My wife and I are planning to build our log home in the next couple years. We're hoping to take the class next summer, but in the meantime, we will be getting the logs and need to preserve them. We have land in Colorado, and the pine beetle is killing our trees nows. We will need to cut these down over the next year, and then plan to keep them on the same property for later building. What do we need to know about preserving them until we have time to learn how to build on our own? The land is at 9000 ft and gets lots of snow and moisture. Thanks for reading this!
DZ
Preserving Logs
09/20/2009 - 16:20
Comments
09/21/2009 - 01:30
Glad to see you here, DZ
You'll find all sorts of information in the free section, and 100 times more in the members section. I encourage you to take the class ASAP.
That being said, this is kind of a "secret" of the member's area. I added the quotes to tell you that there is information online too, Do research into damage due to beetle, and how long you have to peel and preserve the trees before permanent damage sets in.
I have no experience, but I suspect that you may be able to postpone treatment for a season or so.
Anyway, you may ask a boat building forum for information on preserving wood, they use many of the same techniques as we do.
-Peter
10/19/2009 - 20:33
Bug Trees
I have the same situation in southern Wyoming. 9000 feet. I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry cutting the bug trees as they will "season" on the stand. Cut them when you are ready to use them. From the time a tree starts showing signs (postules and red needles) of dying you have at least 4 years to harvest. The wood is colored blue on the perimeter but this does not affect the quality of the wood. I have been building various projects for about 4 years now and the seasoned wood is great--easy to peel, light weight and generally easier to work with. Once you are ready to put the logs up use your choice of the many preserving methods available.
Joined: 2009-09-20