What Is Burned Wood Ash Used For?

Ash is a good fertilizer.

According to ThisOldHouse.com, a cord of firewood leaves up to 50 pounds of ash. While some may just discard it or let it burn off, ash has several uses

History

The use of wood goes back to the ancient Rome, where scientists of the day found that it could improve land. The 1790s saw a high demand for wood ash because it contains the potassium needed for fertilizer.

Gardening

Bordering a garden with wood ash helps repel snails and slugs, according to GreenLivingTips.com. Gardeners can also improve their compost by mixing in some wood ash.

Cleaning

Combining water and wood ash results in lye. This turns into an effective soap when animal fat is added, according to This Old House.

Traction

Wood ash proves to be a much more environmentally friendly way to melt ice on a road or provide traction for cars.

Tips

People who need a lot of wood ash should burn hardwoods, which produces three times the ash and contain five times the nutrients of soft lumber.

References

• ThisOldHouse.com: 10 Uses for Wood Ashes1
• Oregon State University-Extension: Wood ash can be useful in yard if used with caution
• GreenLivingTips.com: Uses for wood ashes