Abstract In this study, the extractive contents and the storage-induced emissions from chips of Salix alba, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, and Alnus glutinosa are compared with emissions from Pinus sylvestris chips. Soxhlet extraction was performed, and carbon monoxide (CO) and O2 concentration in the gas phase as well as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of volatile organic compounds were analyzed. Pinus sylvestris showed the highest extractive content in the petrol ether fraction and emitted CO in the highest concentration. Salix alba, B. pendula, P. tremula, and A. glutinosa have lower extractive contents in the petrol ether fraction and the CO concentrations decreased in the headspace accordingly. The emission of aldehydes was lower in the case of woods with lower petrol ether contents (P. sylvestris, S. alba, and B. pendula), but the situation was not as clear for P. tremula and A. glutinosa. The origin of CO and aldehyde emissions is discussed in view of the possible oxidative degradation processes of lipids and terpenes.