Broken branches in the yard okay?

Newbsi · Mar 12, 2016

I see the list for safe and toxic trees/plants. My back yard is full of trees and there are some quite large tree branches that have fallen off.
Would using those broken branches be okay?
How do you prepare the branches (what do you use to clean or disinfect)?
I was looking at the Java Tree stands and they are 350-450 and that seems like so much money to spend if I could safely make something myself.

SailBoat · Mar 12, 2016

If the trees that the branches are from are in fact safe, yes you can use them for perches, etc...

First, remove the bark from the branches. This will assure that any bugs that common hide in the bark and any chemicals that may have found their way to that tree are also removed. Dawn is a great all around soap base and with a stiff brush you can clean anything else that may have been missed during debarking.

Second, dry the branches over night outside and above the ground. If you have a screened in porch, all the better.

Three, closely inspect the branches for any signs of bugs. This is your last chance before you bring them inside, so look closely.

Four, get creative!

NOTE: If the branch has been on the ground for several weeks, I would not waste the time on prepping and using it. Just my two cents!

Newbsi · Mar 12, 2016

Thank you!

TexasWade · Mar 20, 2016

I can't find it now, but I was reading something about this a few days ago. The thing I read mentioned tossing your tree branches in the oven at about 250F for a half hour or so. Assuming your branches fit in the oven and aren't too stinky, that seems like a pretty effective way to sterilize your found wood!

itchyfeet · Mar 20, 2016

TexasWade said:
I can't find it now, but I was reading something about this a few days ago. The thing I read mentioned tossing your tree branches in the oven at about 250F for a half hour or so. Assuming your branches fit in the oven and aren't too stinky, that seems like a pretty effective way to sterilize your found wood!

We do this when we've collected pinecones for shredding

Flboy · Mar 20, 2016

FYI, if it is safe, you can leave the bark on!

Broken branches in the yard okay?

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