White pine - what is it good for?

[happydog]

We need to cut down some white pines on our new homestead. The excavation guy said they can't be used for burning because of creosote. He also said it probably wasn't worth it to get them sawn into lumber either because there are only a few (maybe 20-30). They're tall, around 40 feet maybe, just guessing.

Can they be used for anything useful? We're going to need a lot of fencing and a couple of outbuildings. It does seem a shame to cut down perfectly good trees and throw them out and then go buy fenceposts and lumber.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Beeman]

I would have them sawed into boards to side out buildings with. I would use the leftover as firewood/kindling. They're not good for fence posts or any ground contact.

[MELOC]

i agree...they would make good siding if you treat them with something, paint them with something or keep them off the ground. i was really surprised to learn that some woods i thought were useless in the weather actually work out ok...like tulip poplar. i always thought it would rot fast, but i hear it is good to use as long as it stays basically dry.

[Otter]

Get it cut!!! Pine is the recommended wood for cordwood construction, you could make outbuildings out of that. It won't make fence posts, but it is practically free boards for a board fence and it will make nice furniture. If anything have it sawn and then sell it to someone who has a use for it. I would love to have 20 forty foot trees worth of pine planks just lying around waiting for a project. I can never get enough 2x4's, pine or otherwise.

Be careful, there are lots of excavation, construction people who will charge you to remove something or even just "throw in" hauling it off to turn around and resell it. That includes, lumber, fill dirt, old appliances, etc.

[RichieC]

How big around are they? That, more than the height, is what determines whether or not they are worth having a portable sawmill come out.

As for the wood itself, white pine was one of the premium construction woods until it became scarce and was priced out by western firs and spruces. It is not a good wood for fence posts or sills, however. But if you use it as you would use spruce, you will be very happy.

It can be burned, though it would not be my first (or even fifth) choice. Dry it under cover for at least a year.

[glenn amolenaar]

Go www.forestryforum.com post on it maybe you can get someone in your area to come out and mill it or buy it. It has a value so do not just doze it do some searching on the forestry forum.

Glenn