Have a burl--now what?

Like a chucklehead, I posted this query to the Wreck rather than this group:

John Wadsworth, in Delhi, NY

To actually give you an answer...

Is it green (ie still wet)? Is it just the burl and no part of trunk of the tree? Is it just part of the trunk of the tree? Is the bark still on the burl?

Just like with a log of green wood, the burl may still be wet and can crack. Often, the inside of burls are just mush and hollow even though it doesn't appear like that all around the outside. You don't know until you cut into it.

You can either split up the burl now or wait until it's dry (assuming it's green now). At least you'll know if it's a usable burl on the inside.

If it's green, the non-bark areas need to be sealed. If you want to be really careful, seal as much of it as you feel comfortable with. Realize that the more you seal the longer it takes to dry.

If the entire trunk is still left on the burl (or the otherway around depending on your perspective), cut as much of the trunk away as you feel comfortable with doing and then seal as per above. Often, I'll leave a couple of inches of the trunk on the burl so that I have something to use as a waste area and not use any of the burl for that when chucking.

No need to really split it down the middle for most burls as they are not oriented with pith in them.

Hope it helps,

- Andrew

I have a few inches of trunk above and below the burl; I'll trim a bit and seal and try to be patient

Very much so--thanks!

John