Locust stave

[selfbow joe]

A couple days ago we had some bad weather that I got a lot of trees blown down and leaning. I have about 30 locust trees down. If I cut the straight one in to staves. Would they have checks in them from the wind blowing them down.

[bjrogg]

I'm thinking they probably would have some good staves in them Joe.
Bjrogg

[Pat B]

Joe, you can't really tell if they will have wind checking without looking inside. I think the twisting of long time wind changes would have more adverse effects than trees just getting blown down. Do be careful! Blown down trees can have unseen stresses which you can release by cutting into the tree. Think before you just jump in with your chainsaw.   

[osage outlaw]

Joe, if you got the same storm that we got I think it was straight line winds.  All the trees around here are blown over in a straight line.  I would think they will be OK to use.  I would avoid the areas near the breaks.  There might be some splitting up the trunk from there.  Like Pat said, be careful.

[selfbow joe]

Thanks guys. I will be careful. I see what I can get. If they are no good stave I will have a lot of fire wood.

[crooketarrow]

NO

[Danzn Bar]

Yep what OO said...
DBar

[Dakota Kid]

I would say if they pulled the root ball out of the ground it might be worth a shot. I acquired a couple staves from one that fell that way. I'd stay away from from anything that has visible breaks above the ground. Just remember if you don't expect much you won't be disappointed. If you have to cut it all up anyways, you might as well keep an eye out for a potential bow or two.