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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?

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.

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?

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.

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!

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!

sorry CC twas 'new house' that got my old brain confused.
nod nod straighter side branches will make lotsa knitting noodles