Got a fairly quick response to a recent Craigs List ad I placed. I need to learn to ask more questions before I go to see the situation....this guy has 4 dead standing oak trees...2 I may take down, the other 2 larger trees are near structures and power lines so I'll pass on those. Too bad as they are large and look like good wood. Told the homeowner if they are felled by somebody else I'll do the cleanup.
The situation is, the 2 I could fell have been standing dead for 6+ years(gypsy moth infestation?) and have little to no bark left on them. It's obvious they have been bird feeder trees over time and a lot of the outside wood is "crumbly". The base of the trunks do not appear rotted but I do fear that I'll fell these and find rotten wood and little decent firewood. Any way to determine if they are worth it other than actually cutting into them? Last thing I want to do is cut them down and wind up cleaning up a mess with nothing to show for it.
The situation is, the 2 I could fell have been standing dead for 6+ years(gypsy moth infestation?) and have little to no bark left on them. It's obvious they have been bird feeder trees over time and a lot of the outside wood is "crumbly". The base of the trunks do not appear rotted but I do fear that I'll fell these and find rotten wood and little decent firewood. Any way to determine if they are worth it other than actually cutting into them? Last thing I want to do is cut them down and wind up cleaning up a mess with nothing to show for it.