Root Ball

[S.Grosvenor]

Apologize if this has been asked before,

I cut off a chunk of a root ball of a tree that was pushed over by a dozer a couple years ago, how do I go about stabilizing?

 

[Russ Andrews]

Cut the chunk into oversize blocks, and allow to dry
a bit more. If you have a moisture meter...dry to about
6%.
dry in open air for an hour or two at a time. Keep it in a closed container
for half a day between.....this allows the wood to dry more gradually
and more evenly....minimizing air checking.

Oversize because the blocks will continue to shrink, and because
if you use a chain saw, you'll get oil on the wood which is best removed
by further sanding.

Send blocks to pro stabilizer like WSSI.

 

[PocketEdge]

That sounds like a good plan. I have never heard that before. what size do you cut the oversized blocks and how do you know the inner part of the block is the same moisture content and not more? Do you leave it to dry for a longer period of time? I have wanted to do this but never knew how.

 

[Russ Andrews]

Cut block size depends on what sizes you want to end up with.
I'd suggest at least 1/4" over on thickness, 3/8 - 1/2" on width, and
3/4" on length.

Since wood dries from the outside, and checking is caused primarily
by uneven drying, it seems to help to dry slowly....in phases A couple of
hours in open air will begin to dry the surface only. Closing the wood up
for a while will allow the moisture to equalize. Repeat....etc.

 

[S.Grosvenor]

Thank you for your help sir.

 

[ernestrome]

People often seal endgrain with wax or paint as more evaporation occurs there which can lead to cracking.