Damson tree

[anshutz1]

Hi Folks, been given big Damson Tree for fire wood, question is when to cut it down? Should I wait for it to fruit first? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[g4ghb]

if it is still living and there is no rush to clear it why would you possibly want to cut it down before you have harvested all that lovely fruit!?

 

[Mesquite]

Hell, don't chop it down at all... leave it growing so you can go back and pick damsons for years to come.

But if it absolutely has to come down then wait till it's cropped in the autumn so you can make loads of damson jam

 

[slowworm]

Yes, wait for the fruit to be ripe (to eat, make jam, chutneys, wine, damson vodka etc). If you have to cut it down wait until winter when the sap is low and the wood will season quicker. If it's a decent tree the wood could be useful for carving or making other things with as it's quite hard and nicely coloured and can even have a reddish purple tinge in the middle.

 

[Harvestman]

Keep it for the fruit. Damsons are gorgeous.

The wood is very very good for carving and so forth. Fruit woods are dense and close-grained, and often very attractive. You might get a few offers for trades.

I wouldn't cut down a living tree unless I really had to, especially a mature fruit tree.

 

[anshutz1]

I get what you all say, but the owner wants it gone, whether I have it or not. I will wait till after fruit though. Thanks for all help, as always.

 

[lannyman8]

well as it must go try and wait untill winter, the sap will all be in the roots which means the wood will season a little quicker, split and stack off the ground with a cover over the top, leave the sides open though so the wind can get into the centre and dry it all out....

hope this helps....

chris.

 

[lannyman8]

ps if you get some nice bits with lots of colour keep them for knife handles for me.....lol.....

 

[anshutz1]

No worries, thanks for help.

 

[Paulm]

Leave till late autumn or winter and the sap is low, and don't use for firewood, much too good ! Good for carving, knife handles, turning etc, not firewood !!!

Cheers, Paul

 

[ged]

And send me some cuttings!

 

[Harvestman]

You could do very well out of this tree!

 

[Harvestman]

Ooh, just seen that you are not that far from me. If you need any help with the damsons, or the wood, just let me know...

 

[Cpt-Jack]

We have tons of damson trees growing in our garden, they just grow wild. I dont want to cut any of them down though, far too tasty.

Does anyone know what greengage wood is like? I have an old greengage tree that fell over last year, its more or less dead now and in need of chopping up.