Don't mess with that bone, someone might have put mouse poison in it! That happens sometimes to strong independent types, like bigfoot.
Well, here is another one I've never heard of. Would love to cut and burn some to see what it is like.
Looks like Sourwood - I don't have any that large on my property but bark and growing in clumps is near identical And welcome aboard
Nope, just an enthusiast. I couldn't think of a more fitting woodsmanlike username, so I picked my favorite hobby. So those might be sourwood? Looks like I'll be doing some leaf checking in the late spring. I'm on a mission to know now.
You won't have a hard time ID'ing them - as they flower mid summer. Looking at your initial round pictures I'd almost 100% guarantee it's all sourwood(also know as Sorrel) see the pith of the round if it looks pearlescent on a fresh face cut that's for sure Sourwood. I cut a bit to get it out of my way, seasons top-covered in a year-1-1/2 and burns very nicely
Ive ruled out Sassafras after you posted the live trees. The branch pattern doesnt match. The bark looks like Persimmon but the wood doesnt. Im not real familiar with Sourwood so Ill go with that. You will have better luck when the leaves come out.