Need some advice... BIG Holly Tree

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Woodnknots

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I found out today that I now have access to a VERY large Holly tree. I can go get it anytime I want. The problem is that I am deploying very soon, and won't be around to A.) Use it and B.) Ensure that the bugs don't get to it.

If I was going to be around, I'd take it this winter when the sap is down and the bark is tight, making for some natural edge bowls. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

So, what do I do? Leave it till I get back and risk that I will lose access to it, Get it now and cut it into blanks, or get it now and just store the logs up off the ground as best I can?
 
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If the tree is still up and you can cut it w/o taking the smaller branches/leaves try doing that. After cutting leave it a few days...the leaves will help evaporate as much water as possible until they wither. At that point, you can cut the wood into smaller pieces and slab as shown here by Bill Grumbine...

http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/logcutting.html

Do have some anchorseal as shown here https://www.uccoatings.com/uccoat.php and treat all end grains.

I am sure the guys here will be more than willing to help you dispose some of it if ou ypost some for sale at the individual classifieds [;)]
 
That's a tricky situation. Snow white holly is what everyone wants around here, and really the only time you can get that is during the winter when the sap is low just like you said. Except you may not be able to get to it. However, if you take it now, the wood will be yellowish and you may end up with a bunch of wood that no-one wants. What to do...what to do....
 
Originally posted by Tea Clipper
<br />That's a tricky situation. Snow white holly is what everyone wants around here, and really the only time you can get that is during the winter when the sap is low just like you said. Except you may not be able to get to it. However, if you take it now, the wood will be yellowish and you may end up with a bunch of wood that no-one wants. What to do...what to do....
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Good point. I didn't realize that it was yellowish in the summer. I'll wait, and if my deployment gets delayed till November (minute chance of it, but a chance nonetheless), I'll get it just before I leave. If not, I'll wait till the winter after I get back...
 
Another idea so you don't lose the tree is to make nice with someone on here from Virginia, before you get deployed set up a milling agreement with this person, portion of the wood for their time. I'm not near you or else I would volunteer to do this for you.
 
If the tree were smaller - you could cut it into sections and put it in the freezer to prevent it from turning gray. Take out what you need and cut it, dry it in a microwave or other dryer and use it as needed.
 
The situation is hopeless. Just tell me where it is and I'll rescue it.[;)] Actually, the delay might help you while it seasons. Cut into lengths you can handle and seal the cut ends with Anchorseal as soon as possible. Store indoors or under cover. If possible, I like to slab the wood and square the sides. This exposes more wood and allows faster drying. Also less bark means less chance of buggies getting in there. I didn't know about the seasonal yellow/white thing. But holly that isn't perfectly white can be bleached. About a 25% solution in water and leave 6 to 12 hours. Works fine.
 
I raised the color issue based on information I've read here on the boards in the past. It's possible that I don't know what I'm talking about. [B)] I'm fairly certain that I read that the color of holly is determined by the amount of sap in the wood and that the best time to harvest holly is during the winter when sap levels are low.
 
Originally posted by Tea Clipper
<br />I raised the color issue based on information I've read here on the boards in the past. It's possible that I don't know what I'm talking about. [B)] I'm fairly certain that I read that the color of holly is determined by the amount of sap in the wood and that the best time to harvest holly is during the winter when sap levels are low.
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Your statement sounds plausible. I'll wait till the winter time, if I can...
 
The sap doesn't change the color because of its presence alone, it changes the color when it "ferments", so to speak. In other words - cut a holly tree in the spring or summer and dry the wood IMMEDIATELY, and it will remain white. (Or freeze it immediately in a freezer until needed.)

I made two pens for my daughter's wedding from holly that was cut the last week of April of last year. Within 5 days, I had dried several blanks in a microwave, and they looked great. The other pieces were air dryed and were turning gray by the end of May.

Below are the pens and pen holder for the '06 Memorial weekend wedding (receiption) from a local holly tree cut in late April of 2006:

tn_Wedding%20pens%201.jpg
 
Originally posted by Woodnknots
<br />
Originally posted by Darley
<br />Would be happy to get some Holly from you if you got to much
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WHEN I get the holly, I'll be sure to offer some to IAP members!
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Thanks, just look at my last post ( before this one ) it may help you, keep safe
 
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