Strawberry Tree Pros And Cons (Timber Milling Insights)

Strawberry Tree Pros and Cons: Timber Milling Insights

The Strawberry Tree, with its vibrant berries and evergreen leaves, is a striking ornamental tree. But what happens when you consider it beyond aesthetics? Can it provide usable timber or quality firewood? That’s what we’ll explore.

What is the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)?

Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe. It’s characterized by its reddish bark, glossy dark green leaves, and, most notably, its red, strawberry-like fruit that ripens in the autumn. These fruits, while edible, are often described as mealy and not particularly flavorful. The tree typically grows to a height of 5-10 meters (16-33 feet).

The Allure and Reality of Strawberry Tree Timber

The initial appeal of milling Strawberry Tree wood often stems from its unique characteristics. The reddish hue of the bark and sometimes the wood itself hints at potential beauty. However, the reality of working with this timber presents several challenges.

Visual Appeal vs. Workability

The wood can be visually appealing with interesting grain patterns, especially in larger specimens. The tight grain, if present, can suggest potential for fine woodworking. However, Strawberry Tree wood is notoriously prone to warping and cracking during drying. This instability makes it difficult to work with, especially for larger projects.

Pros of Using Strawberry Tree Timber

Despite the challenges, Strawberry Tree timber does offer some advantages.

Density and Hardness

Strawberry Tree wood is relatively dense and hard. This means it can withstand wear and tear, making it suitable for certain applications. I’ve personally found that small items like tool handles can benefit from this density.

Unique Coloration

The reddish-brown heartwood, sometimes streaked with darker tones, can be quite attractive. This natural coloration can add character to finished pieces, reducing the need for staining.

Rot Resistance

Strawberry Tree wood exhibits moderate rot resistance. This makes it a decent choice for outdoor projects where the wood is not in direct contact with the ground. I once used some smaller pieces for raised garden bed edging, and it lasted several seasons.

Cons of Using Strawberry Tree Timber

The drawbacks of milling Strawberry Tree timber are significant and often outweigh the advantages.

Size Limitations

Strawberry Trees rarely grow to a substantial size. This limits the dimensions of the lumber you can obtain. Finding pieces large enough for furniture making is a challenge. Most trees I’ve encountered yield only small pieces suitable for craft projects.

Warping and Cracking

As I mentioned earlier, warping and cracking are major issues. The wood is incredibly unstable during the drying process. Even with careful drying techniques, significant losses due to these defects are common. I’ve lost over half of a small batch of Strawberry Tree lumber to cracking, despite air-drying it slowly under controlled conditions.

Difficulty in Drying

Drying Strawberry Tree wood is a slow and painstaking process. It requires careful monitoring and control of humidity and temperature. Kiln drying can exacerbate the warping and cracking issues, so air-drying is generally preferred. However, even air-drying can take a very long time, often exceeding a year for thicker pieces.

Grain Complexity

The grain can be interlocked and irregular, making it difficult to work with hand tools. Planing and shaping can be challenging, often resulting in tear-out. Power tools can help, but even then, care is needed to avoid chipping and splintering.

Availability

Strawberry Trees are not commonly grown for timber production. Finding a consistent supply of logs is difficult. You’re more likely to encounter them as ornamental trees in gardens or parks. This limited availability makes it impractical for commercial use.

Milling Strawberry Tree Timber: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you decide to mill Strawberry Tree timber, proceed with caution and be prepared for challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experiences.

Step 1: Tree Selection and Felling

Tree Selection: Choose a tree that is mature and has a straight trunk, if possible. Look for signs of disease or decay. Remember that Strawberry Trees are often valued for their ornamental qualities, so obtain permission before felling a tree on private property.
Felling: Use appropriate felling techniques, ensuring safety for yourself and the surrounding environment. A chainsaw with a sharp chain is essential. I recommend a chainsaw with a bar length appropriate for the tree’s diameter. For smaller trees, a 14-inch bar may suffice, while larger trees may require an 18-inch or 20-inch bar. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps.

Step 2: Log Preparation

Limbing: Remove all branches from the felled tree. A chainsaw or a hatchet can be used for this task.
Bucking: Cut the trunk into manageable lengths for milling. Consider the dimensions of your sawmill or the size of lumber you intend to produce. I typically buck logs into lengths of 4-6 feet for easier handling.
Sealing the Ends: Apply a log sealant to the ends of the logs to prevent end-checking (cracking). This is crucial to minimize losses during drying. I use a commercial log sealant, but you can also use a mixture of wax and oil.

Step 3: Milling

Sawmill Selection: A band sawmill is generally preferred for milling smaller logs and producing lumber with consistent thickness. However, an Alaskan chainsaw mill can also be used, especially for milling logs in remote locations.
Milling Strategy: Plan your cuts carefully to maximize yield and minimize waste. Consider the natural curvature of the log and any defects that may be present. I typically start by removing the outer slabs to expose the heartwood.
Cutting: Mill the logs into lumber of the desired thickness. Remember that Strawberry Tree wood is prone to warping, so it’s best to mill thicker pieces to allow for some distortion during drying. I often mill boards at least 1 inch thick, sometimes thicker, to compensate for potential warping.

Step 4: Drying

Air Drying: Air drying is the preferred method for Strawberry Tree lumber. Stack the lumber with stickers (thin strips of wood) between each layer to allow for air circulation. Place the stack in a well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and rain.
Sticker Placement: Use 1-inch thick stickers spaced 12-18 inches apart. Ensure that the stickers are aligned vertically to prevent warping. I use hardwood stickers, as they are less likely to stain the lumber.
Drying Time: Air drying can take several months to a year or more, depending on the thickness of the lumber and the climate. Monitor the moisture content of the wood regularly using a moisture meter. Aim for a moisture content of 12-15% for general use.
Kiln Drying (Optional): If you choose to kiln dry Strawberry Tree lumber, do so with extreme caution. Use a low temperature and a slow drying schedule to minimize warping and cracking. I generally avoid kiln drying Strawberry Tree wood due to the high risk of damage.

Step 5: Working with the Dried Lumber

Acclimation: Before working with the dried lumber, allow it to acclimate to the environment in which it will be used. This will help to minimize movement and distortion after the project is completed.
Planing and Shaping: Use sharp tools and take light cuts to avoid tear-out. A hand plane with a sharp blade can be effective, but power tools are generally preferred.
Joinery: Use strong joinery techniques to compensate for the wood’s tendency to move. Mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joints, and other interlocking joints are good choices.
Finishing: Apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty. Oil-based finishes, varnishes, and lacquers are all suitable options.

Strawberry Tree as Firewood: Does it Burn Well?

Beyond timber, the question arises: is Strawberry Tree wood any good for firewood? The answer is nuanced.

BTU Value and Burning Characteristics

Strawberry Tree wood has a moderate BTU (British Thermal Unit) value, meaning it produces a decent amount of heat when burned. However, it’s not as high as hardwoods like oak or maple. It burns relatively cleanly, producing less smoke than some softwoods. However, it can be difficult to ignite and may require kindling to get it going.

Seasoning Requirements

Like all firewood, Strawberry Tree wood needs to be properly seasoned (dried) before burning. This reduces the moisture content, making it easier to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoning typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the climate. I’ve found that splitting the wood before seasoning speeds up the drying process.

Pros of Using Strawberry Tree Firewood

Moderate Heat Output: Provides a decent amount of heat for home heating or recreational fires.
Clean Burning: Produces less smoke than some other types of wood.
Aromatic: Some people find the scent of burning Strawberry Tree wood to be pleasant.

Cons of Using Strawberry Tree Firewood

Difficult to Ignite: Can be challenging to get started.
Moderate BTU Value: Not as efficient as hardwoods like oak or maple.
Limited Availability: Not a readily available source of firewood in most areas.

Firewood Preparation: From Tree to Hearth

If you decide to use Strawberry Tree wood for firewood, here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing it.

Step 1: Felling and Bucking

Felling: Follow the same felling procedures as outlined in the timber milling section.
Bucking: Cut the tree into firewood-length pieces. A typical firewood length is 16-18 inches, but you can adjust this to suit your fireplace or wood stove. I prefer 16-inch lengths for my wood stove.

Step 2: Splitting

Splitting: Split the rounds into smaller pieces to speed up the drying process. A splitting axe or a hydraulic log splitter can be used for this task. I use a combination of both, depending on the size and hardness of the wood. A hydraulic log splitter is particularly useful for larger, knotty rounds.
Splitting Technique: Aim to split the rounds along the grain. Avoid trying to split through knots, as this can be difficult and dangerous. I always wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood.

Step 3: Seasoning

Stacking: Stack the split firewood in a well-ventilated area, off the ground. This allows for air circulation, which is essential for drying. I use pallets to keep the firewood off the ground.
Covering: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for air circulation.
Drying Time: Allow the firewood to season for 6-12 months, or until the moisture content is below 20%. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content. I aim for a moisture content of 15-20% for optimal burning.

Step 4: Storing

Storage: Once the firewood is properly seasoned, store it in a dry, sheltered location. A woodshed or a covered porch is ideal.
Protection: Protect the firewood from rain, snow, and insects. This will help to prevent rot and decay.

Safety Considerations When Working with Strawberry Tree

Safety should always be a top priority when working with any type of wood. Here are some specific safety considerations for working with Strawberry Tree.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or a face shield when milling, splitting, or sanding wood.
Hearing Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs when operating power tools.
Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters and abrasions.
Dust Mask: Wear a dust mask or respirator when sanding or machining wood to prevent inhalation of dust particles.
Chainsaw Chaps: When felling trees or bucking logs, wear chainsaw chaps to protect your legs from injury.
Steel-Toed Boots: Wear steel-toed boots to protect your feet from falling logs or tools.

Tool Safety

Chainsaw Safety: Follow all safety guidelines for operating a chainsaw. Keep the chain sharp, maintain proper tension, and use appropriate felling techniques.
Log Splitter Safety: Follow all safety guidelines for operating a log splitter. Keep your hands clear of the splitting wedge and wear appropriate PPE.
Power Tool Safety: Follow all safety guidelines for operating power tools. Use sharp blades and bits, maintain proper speed and feed rates, and keep your work area clean and organized.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainable Harvesting: Harvest Strawberry Trees sustainably, ensuring that the forest or woodland can regenerate.
Waste Disposal: Dispose of wood waste responsibly. Compost sawdust and wood chips, or use them as mulch in your garden.
Fire Safety: When burning firewood, follow all fire safety regulations. Keep a fire extinguisher or a water hose nearby, and never leave a fire unattended.

Alternative Uses for Strawberry Tree Wood

If you find that Strawberry Tree wood is not suitable for large-scale timber projects or firewood, consider these alternative uses.

Small Craft Projects

The unique coloration and grain patterns of Strawberry Tree wood make it ideal for small craft projects, such as:

Tool Handles: The density and hardness of the wood make it suitable for tool handles.
Knife Scales: The attractive coloration can add character to knife scales.
Small Boxes: The wood can be used to create small decorative boxes.
Carvings: The wood can be carved into small figurines or decorative items.

Wood Turning

Strawberry Tree wood can be turned on a lathe to create bowls, vases, and other decorative items. The wood’s density and hardness make it suitable for turning, and the unique coloration can add visual appeal.

Wood Chips and Mulch

Wood chips and mulch made from Strawberry Tree wood can be used in gardens and landscaping. The wood chips can help to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil health.

Case Studies and Examples

To illustrate the challenges and potential of working with Strawberry Tree timber, here are a few case studies based on my experiences and observations.

Case Study 1: The Warped Table

I once attempted to build a small coffee table using Strawberry Tree lumber. I carefully milled the lumber, air-dried it for over a year, and meticulously joined the pieces. However, despite my best efforts, the tabletop warped significantly after assembly. The table was ultimately unusable, and I had to scrap the project. This experience highlighted the extreme instability of Strawberry Tree wood and the difficulty of working with it for larger projects.

Case Study 2: The Successful Tool Handle

In contrast to the failed table project, I had success using Strawberry Tree wood to make tool handles. I selected small, straight-grained pieces of wood and carefully shaped them to fit the tools. The handles were durable and comfortable to use, and the unique coloration added a touch of character. This project demonstrated that Strawberry Tree wood can be suitable for small, functional items.

Case Study 3: The Aromatic Firewood

A friend of mine used Strawberry Tree wood for firewood in his outdoor fire pit. He found that the wood was relatively easy to ignite and burned cleanly, producing a pleasant aroma. However, he also noted that the wood did not produce as much heat as other types of firewood, such as oak or maple. This experience highlighted the moderate BTU value of Strawberry Tree firewood.

Expert Advice and Recommendations

Based on my experiences and observations, here are some expert tips and recommendations for working with Strawberry Tree timber and firewood.

Timber

Select the Right Tree: Choose a tree that is mature and has a straight trunk, if possible.
Seal the Ends: Apply a log sealant to the ends of the logs to prevent end-checking.
Air Dry Slowly: Air dry the lumber slowly and carefully, using stickers to promote air circulation.
Work with Small Pieces: Use Strawberry Tree wood for small craft projects or wood turning, rather than large-scale timber projects.
Embrace the Imperfections: Accept that Strawberry Tree wood is prone to warping and cracking, and incorporate these imperfections into your designs.

Firewood

Season Properly: Allow the firewood to season for 6-12 months, or until the moisture content is below 20%.
Split the Wood: Split the rounds into smaller pieces to speed up the drying process.
Store in a Dry Location: Store the seasoned firewood in a dry, sheltered location.
Mix with Other Woods: Mix Strawberry Tree firewood with other types of wood to improve its burning characteristics.
Enjoy the Aroma: Appreciate the pleasant aroma of burning Strawberry Tree wood.

The Future of Strawberry Tree Utilization

While Strawberry Tree timber may not be a primary choice for large-scale woodworking, its unique characteristics and potential for niche applications suggest a promising future. As interest in sustainable and locally sourced materials grows, the Strawberry Tree could find its place in the hands of artisans and craftspeople who appreciate its distinctive qualities.

Final Thoughts

Working with Strawberry Tree timber is a challenging but potentially rewarding experience. While the wood is prone to warping and cracking, its unique coloration and density make it suitable for small craft projects and wood turning. When used for firewood, Strawberry Tree wood burns cleanly and produces a pleasant aroma. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can successfully work with Strawberry Tree wood and appreciate its unique qualities.