Mountain Laurel Wood Branches Wanted

[jennydp]

I am looking to purchase Mountain Laurel branches. Would like 1-2 truck loads depending on price.
Would be interested anytime available. Please contact me at 404-405-2754.

 

[Charles Lent]

Are you sure you want this?

The following was copied from Wikipedia:

[h=2]Toxicity[edit][/h]Mountain laurel is poisonous to several different animals due to grayanotoxin[SUP][11][/SUP] and arbutin,[SUP][12][/SUP] including horses,[SUP][13][/SUP] goats,cattle, deer,[SUP][14][/SUP] monkeys and humans.[SUP][15][/SUP] The green parts of the plant, flowers, twigs, and pollen are all toxic,[SUP][15][/SUP] including food products made from them, such as toxic honey that may produce neurotoxic and gastrointestinal symptoms in humans eating more than a modest amount.[SUP][11][/SUP] Fortunately the honey is sufficiently bitter to discourage most people from eating it, whereas it does not harm bees sufficiently to prevent its use as winter bee fodder. Symptoms of toxicity begin to appear about 6 hours following ingestion.[SUP][15][/SUP] Symptoms include irregular or difficulty breathing, anorexia, repeated swallowing, profuse salivation, watering of the eyes and nose, cardiac distress, incoordination, depression, vomiting, frequentdefecation, weakness, convulsions,[SUP][12][/SUP] paralysis,[SUP][12][/SUP] coma, and eventually death. Autopsy will show gastrointestinal irritation and hemorrhage.[SUP][15]


As a fireman fighting forest fires I was told to stay away from it and not to breathe the smoke, not even just one inhalation of it.

But it's beautiful in the Springtime.

Charley[/SUP]

 

[Jeff]

Curious. Why do you want mountain laurel branches?

Would like 1-2 truck loads depending on price.

Make something interesting from it.

http://awoodrailing.com/products/

 

[jennydp]

I am looking for some assorted projects on my property...a couple of arbors, a gate, etc...do you have any for sale?

 

[jennydp]

Thanks for the info...i wanted it for a couple of arbors

 

[PND]

We have considerable Mountain Laurel on our property in the Va. Blue Ridge but I wouldn't want to cut them. I don't think you need to worry about toxicity (unless you are specifically allergy to this particular plant or you eat them). I never heard of anyone coming to harm from Mt. Laurel. I wonder if a more supple wood might work better for arbors. I never tried to bend them very much but my sense is that they are sort of brittle. I may be wrong and you would know how you plan to make the arbors. Poplar saplings bend pretty readily (better when the sap is up, I would guess) and willow is known for being bendable. Good luck with your projects. I would like to see a photo when you get them done.
Phil

 

[jennydp]

Thank you! Here in the North Georgia Mountains, Many arbors and deck railings are made from laurel as I was told it does not rot so fast. I have a load of locust tree logs that I will be using also, as they too are slow to rot. When I get this done, I will send pics....thanks so much for your input! If I had laurel on my property, I would not cut it either. It is my understanding that you can get permits to cut it from government land. I was told it does grow back after cut.
jenny

 

[ShawnS]

be a bit of a drive for ya, but there is plenty of it here. I'd be happy to help ya out to collect some if you want to come get it.

 

[jennydp]

Thanks Shawn! I may take you up on the offer if I don't find closer to home!!!

 

[ShawnS]

anytime, everyone here has been very nice to me hope I can give back some

 

[Jeff]

It is my understanding that you can get permits to cut it from government land.

The Chattahoochee National Forest is nearly in your backyard. I'd call one of their offices and ask about said permits. Then how to make it happen?

Yes, mountain laurel is claimed to be rot resistant. Neat close up photos too.

http://www.roundmountainbuilders.com/decks-and-rails.html

 

[KenOfCary]

One of the problems with harvesting Laurel is that it grows on the north side of very steep slopes. Some 60 degree inclines are hard to negotiate by foot, let alone machine, but that's where you typically see it. It does not like direct sunlight hence it grows where it is constantly shady. North slope in the mountains.