Fallen Trees - Is GRAY ok?

you probably won’t find the same wood on the inside unless its really old. but just check for rot first becuase if it rotted its probably no good.

it is according to the tree pine and poplar have a very short shelf life when they are on the ground, oak, walnut, cherry will last a while longer but pretty much if they have been down for more than 2 years they have deteriated beyond use.

a good test is to sink your chainsaw into them if it cuts easy you may have a bad log. check the end of the log with a hatchet you can tell of it is good wood by how far the bit sinks into the wood

jay angel

-- "not all those who wander are lost" JRR tolken

But if it’s only “kinda” rotted, you may also find some good spalting :)

-- Tom, Central New York

This log laid in the mud for 5+ years. The bark was rotted off and what wood I could see was “gray”...kinda shined up on the mill ;)

-- Urban logger, http://nelsonwoodworks.biz/

I’d open it up the see what I had.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I think Jay’s idea about the hatchet would be the quickest way to determine if there was anything solid inside.

-- Maplewood, MN

I would rip about 2 3” slap off with your power saw and see what you find. Some trees rot from the outside while others rot from the inside out depending on what kind of wood it is.

I like the idea to check it out through a few whacks with the hatchet the best. I’ll pick one up asap.

Thanks folks!

-- MRod, Henderson, Colorado by way of Brooklyn!