Ceder tree-worth getting

[Don Armstrong]

Went to the bow range the other day. There is a ceder tree that was cut about a year ago that is suspended it the air by it limbs. It was cut to clear a 3D lane. The tree is about 4" at the base and I could probably get 2- 72 " lengths out of it. Before I ask if I can remove this eye sore  :D  , would it be worth getting and trying to make a couple of bows out of. Thanks, Don

[Pat B]

It probably would be worth it if there are only a few or no limbs. Being above ground will slow down the fungal rate on the sapwood. It may or may not be good but the heartwood should be OK. There probably won't be too much heartwood in a 4" tree.
   I would try it myself!

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks Pat, I think I'll make a call tomorrow and see if I can get it. It does have quite a few small limbs that hold it off the ground but a free tree can only cost a little time and a brusied ego if it blows. Don

[Don Armstrong]

Well, I went and got the ceder tree today. I only took the big end. It is 6" on one end and 4" on the other. It looks like I can get at least one good stave that should be clean with no limbs growing out. I sealed both ends with about 6 coats of poly. and put it in my building which gets hot during the day. Should I take the bark off and try to split it into two staves or just reduce it to one. There is also a big tree that has been cut about 2 years but is also supported on it's limbs. There is a lot of limbs on it. They are about 1/2" inch thick. The tree is probably 12 inches in diameter. Would it be worth getting this tree or would the limbs cause it to be usless. Thanks, Don

[Pat B]

Split it in half so the moisture will have a way to escape. Leave the bark on for now but watch it for bugs in the sapwood.

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks Pat, I will split it Sunday. Don