make sure it IS ash.

Let us know how it somkes!

Aloha!

Greg Kemp