« back to Wood & Lumber forum
11-01-2011 09:11 PM
|
The reason for my post is to share frustrations that a lot of us feel when trying to identify a specie of tree by bark, leaves,twigs, etc. I have access to definitive information on the topic via a doctoral dissertation that was later published in 1988 , by the University of Georgia press, authored by Robert K. Godfrey titled “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Florida and Adjacent Georgia and Alabama” . This is a 730+ page tome with illustrations and is as thorough as you can get. I wish everyone had a similar text from their area to thumb through. It was a gift from the family. Now the reason I mention it is that in a recent forum I posted a question as to what I should do when cutting down a particular damaged tree. I received many great suggestions and a lot of good information. It was suggested in one response that I consider environmental factors that might have contributed to the “condition” of this tree. This entailed cutting down a small tree & examining growth rings to look for drought effects etc. It was suggested that I cut down one of several small maples in the vicinity of this tree for informative purposes. The difficulty jumped out immediately since there are no maples growing nearby. Then it struck me when I went back out to take a closer look ! The sand oak is surrounded by several small trees with smooth grey mottled bark and looking like they were related. There appears one blue beech (am. hop hornbeam), one american holly, and one magnolia . But no maple. So I looked around the lot , remembering a florida trident maple to be in residence nearby. I have photographed them all so you will be able to see the similarities at a glance . I also photographed the leaves (that I could reach and cut off) the blue beech had grown tall to compete for sunlight and although a traditionally second story dweller, this one was really up there and inaccessible . mea culpa ! Why should anyone give a flying crap ? Well if you want to know where your material comes from, the knowledge is essential. I love my book and am fortunate to have it, but for everyone living outside my region, there is always the co-operative extension service in each state’s land grant college where such information is available and of course there is the computer and google. A book is nice because you can keep it in your car/truck/van etc. and have immediate access to definitive information. Knowledge is a wonderful thing. There is also a fantastic source in the state of Kentucky at the Univ of Ky. cooperative extension service lumber research station at “Quicksand” Kentucky ! If they don’t know answers about forest trees , no-one does.(I hope they haven’t lost their funding and disappeared !) Thanks for reading and if you have any more information resources to share, please let us all know ! don schneider, porchfish@porchfish studio, north florida!
 magnolia, holly,trident maple
 Trident Maple (florida maple)
 Blue Beech (Am. Hop Hornbeam)
 magnolia
 American Holly
 Front : normal healthy sand oak , Rear : burled scabby sand oak
-- The pig caught under the fence is always the one doing all the squealing !
|
1 reply so far
#1 posted 11-02-2011 04:23 AM
|
Hey Porch,
Thanks for posting this and for the nice pics. I am a tree guy as well having fell in love with tree ID when I was in Forestry School a couple of centuries ago! I am in central Georgia, and here is a link to another fine tree ID book for our area. You may already have it.
http://www.amazon.com/Native-Trees-Southeast-Identification-Guide/dp/0881928283
-- Danny Located in Perry, GA. Forester. Wood-Mizer LT40HD35 Sawmill. Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln. hamsleyhardwood.com
|
Have your say...
You must be signed in to reply.
|
Forum |
Topics |
Woodworking Skill Share
Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Have you had to compromise your project...
|
12028 |
Woodturning
On the lathe, by the lathe: do you have questions? frustrations? tips? This forum is for all the woodturners out there.
|
2106 |
Woodcarving
Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. If you are a carver or want...
|
431 |
Scrollsawing
Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...
|
340 |
Joinery
Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.
|
1370 |
Finishing
The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...
|
4904 |
Designing Woodworking Projects
Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...
|
6695 |
Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories
Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...
|
28056 |
CNC Woodworking
Questions and answers about CNC machines, tooling, best practices, and projects.
|
212 |
Hand Tools
Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...
|
5408 |
Jigs & Fixtures
Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...
|
1419 |
Wood & Lumber
Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. Share your tips and challenges ...
|
6232 |
Safety in the Woodworking Shop
Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! Eyes, ears, fingers, and...
|
1388 |
Focus on the Workspace
Are you looking for or do you have tips to share regarding the workshop? Storage, equipment placement, efficiency, an...
|
2154 |
Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking
If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. If you...
|
1186 |
Woodworking Trade & Swap
All of us are holding onto treasure in our shops, that we either don't need, don't want, or could part with if presen...
|
4756 |
LumberJocks.com Site Feedback
Connect with the Website Gurus and tell us what you are thinking, suggestions, problems, functionality issues, and so...
|
2200 |
Coffee Lounge
Need a break from all the standing and wood dust? Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei...
|
8845 |
|