Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

The suitability of using standing dead Elm for a garden structure.


Baldbloke
 Share

Recommended Posts

As per the title, is this suitable for outside in a garden?

 

Planning on using four trunks as uprights over a patio purely as I’ve access to plenty. It’s all standing dead without bark and as hard as nails. Planning on welding up some heavy feet to keep the bases away from ground dampness and giving the wood a few coats of clear preservative. Am I being stupid, or have my plans merit?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

Weld plates so the water isn’t trapped at the bottom remove the bark ,you are better off if you can use heartwood, might be too large.think about the top stop water collecting in the joints and most important post pictures when complete 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Weld plates so the water isn’t trapped at the bottom remove the bark ,you are better off if you can use heartwood, might be too large.think about the top stop water collecting in the joints and most important post pictures when complete 

Was planning on selecting trunk sizes suitable to go rather than getting it milled out. It’ll have a roof over the structure but it will be fit and finished by chainsaw. Pictures🤣I’ll see how rustic it looks, and nothing will be happening until the end of the summer.
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Woodworm can be a problem with Elm, though the heartwood should still last a fair few years.  And of course look out for pockets of rot.  Otherwise sounds like it will be lovely.  Am jealous in fact - wish I had loads of Elm near me...

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Woodworm can be a problem with Elm, though the heartwood should still last a fair few years.  And of course look out for pockets of rot.  Otherwise sounds like it will be lovely.  Am jealous in fact - wish I had loads of Elm near me...

The bigger ones only have girth diameters of around 15” as it has grown together tightly packed. There’s height but no specimens or burrs. In previous cutting it seems the rot is limited to the bases and roots. The bigger the trees, the more the more the rot extends further up the trunk from the root. I took down a large elm in the garden a few years ago and the heartwood near the base was like blotting paper for eight foot up the trunk. I’ll just be selecting 4 to 6 uprights of around 12” diameter, coating them as much clear preservative as they’ll take and ensuring the eaves of the roof help protect them further from the elements.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

55 minutes ago, Baldbloke said:


What a lovely old barn.

I just remembered the cladding is Elm as well  !!     I have used old engine oil to paint / treat timber with and it is a lovely colour when first done . if done when it is dry it soaks in well so as not to be messy to touch ...

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.