OT: Dead Trees

CLTX · Nov 26, 2011

Due to the drought, approximately 25% of our trees are either dead or dying. Most of these in my immediate area are pines, exactly what variety I'm not sure. Some of these trees are three feet in diameter and at least 125 feet tall. My neighbor happened to mention last week that once a tree dies, it is no longer suitable for lumber. I have very limited knowledge of forestry, but this doesn't make good sense to me. Is he correct, and if so, can someone enlighten me?
C. L.

GaryinKs · Nov 26, 2011

That is not true.

sixtyninegmc · Nov 26, 2011

To a point it is true, but only in certain circumstances. If you mill lumber green, you can control the drying and shrinkage to a large degree, to reduce loss from cracking, and green wood is much easier on a sawmill. However, if you are willing to deal with loss of some more wood, it is just fine, can make good cabin logs too.

CBBC · Nov 26, 2011

The Pine Beetle has destroyed a huge amount of the forests of cental and eastern BC - and they are moving into Alberta. 5 years ago this was big news.
The standing dead Pine is still being harvested, but it appears after a few years the wood degrades and looses its quality. They thought it wood (pun) hold up longer but they cant log it fast enough.

The only thing good is that the Pine Beetle seems to have either eaten itself out of habitat or the cold winters have ketp its population in check.

If you see kd 2x 4,6 8 etc with purple, black streaking - spalt (sp?) thats beetle wood. I've used a fair amount over that last while and it is fine once it is cut and dried - no noticable differance than the clean white wood. Of course no comparison to the OG D fir for strength etc.

So to answer your question - you probably shouldn't wait too many years to have it milled.
Grant

Earl Gray · Nov 26, 2011

It will be full of holes.

armand tatro · Nov 26, 2011

Google the Forestery Form. Lots of information there. Armand

Zachary Hoyt · Nov 26, 2011

I have a little sawmill and I have milled dead trees successfully. I have done dead elm that has been standing dead for 5+ years and the bark has all fallen off and it has been fine, I have also tried to get some pine that was dead for only a year and mostly it broke up when it hit the ground. My test for your big pines would be to cut one and if it breaks up when it hits the ground it is no good, if it looks okay after it lands I would think you'd be fine. You might have some bug holes but they add character.
Zach

Anonymous-0 · Nov 27, 2011

A lot of pine trees and acacias died her in Oz during our drought due to the lack of water, eucalytps beside them were not affected to the same extent..

Mike (WA) · Nov 27, 2011

They certainly don't "improve with age" after dying, so I'd get them logged and sold as soon as possible. Its unfortunate that it happened, but the sooner you get them out of there, the sooner some new ones can get a start.

OT: Dead Trees

CLTX

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GaryinKs

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sixtyninegmc

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CBBC

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Earl Gray

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armand tatro

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Zachary Hoyt

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Anonymous-0

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Mike (WA)

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