Felling and using a holly tree

[tim_n]

We've unfortunately got to fell a very large holly (30-40ft?)

I'm wondering whether there is any way to make use of it? It's a very straight tree with a very thick trunk - I thought about using it for making benches or outdoor furniture for the scout hall.

 

[HillBill]

Holly is a great carving wood, great for kitchen utensils, itslight and creamy in colour. It is also quite a valuable wood.

Burns fairly well too, but that would be a waste.

 

[grip]

It wont have a presevation order on it ,will it? I think I would check if you have'nt already.......

 

[Thetillerman71]

My chopping board was made from a holly tree

 

[tim_n]

It's a substantial tree and I'd love to make something which would stay at the hall, but I'd need it as planks and my wood working skills are still a bit basic. I'm not sure how much it'd cost to get it cut or where how I'd get it done! Does anyone do pickup? I have three other trees that need to go - one cherry plum and two other misc ones but I don't think they're worth saving - the cherry plum has a fungal infection.

 

[tim_n]

Regarding TPO, it didn't but was under investigation last week. just got the go ahead to take it down on the understanding we put one back up, it's too close to the current hall. It's a beautiful tree and a real shame to see it go, but we need disabled access to our hall as well as disabled loos and a shower.

 

[Harvestman]

Holly wood is excellent for all sorts of uses. It is fairly dense and hard, carves well, turns well, and valued by woodworkers. The colour is very pale, and there isn't much grain, but substantial bits of holly are not that common, so a biggish tree is quite a wood resource.

The cherry plum might have interesting grain if it has a fungal infection, and that increases its value to woodworkers like turners and carvers. Fruitwoods are favoured because of their dense grain.

 

[udamiano]

If the Cherry is spalted, and has a nice pattern, then cut into blocks and season it, then resin it, and sell them as scales

 

[Harvestman]

Oh yes, if you have to take it out entirely, don't forget the roots can also be used, as the grain in them is different. If nothing else, it will burn well.

 

[tim_n]

Cherry plum is about 50ft tall - not a small specimen!

 

[HillBill]

All good wood

 

[tim_n]

Only good if I find some way of harvesting it - well beyond my means - neither trunk is less than 6ft circumference! I can't get my arms round them...

 

[Hog On Ice]

wrt holly - I used to have a very nice walking stick I made from a holly branch

 

[Paulm]

Whereabouts in Essex are you Tim ?

Would be worth putting up a post on UK Woodworking forum and see if anybody is near to you that could help ?

Cheers, Paul

 

[Niels]

Make a bow from them!

 

[Baggy]

Hi Tim

Wish I could help, I would love some of the fruit wood to carve but, sadly, I could not shift a whole tree

I suggest you post here
http://www.bodgers.org.uk/bb/phpBB2/index.php

and here
http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/

 

[dwardo]

If i were nearer I would be hassling your for a nice bow length section of the plum. Would make a wonderful bow.
If you do cut it and want it for timber you must keep it as long as possible and seal the ends of the timber immediately after cutting it.
Holly especially as it will start to crack and check as soon as look at it. PVA glue or even paint should do the trick.

 

[tim_n]

Make a bow from them!

Damn big bow!

 

[tim_n]

If i were nearer I would be hassling your for a nice bow length section of the plum. Would make a wonderful bow.
If you do cut it and want it for timber you must keep it as long as possible and seal the ends of the timber immediately after cutting it.
Holly especially as it will start to crack and check as soon as look at it. PVA glue or even paint should do the trick.

Will let you know when it goes - I could be tempted by the return shipping costs if there might be a bow in it for me as well!

 

[EdS]

is worked green holly spilts quick and baddly