Maple Tree being cut down by city. Is any of this salvagable? (pics)

[DTBoss]

Hi,
An old twisty but large maple tree is due to be cut down by the City of Raleigh 'soon'. I'd love to see it's wood used by woodworkers. I'll likely grab some branches for carving, as I don't have any means to mill logs, but I thought I'd put this out there for anyone else whose interested. How does one go about finding out when these will be cut down? Do they every work our arrangements with sawyers? Thanks. Tree is on Cutler St. in the Boylan Heights neighborhood.

Dan

ps. Sorry for the neck pain. I can't seem to make the pics stand up!

 

[Bear Republic]

You would need to talk to the Arborists in the Parks Dept. They will generally cut trees in the parks and right of way. start there. Most often the trees they cut are not very useful for lumber.

 

[Jeff]

I don't think that a sawyer would want to touch that tree. Many old "yard" trees have hidden metal from years ago and Boylan Heights began in the very early 20th century. The tree appears to be a red maple (Acer rubrum) and that twisty and gnarly growth suggests that the tree has been under a lot of stress over the years. There's a nasty damaged (perhaps rotting) area in pic #3.

 

[scsmith42]

I think that I’d take a “pass” on any logs from that tree. Too much stress and probably a lot of metal, not to mention the voids.

 

[SteveColes]

How about turning blanks?

 

[awldune]

How about turning blanks?

Blanks from this tree will be very interesting, for better or worse. If this tree was outside my house I would grab a couple for sure.

 

[DTBoss]

If I somehow wind up with some, I'll let you know!

 

[Bear Republic]

I'm pretty sure if you ask when they are getting set up I'm sure heh will let you grab a couple of the cutoffs. Just let them know what you're interested in.