drying question

[trapper]

cutting wood for a lady from church again this year.  Cutting as much ash as I can because it is the best to burn without a long drying time.  Most is cut to 15in. and about 4in thick.  Hickory and oak are also available.  I know oak takes 2 years but what about hickory?

[gspren]

   What does she burn it in? While 2 years gives supreme burning oak, I've burnt plenty of oak and hickory that had 6 months drying.

[beenthere]

For sure, in 6 months the oak will burn..  just not as much heat from it as would be if well seasoned.

[CTYank]

Depends a lot on how & where it's stacked. If stacked off the ground to the S of any building or obstruction, with free air movement, and top-covered, hickory will be fine with a summer of drying.

Oak, particularly red oaks, really need another year. Even sawmills plan on 2X air-drying time for them.