Basswood/Aspen use in outdoor environment

[Fredh]

I'm a new member to the forum, so I'm not quite sure whether this is the right section to post my question.  But here goes....
I recently had to clear out a hydro line for my retirement home and ended up with about 100 decent size (10" - 20") Basswood and Aspen/Poplar logs. Since there isn't much current demand for pulpwood in our area (Ontario) they're currently lying at a neighbours' sawmill waiting to be sawn. 
I thought I would get them sawn into mostly 2x's that I could use for framing sheds, outbuildings, etc. and 1x for board-and-batten siding.
Now, I know these woods don't last very well when exposed to the elements.  But I'm interested in opinions/experiences on using these for; a) untreated framing, and b) either painted or stained siding.

[Murf]

Fred, there are still several pulp buyers around Ontario, one of which is not too far north of you in Bancroft.

If you decide to saw the wood instead, it makes decent lumber, but doesn't hold up well when exposed to the weather. If you were to use it for something like framing, then cover it with tin it would probably be fine, but you would have to be real careful about where it meets the ground.

It also makes good firewood, but doesn't give you much in heat value relative to something like sugar maple, but it makes good kindling. It catches easy and makes a bed of coals fairly fast.

[Coon]

Many farmers around here use aspen for fencing and framing purposes.  When used for fencing it is usually put up green and rough as it tends to warp and crack up if you don't.  Do not plane aspen/poplar if you are going to be using it where the elements are going to get at it, whether you paint/stain it or not.  This is because once it is planed it does not seem to let certain paints and stains adhere to it.  Leaving it rough or sanded it will allow paint/stain to be absorbed into the wood and not just on the surface.  Planed aspen/poplar tends to absorb moisture and not let it out very quickly if unpainted and left out in the weather thus creating a place for molds and fungus to grow and degrade prematurely.  If using for fencing put it up when it is green as it tends to warp and get harder once it dries.  If  it does get dried before it is put up predrilling holes is almost a must.  But what the h**l do I know.  Aspen/poplar only makes up 1/3 of my logging and milling income. ;D :D :D ;)
Brad.