Identify tree via bark?

   / Identify tree via bark? #1  

Richard

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Apr 6, 2000
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Knoxville, TN
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International 1066 Full sized JCB Loader/Backhoe and a John Deere 430 to mow with
Though this is another 'tree' question, it's totally different than the one about the (presumed Oak) standing tree I had other day (which by the way, I was NOT anticipating taking down, unless it might be dying)

Yesterday's storm dropped maybe 10 trees in the woods. These are BIG, tall trees. I'm guessing (via leaves in general on the ground) that these are red-oak. I am pretty sure one of them (not sure if it made this picture) is a Poplar tree as one of the branches ripped open and I can see the greenish tinge in the wood.

These fell much like dominos. High up on hill.... one/two fell... landed on neighbor and was enough to push it over....landed on neighbor...

My question is via bark (no tree had any leaves left in the canopy)

Presuming these to be primarily red oak.... AND....that the wife wants to build a detached garage AND a 'greenhouse', this has me wondering. Rather than have these cut up for firewood.... would this type lumber be a good lumber to use for a garage. Or, maybe a cross beam in a greenhouse. I saw them after they fell and the storm passed.... I immediatly thought 'gee... I see a lot of 1x? boards in there so I can make some oak boxes or something... then I realize where on earth are we going to store 10 trees worth of lumber! Which got me thinking, instead of buying lumber for garage.... maybe have this cut into two inch by four inch (verses 1 3/4 x 3 3/4 boards) and now for the cost of milling, the garage can be framed in (again, what I presume to be) red oak.

Question is.... is that a worthwhile way to look at it or are there pitfalls using oak that I'm not thinking about? I might add they are very straight as you can see.




Cluster.jpg


Fallen.jpg
 
   / Identify tree via bark?
  • Thread Starter
#2  
The top picture has five trees, next to each other. Those are what I'm wondering what type of tree are they?

I don't know tree bark.
 
   / Identify tree via bark? #3  
Building with dry oak is different, be prepared to pre-drill for nails or screws. It will last a long time. Those trees could be on the ground for 10+ years and be good for firewood.

I would say I see red and white oak there and one either Ash or Elm but I'm wrong all the time and picture alone are not easy to identify for me.
 
   / Identify tree via bark? #4  
I'm certainly no tree expert, but the one closest in your first picture looks almost like a ash as the bark is woven like a hamock. the others sure do look like red oak. If you cut a 3-4" branch off I think you'll be able to tell for sure about if they are red oak.

No matter if its oak, popular or ash it will make good lumber, the oak will be the hardest and most rot resistant and you certaintly do have a buch in thoes down trees.

Do you know anyone with a portable sawmil?
 
   / Identify tree via bark? #5  
Cannot help on identification but you should have lots of lumber after it’s milled. It can be stickered, stacked and covered with a tarp and left outside. You must allow for air circulation.

If you know what is going to be built the sawyer should be able to come close to the dimensional lumber required.
 
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   / Identify tree via bark? #7  
Nice quality lumber trees and the oaks are suited for veneer logs and valuable. I would contact a forester, not a logger, they are two different strokes. The forester can tell you if they can be sold for lumber. They will remove the trees and deliver them to the best mills. Take the money and go buy the lumber needed and not deal with curing the boards etc.... won't cost anything to check it out.
The forester is honest and looks out for the land owner. Your DNR might be able to help you out and send you in the right direction.
 
   / Identify tree via bark? #8  
Where I live there are very limited application where we can uses rough lumber for construction it need to be graded and stamp... you might want to check that out before starting this project... I don't see any problem for the green house its only a green house but the garages could be a issue.

With a sawmill (roughs lumber) you can't get to exact uniforms dimensions there will always be variations. Constructing a structure with half rough lumber and half process lumber is very challenging. So unless you have a table saw, a planner and a jointer and processes every single piece I would say doing a garage is less then ideal. But I don't see any problem with a green house.
 
   / Identify tree via bark? #9  
The second pic sure looks like a red oak.
 
   / Identify tree via bark? #10  
1st picture poplar-basswood-ash

keep in mind I am not familiar with the kind of trees growing in your area

2nd picture is definitely northern red oak, no doubt about this one
 

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