Cutting Burl???

Cutting Burl??? · 10-29-2009, 11:03 PM

I have a chance to get some oak burl

.My brother has a large oak on his property that has a LARGE burl around the trunk.The question is can the burl be cut off the tree without killing the tree?

scsmith42 · 10-30-2009, 05:50 AM

Robert, I don't know for sure but this is my opinion...

If the burl goes most or all of the way around the trunk, I dont think that you can remove it w/o killing the tree. The reason is the location of the cambium layer right underneath the bark. If you damage the cambium all of the way around, I think that it will kill the tree.

If the burl is only on the side, and there are not any major limbs located right above it, you may be ok.

Robert Arrowood · 10-30-2009, 09:57 PM

Thanks Scott.I've asked him to send me a pic.Not sure if the burl goes all the way around.

JackLeg · 10-31-2009, 12:05 PM

I agree with Scott. You can saw one off the side of the tree, but if you "girt" the tree, it'll die because it can't feed itself.

boxxmaker · 10-31-2009, 06:32 PM

I'v cut several burls off trees without killing the tree.I just use a sealer that you use when you prune a limb.Can't think of the name right now.