Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae Problems (5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing)
“My Degroot’s Spire looked magnificent for years, but suddenly it started browning from the inside out. I salvaged what I could, but now I’m left with a pile of wood and no idea what to do with it. Can I even use it for firewood, or is it just destined for the burn pile?” – Sarah M., Ohio
Sarah’s question is a common one. The majestic Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae, with its elegant, upright form, is a popular choice for landscaping. But like any living thing, it’s susceptible to problems. When disease or misfortune strikes, you’re left with wood, and the question becomes: what now? In this guide, I’ll walk you through processing Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae, focusing on turning potential waste into valuable resources. We’ll cover everything from assessing the wood’s suitability to specific techniques for processing it, along with crucial safety considerations.
Globally, the wood processing and firewood industries are experiencing a fascinating shift. While large-scale logging operations continue, there’s a growing movement towards sustainable practices and utilizing urban wood waste. The firewood market, in particular, remains robust, driven by the increasing popularity of wood-burning stoves and outdoor fire pits. According to a recent report by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), over 70% of American households use some form of wood-burning appliance, whether for primary heating or supplemental enjoyment. Similar trends are visible in Europe and parts of Asia, where wood remains a significant energy source. This demand creates opportunities for individuals and small businesses to turn salvaged wood, like our Degroot’s Spire, into a valuable commodity.
Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae: From Landscape Gem to Wood Source
Degroot’s Spire, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’, is a cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae. It’s prized for its narrow, columnar shape and dense, evergreen foliage. However, it can be susceptible to diseases like bagworm infestations, spider mites, and fungal infections, leading to dieback and the need for removal.
Understanding the Wood’s Properties
Before you start processing, it’s crucial to understand the properties of Arborvitae wood. It’s a softwood, characterized by:
- Lightweight: Arborvitae is relatively light, making it easy to handle.
- Soft Texture: This makes it easy to cut and split, but also less durable than hardwoods.
- Low Density: This affects its burning characteristics, which we’ll discuss later.
- Aromatic Oils: Arborvitae contains natural oils that give it a pleasant fragrance.
Current Statistics and Context
According to the USDA Forest Service, urban tree removal generates millions of tons of wood waste annually. A significant portion of this ends up in landfills. By processing salvaged wood like your Degroot’s Spire, you’re contributing to a more sustainable cycle, reducing waste and potentially creating a valuable resource.
Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae Problems (5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing)
Tip 1: Assessing the Wood’s Suitability
The first step is to determine whether the wood is worth processing. Not all wood from a diseased or damaged tree is unusable. Here’s what to look for:
Step 1: Visual Inspection:
- Rot and Decay: Check for signs of rot, fungal growth, or insect infestation. Soft, spongy wood is a no-go. If more than 20% of the wood is affected by rot, it’s best to discard it.
- Structural Integrity: Assess the wood’s overall strength. If it’s brittle or breaks easily, it’s not suitable for firewood or other uses requiring structural integrity.
- Presence of Chemicals: If the tree was treated with pesticides or herbicides, consider the potential for chemical residues. It’s generally not advisable to burn treated wood, as it can release harmful chemicals into the air.
Step 2: Moisture Content Check:
- Use a Moisture Meter: A moisture meter is an invaluable tool for determining the moisture content of wood. Aim for a moisture content below 20% for optimal burning.
- The “Dish Soap” Test: If you don’t have a moisture meter, try this old trick: place a few drops of dish soap on the end grain of the wood. If the soap absorbs quickly, the wood is likely dry enough to burn. If it beads up, it’s still too wet.
- The “Weight” Test: Compare the weight of a piece of the Degroot’s Spire to a similar-sized piece of known dry wood. If it feels noticeably heavier, it’s likely holding more moisture.
Step 3: Species Identification Confirmation:
- Needle Examination: Confirm it is indeed Arborvitae by examining the scale-like needles.
- Smell Test: Arborvitae has a distinctive, pleasant aroma.
- Bark Characteristics: Observe the bark. Arborvitae bark is thin, fibrous, and reddish-brown.
My Story: I once salvaged a beautiful oak tree that had been struck by lightning. The initial inspection revealed significant charring, but underneath, the wood was solid and sound. After careful processing and seasoning, it became some of the best firewood I’ve ever burned. The lesson? Don’t judge a tree by its cover!
Tip 2: Tool Selection and Safety
Choosing the right tools and prioritizing safety are paramount. Wood processing can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Tool Recommendations:
- Chainsaw: A chainsaw is essential for felling, bucking (cutting into shorter lengths), and limbing. I recommend a chainsaw with a 16-18 inch bar for most Arborvitae processing. Consider an electric chainsaw for smaller jobs and reduced noise.
- Data Point: Studies show that using a chainsaw with an automatic chain brake can reduce kickback injuries by up to 80%.
- Axe or Splitting Maul: For splitting logs into firewood. A splitting maul is more effective for larger, tougher logs, while an axe is better suited for smaller pieces.
- Wedges: Useful for splitting particularly stubborn logs.
- Safety Gear: This is non-negotiable!
- Helmet: Protects your head from falling branches and debris.
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield are crucial to prevent wood chips and sawdust from entering your eyes.
- Hearing Protection: Chainsaws are loud! Earplugs or earmuffs are essential to prevent hearing damage.
- Gloves: Provide a better grip and protect your hands from splinters and cuts.
- Chainsaw Chaps: These are designed to stop a chainsaw chain in the event of accidental contact with your legs.
- Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from falling logs and sharp objects.
Safety Procedures:
Tip 3: Felling and Bucking Techniques
If you’re dealing with a standing Degroot’s Spire, proper felling techniques are essential. If the tree has already been felled, you can skip to the bucking section.
Felling (If Applicable):
- Assess the Tree: Determine the tree’s lean, branch distribution, and any potential hazards, such as power lines or buildings.
- Plan Your Escape Route: Identify a clear escape route at a 45-degree angle from the direction of the fall.
- Make the Notch Cut: This cut determines the direction of the fall. It should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
- Make the Back Cut: This cut is made on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch cut. Leave a hinge of wood to control the fall.
- Use Wedges (If Necessary): If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction, use wedges to help guide its fall.
- Shout a Warning: Before the tree falls, shout a warning to alert anyone in the area.
- Retreat Safely: Once the tree starts to fall, retreat along your planned escape route.
Bucking (Cutting into Shorter Lengths):
- Support the Log: Place the log on a stable surface, such as a sawbuck or another log.
- Cut from the Top Down: To prevent the chainsaw from pinching, cut from the top down, stopping just before the bottom.
- Roll the Log: Roll the log over and finish the cut from the bottom up.
- Cut to Desired Length: Cut the log into lengths suitable for your firewood stove or fire pit. Typically, 16-18 inches is a good length.
Unique Insight: When bucking, I always try to visualize how the wood will split. Look for natural cracks or weaknesses in the wood and align your cuts accordingly. This can save you a lot of effort later on.
Tip 4: Splitting and Seasoning
Splitting and seasoning are crucial steps in preparing Arborvitae for firewood.
Splitting:
- Choose Your Method: You can split wood with an axe, a splitting maul, or a hydraulic log splitter.
- Position the Log: Place the log on a solid surface, such as a chopping block.
- Aim for the Center: Aim your axe or maul at the center of the log, avoiding knots or other imperfections.
- Swing with Force: Swing the axe or maul with a controlled, powerful motion.
- Use Wedges (If Necessary): If the log is difficult to split, use wedges to help break it apart.
Seasoning (Drying):
- Stack the Wood Properly: Stack the split wood in a single row, allowing for air circulation.
- Elevate the Stack: Elevate the stack off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up from the soil.
- Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or other waterproof material to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open for ventilation.
- Choose a Sunny Location: Locate the stack in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
- Allow Sufficient Time: Arborvitae, being a softwood, seasons relatively quickly. Aim for at least 6-9 months of seasoning.
- Data Point: Studies show that properly seasoned firewood burns up to 50% more efficiently than green wood.
Strategic Recommendation: I’ve found that stacking firewood in a zig-zag pattern creates excellent airflow and accelerates the drying process. It also looks quite aesthetically pleasing!
Tip 5: Alternative Uses and Troubleshooting
Even if the wood isn’t ideal for firewood, there are other ways to utilize it.
Alternative Uses:
- Mulch: Arborvitae wood chips make excellent mulch for gardens and landscaping.
- Compost: The wood can be added to compost piles, although it will take longer to decompose than other materials.
- Craft Projects: The soft, fragrant wood is suitable for small craft projects, such as birdhouses or decorative items.
- Animal Bedding: Arborvitae shavings can be used as bedding for livestock or poultry.
Troubleshooting:
- Difficult Splitting: If the wood is difficult to split, try using a splitting maul or wedges. You can also try splitting it when it’s partially frozen, as this can make it more brittle.
- Slow Seasoning: If the wood is seasoning slowly, ensure that the stack is properly ventilated and that it’s located in a sunny area. You can also try splitting the wood into smaller pieces to increase the surface area exposed to the air.
- Insect Infestation: If you notice signs of insect infestation, treat the wood with an appropriate insecticide.
Cost and Budgeting Considerations:
The cost of processing Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae will vary depending on the tools you already own and the amount of wood you need to process. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Chainsaw: \$150 – \$500 (depending on size and features)
- Axe or Splitting Maul: \$50 – \$100
- Safety Gear: \$100 – \$200
- Moisture Meter: \$20 – \$50
- Tarps: \$20 – \$50
Resource Management Tips:
- Utilize Existing Resources: If you already own some of the necessary tools, you can save money by using them instead of buying new ones.
- Borrow or Rent: Consider borrowing tools from friends or family, or renting them from a local equipment rental company.
- Barter: Offer your services in exchange for access to tools or equipment.
- Salvage Materials: Look for free or low-cost materials for building a firewood rack or covering the wood stack.
Idioms and Expressions:
- “Don’t put the cart before the horse”: Prioritize safety before starting any wood processing project.
- “A penny saved is a penny earned”: Be mindful of costs and look for ways to save money.
- “Measure twice, cut once”: Plan your cuts carefully to avoid mistakes.
- “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”: Even if you encounter challenges, there are always solutions.
Next Steps and Additional Resources:
Now that you have the knowledge and tools to process your Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae, it’s time to put your skills into action. Here are some additional resources to help you along the way:
- Local Arborists: Consult with a local arborist for advice on tree care and removal.
- Equipment Rental Companies: Rent chainsaws, log splitters, and other equipment from local rental companies.
- Firewood Suppliers: Purchase seasoned firewood from reputable suppliers.
- Online Forums and Communities: Connect with other wood processing enthusiasts online for advice and support.
Remember, processing wood is a rewarding and sustainable activity. By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can turn a potential waste product into a valuable resource and contribute to a healthier environment. Happy processing!
