Ash??
Tom Norton
So as I venture back into turning I have a question about ash. I have 2 ash trees that will need to come down this Spring because of emerald borer. Is there a concern about saving & using some of this wood to turn?
Ash??
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Re: Ash??
#2Re: Ash??
John K Jordan
No, as long as you don't move green wood to another area. But try to take the trees down now instead of the spring when the sap is up. Insect damage in the spring and summer can be significant if the logs lay on the ground. And if you want to keep the bark on for natural edged turnings cut in the winter.
Re: Ash??
#3Re: Ash??
Don Stephan
If using a tree service, winter rates here in Cincinnati are noticeably less than spring/summer/fall.
My understanding is the emerald ash borer larva only lives in the cambium layer right under the bark, not damaging the sapwood or heartwood. However, if the tree is already dead there may be tunnels from other insects in the wood. My observation is that standing dead ash begins to weaken and soften within a very sort time. The same might be true for ash logs lying directly on the ground.
Re: Ash??
#4Re: Ash??
Dick Coers
I'd definitely not leave the bark on. As mentioned, it can be a city of bugs and trails. Very hard to retain the bark anyway on a sick and dying tree.
Re: Ash??
#5Re: Ash??
RP
I wouldn't get too excited about it. It most likely will be riddled with tailing filled worm holes.
RP