What can I do with my Beech tree?

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Captain Caveman
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What can I do with my Beech tree?

Post: # 100790Post Captain Caveman »

We have a new house which we will be doing up a bit and insulating etc but on the south side is a nice big beech tree. It cuts off alot of light from the house, will properly get in the way of the extension and is potentially dangerously close - ie it has to go!

Its quite tall but not really that wide, perhaps 2-3 foot diameter. My initial thoughts were to chip the branches on site and use it for paths between my veg patches, and then chop the wood for the log-burner. But I wonder whether there is anything more useful or inventive that could be done with it?

I'm not sure we want a scuplture, though we could use the base for the support of an outside table, or perhaps kids play feature. Any other more creative ideas?

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Mainer in Exile
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Post: # 100854Post Mainer in Exile »

Beech is a beautiful, light colored hardwood. It's a nice wood for furniture, etc.

The chips would be wasted as walkways: it's the perfect wood for smoking trout and other fish.
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Captain Caveman
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Post: # 101302Post Captain Caveman »

Mainer in Exile wrote:Beech is a beautiful, light colored hardwood. It's a nice wood for furniture, etc.
But I'm no joiner and I don't really feel that as a relatively small tree that will need seasoning, it wouldn't be much in demand by others either, unless someone can tell me otherwise. I agree that wood chip would be a waste, thanks for the input

So what other ideas?

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snapdragon
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Post: # 101303Post snapdragon »

I'm no joiner
you might find a local carpenter or other woodworker who would be interested though - I understand it's a fine wood for turning, and I know it makes good knitting needles, crochet hooks, and spindles as I have some.
On another track though - are you allowed to cut it down? Many trees are considered 'preserved' and if your new house was built near to an old tree it may be one of those.
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Captain Caveman
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Post: # 101304Post Captain Caveman »

The house is over 300 years old and the tree is a fair bit younger!
The planning application includes chopping down the tree which cuts out the solar potential of the house

We're gonna make a lot of knitting needles!

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snapdragon
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Post: # 101308Post snapdragon »

Captain Caveman wrote:The house is over 300 years old and the tree is a fair bit younger!
The planning application includes chopping down the tree which cuts out the solar potential of the house

We're gonna make a lot of knitting needles!
:lol: sorry CC twas 'new house' that got my old brain confused.
nod nod straighter side branches will make lotsa knitting noodles :cheers:
Say what you mean and be who you are, Those who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind
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