Massive American Beech

[Giga]

So I've had the itch to collect as I havn't done much this year other then a large Ume. Normal I try and get 4-5 good tree's a year. I sold 5 tree's this year so I wanted to put a few back in my collection. I meant to take more pictures of the process of digging this tree out but I completely forgot. This was the one of the hardest dig's I've done and I almost gave up as this tree it huge despite it's age. it's about 4 feet tall and weights ALOT. Anyway it's a lot term project, with a lot of carving(going to hollow it out) and branch development.

Bout 17

 

[just.wing.it]

Wow, it looks like the big beach trunks out back of my house....
Awesome!

 

[Aeast]

Love me some american beech!

 

[Giga]

Wow, it looks like the big beach trunks out back of my house....
Awesome!
View attachment 140025 View attachment 140026

Yeah the base is impressive on this one, and the fact that there's low branches it was a no brainer

 

[Rusty Davis]

Yep now I'm going to have to go look for one tomorrow! I was very surprised by the weight of these. Ironwood is a well disserved nickname

 

[Aeast]

What's the carving plan?

 

[Giga]

Yep now I'm going to have to go look for one tomorrow! I was very surprised by the weight of these. Ironwood is a well disserved nickname

Just make sure there are low branches, collecting with just a stump gives them a low chance of pulling through. Also make sure the bud haven't began to open yet , moving is ok but you don't want unfurling when collecting.

 

[justBonsai]

I love it. From what I've seen these are harder to rammify and reduce so a big trunk is a good thing!

 

[Giga]

I love it. From what I've seen these are harder to rammify and reduce so a big trunk is a good thing!

I already have 5 American beech for a few years in my collection so I've learned a few things. But yes they are a bit harder, but so damn unique!

 

[Rusty Davis]

My first few are stump ish so I will be very picky today. I do like their unique look and being native makes it that much better! Now to find out how I do with them

 

[whfarro]

I have several beech on my property. I say every year I should do some layers.

Beech still has last autumn's coppery hold over leaves on this rainy spring day.

 

[Giga]

What's the carving plan?

Most likely something like this, though carving is a long way off as I need buds to pop where I need them and havn't chose a front yet.

 

[JudyB]

BIG project! Good luck with it, hope you get buds where you need them.

 

[Giga]

BIG project! Good luck with it, hope you get buds where you need them.

To date it's my biggest tree, and puts my bald cypress to shame in weight.


Lol, My first post has so many phone auto correct errors it's rather comical.

 

[whfarro]

Lol, My first post has so many phone auto correct errors it's rather comical.

My spelling is so bad that even auto-correct can't figure it out half of the time.....

 

[Rusty Davis]

Well I went out on the hunt but didn't find any that I had to bring home. Great day for a walk in the woods though.

 

[Steve Kudela]

Most likely something like this, though carving is a long way off as I need buds to pop where I need them and havn't chose a front yet.View attachment 140069

Good score!!! I wouldn't touch that for two seasons. How about pics from the other sides please.

 

[M. Frary]

Well I went out on the hunt but didn't find any that I had to bring home. Great day for a walk in the woods though.View attachment 140105 View attachment 140106 View attachment 140107 View attachment 140108 View attachment 140111

Those are American hornbeam.

 

[Rusty Davis]

Blue beach, not to be confused with blue balls!

 

[CasAH]

Blue beach, not to be confused with blue balls!

Also called musclewood up here.