Good for Anything? Box Elder Wood

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SuperDIYer

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
Jun 5, 2006
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Location
Grand Rapids, Mi
I have a relatively large Box Elder tree that is dropping lots of deadwood and interfering with other trees that we wish to nurture in our yard. Additionally, since we have lived in the house it has progressively weeped more and more sap from the main trunk, making me real nervous about the structural integrity of the tree. Bottom line: we're removing the tree.

I know the stuff doesn't make real good firewood, and nobody else seems to be able to come up with a use for this wood. Any suggestions here?

Other than using it to fill a hole somewhere, what can this be used for?

Thanks
jtz
 
It makes OK firewood. I burned a cord or so of it this year and it was about the same as soft maple. I wouldn't seek it out, but I wouldn't turn it away either. It is also pretty good for use in the outdoor fire pit, since it doesn't smoke unpleasantly or shoot embers all over the place.

If you decide to get rid of it, there is a fairly active Grand Rapids freecycle group (see freecycle.org for the link to your local group) and the Grand Rapids Craigslist also is pretty active. Both are great ways to connect with someone who wants to take wood from you that you don't want.
 
Hey SuperDIYer,
It is good firepit wood.
May be a good idea to list it under Free Items, in the Grand Rapids Press.

Advertised as, "Free wood. Good for firepit".

Also. Plan on dealing with suckers coming from the stump.
 
What is box elder, is it known by any other names? Just curious.

It's actually one word, boxelder.
(Acer negundo)
Also known as Ash-leaf Maple.
Associates with, eastern cottonmood, willows, silver maple,
also disturbed sites.
They attract boxelder bugs too. Quite a nuisance.
 
They attract boxelder bugs too. Quite a nuisance.

Boy do they ever... Getting rid of my tree won't put a big dent in the bug population, though, because the "neighborhood" still has plenty of these trees.

Thanks to all... I guess I'll get the wood left in chunks, which I can then chop down to size and stack for folks to come grab it. I would have the service do it, but I don't want to pay the service extra to have them chop it down to size!

Happy Spring!
jtz
 
Yes look for those red streaks! Best and highest use of the wood is for turning--connect with local wood turners. Last Acer negundo I whacked was cut up and hauled no charge because the guy liked the red streaks. i even got a nice plate out of the deal.:)
 
Wood Turning - Box Elder

I have noticed on some branches that have been pruned that this tree has lots of red in the heartwood. We'll try contacting some of the wood-working establishments in town.

THANKS!

jtz
 
I haven't used a lathe since woodshop in high school, so it's faded away by now. But woodturning looks like a lot of fun. I see Sears has a mini lathe that will do up to 4'' round for around $160. I may have to pick one up someday to dabble with.
 
its no good for anything really.
id ask for a price on removal.
you could be happy with the price.
and your not out anything for finding out.
they probably already quoted you a price for it though?
 
I haven't used a lathe since woodshop in high school, so it's faded away by now. But woodturning looks like a lot of fun. I see Sears has a mini lathe that will do up to 4'' round for around $160. I may have to pick one up someday to dabble with.

Tom, do yourself a favor and put that $160 back in your piggy bank until you have around $250. Then get yourself a jet mini lathe ( in fact I've seen them on sale as low as $189) You will be getting a much better lathe than anything sears has. The additional $$$ will be rewarded thru better use characteristics as well as resale value if you decide turning ain't for you.

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