Storage of Sitka Spruce from recent windthrow

[Alec_Birkbeck]

Hi,

We have about 10 acres of Sitka Spruce windthrow to clear.

We want to store some on site, for our own future needs and sell the rest.

When it is stored [for example at the side of the road or in a clearing], approx how long can it be there before it starts to degrade/rot?

Thanks,

Alec

 

[Conor Wright]

Spruce goes soft in a relatively short time. Just stacked roadside on the ground and uncovered I'd give it max 3 winters before it's pulp. On hard standing, stacked on bearers to keep it off the ground with a good cover over the top it might last 5 or 6. Possibly more if you maintain or replace the cover. Covering it fresh will trap some moisture too so removing the cover during good drying weather ie cold dry frosty days and breezy warm sunny days helps. If you get that right the first year you can leave the cover on subsequently. This will help extend the length of time it will store for you too.

If you could process it now and stack it in a dry shed or even a polytunnel would be your best bet imo.

 

[Alec_Birkbeck]

23 minutes ago, Conor Wright said:

Spruce goes soft in a relatively short time. Just stacked roadside on the ground and uncovered I'd give it max 3 winters before it's pulp. On hard standing, stacked on bearers to keep it off the ground with a good cover over the top it might last 5 or 6. Possibly more if you maintain or replace the cover. Covering it fresh will trap some moisture too so removing the cover during good drying weather ie cold dry frosty days and breezy warm sunny days helps. If you get that right the first year you can leave the cover on subsequently. This will help extend the length of time it will store for you too.

If you could process it now and stack it in a dry shed or even a polytunnel would be your best bet imo.

 

Thanks for the advice Conor, much appreciated.

[openspaceman]

8 hours ago, Alec_Birkbeck said:

Hi,

We have about 10 acres of Sitka Spruce windthrow to clear.

We want to store some on site, for our own future needs and sell the rest.

When it is stored [for example at the side of the road or in a clearing], approx how long can it be there before it starts to degrade/rot?

Thanks,

Alec

 

Depending on the ground and the coming summer the root contact will keep them good longer than if the wood is harvested and stacked.

[Alec_Birkbeck]

13 minutes ago, openspaceman said:

Depending on the ground and the coming summer the root contact will keep them good longer than if the wood is harvested and stacked.

Interesting, thanks. They are mostly lifted off the ground, stacked like dominoes, and the ground is gently sloping with good drainage.

One concern we had for leaving them on the ground with root-base attached, was having birds nesting and other wildlife making a home during the spring time...