A couple months ago I had the opportunity to buy up a bunch of oak that was bucked the year before. The trunk was 40" across in spots, it seemed good from the outside but when I split it, it was rotten inside. The outside looked good and gray, checked up but I couldn't sell it so, I left some of it. I got three good cords and had to leave about a cord or so. I had to look closely at a cut end to see just a little rot between each ring, at least I know what to look for now.
That is a shame the oak went bad. Usually oak will punk a bit on the outside but the interior is okay. No doubt something like ants got into the middle of that tree.
Yes there were ants, worms and termites in some sections. When ever I see insect damage now I look closely and if I'm paying for trees I take it into account.
Dennis can you clear this up for me? I thought punky was gnarly & hard to split? Does it get punky from starting to decay in the wet soil? Or did it grow that way? And why does it burn hotter? More air in the punky wood? Last question, what makes it bad enough to throw out?
Oak is just the opposite of birch Birch gets punky in the center first. (similar to maple) Have had to burn dry punky wood, smolder (not burn) is probably more accurate , burns down fast, but does have "some" heat value if it's all you have
You get that plow on yet? If so that's why the snow numbers fell. In not go do it then only will get a dusting.
Good question WW. You are correct with the decaying part but no, punky wood will not be gnarly and hard to split; quite the opposite. Punky wood is most times left out in the woods because there is no body to it. It is soft and just falls apart. Another example of punk is if you cut oak. Typically the outside of the log will turn to punk but only an inch or so and won't do any harm except when you pick up a piece, expect a lot of that to flake off so if taking into the house, it can be messy. Also, I've always stated that wood is not a sponge. That of course is referring to wood in the stack and not wood laying right in water. But, if you have any punky wood even in the stack, that indeed can and will soak up water. Another example is finding a tree or some limbs down on the ground that have been there for quite some time. You can just look at it and know it is not worth monkeying with. Why does it burn hotter? Actually this is the first time I've had it burn hot like that!
