Happy October to those who celebrate and if you're in Texas, you do! It's finally Faux Fall and we are enjoying the tiniest dip in temps. This month, we are excited to have a guest writer! Our friend, Jason Fricke is the owner and operator of Helmwood Urban Lumber and he's sharing some tips on a topic that people ask about all the time: "can we make something out of a downed tree?" Again this is a very Texas thing (thank you not, derecho and hurricane season). Jason is an expert in milling lumber so bookmark this newsletter. You never know when you might need him!
You can always find me .
My tree kicked the bucket! Can I make something with it?
At Helmwood, we mill logs into lumber from Houston’s fallen trees. Our customers want to turn their fallen trees into something beautiful they can use and enjoy. If that’s something you’re interested in pursuing, here are some initial considerations.
There are a few key steps to turn a log into lumber ready for producing finished goods:
Many mills offer some, but not all, of these services. Before hiring a sawmill, know who will provide each service.
Assess Your Tree
Not every tree is ideal for furniture. Species, length, diameter, and condition all impact the potential and cost of turning your tree into usable lumber. Flaws in the tree can still lead to beautiful outcomes but may limit your options. Ask the mill about realistic expectations for the lumber from your log.
Determine Access
Access can be tricky—especially when dealing with large, heavy logs in confined spaces like backyards. Consider the size and location of your logs, as well as any obstacles that might make recovery challenging.
What Do You Want?
Have some ideas in mind—furniture, flooring, wall art? A sawmill can help determine if your log(s) are suited for what you want made. Knowing your goals will guide the process.
Find Good People to Work With
Ask questions—lots of them. Clear communication with your sawmill is key to a successful project. You should feel confident that everyone is on the same page regarding the process, costs, and your decisions.
