OT-Is this burl??

[DerekR]

Me and my youngest son came across this dead tree on the property. Any idea what causes this? I'm thinking the resulting grain could be
very pretty. I'm not positive what type of tree it is.....maybe oak. I'm considering taking a chainsaw back there and cutting out the
bulbous section. What do you guys think?

[RIHMFIRE]

Maybe a Sugar maple is tapped for sap,

or an old pine tapped for turpentine

[Idiot]

No, Burl Ives is a tad older, has a funny beard, and is a little rounder.

[kaferhaus]

Burl is usually only found in hardwoods at the crotch and larger limb junctions.

I have several very large slabs that I cut out of a Black walnut tree that's been air drying for about 8yrs. Should be ready in another year or two.

[Pete44ru]

If it was mine, I think it would be interesting to cut the trunk off a few feet above the gnarl, then halve it vertically to see what the inside looks like.

And so, I learn..............................

.

[geobru]

That is what I would call a burl. You should get some really interesting grain configurations in that wood. I have seen tables made out of slabs similar to that. The problem is that it appears that the tree has been dead for quite a while and the burl might be too far gone. It would definitely be worth your while to cut into it with a saw to see what is in it.

[Kansas Ed]

It might be interesting to see what's below the dirt too. Stumpwood has some of the most incredible grain you can imagine.

Ed

[Batman1939]

Yes, it is burl. Apparently burls are a result of insect or fungal attacks on the tree. Can't see much of your tree; any chance it could be hickory?

[DerekR]

It could be hickory. Our deer season closes in a few weeks and I will go take a closer look.

Thanks guys!