Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: parson on July 18, 2011, 02:26:51 pm

Title: Needing some input
Post by: parson on July 18, 2011, 02:26:51 pm

I have an ash tree in the back yard that has died because of ash borers. It grew leaves in the spring, but they are withered now.

Tree is probably 18-20" in diameter. Ya think there are some usable staves in there? The damage under the bark doesn't appear to go very deep into the trunk.

opinions please.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Needing some input
Post by: Michael C. on July 18, 2011, 02:32:35 pm

I wouldn't use wood like that, but I live in the land of many trees.

Title: Re: Needing some input
Post by: Pat B on July 18, 2011, 04:03:15 pm

If you knew before the bores killed the tree you could have gotten some staves from it. I believe the ash bore only affects the cambium of the tree. Once dead whitewood are very susceptable to rot(fungi) rendering the wood useless for bows.

Title: Re: Needing some input
Post by: Cameroo on July 18, 2011, 08:32:31 pm

I wouldn't rule it out.  In my experience it can take a while for rot to set in on a standing tree, even if it is dead.  I have some chokecherry staves that I cut last fall that are growing new leaves on them in the garage... they take a while to dry out, let alone start to rot.  I would split it up and check it out myself.

Title: Re: Needing some input
Post by: aznboi3644 on July 19, 2011, 05:24:30 am

I'd cut that thing down and split it up...See what cha got.  Worse case scenario you have yourself some excellent firewood.

Title: Re: Needing some input
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on July 19, 2011, 01:16:09 pm

We are covered in ash and bore killed trees up here. I would cut it down and split some. If it was breathing this spring you might still be good. The bugs dig tunnels in the cambium which may make you chase a ring or two to get to solid wood. Give it try.