Ash wood question

[Steeltrap]

My neighbor has 3 or 4 ash trees that were killed by the Emerald Ash Bore. These trees have been "standing" for about 5 years now and with the storms this year a few have been knocked over.

So, they have been "standing dead" and now they are in a position of easy cutting.

So, (as you can probably tell where this is going) can I cut a rifle length section (of course I could) and how long....or how much longer would it take for the wood to be "dry" enough to use as a stock?

[rexwolfsen]

I have found that after that length of time, the wood in those trees is to brittle for good lumber.

[rich pierce]

Properly seasoned some ash is rock hard. It varies. I use it for tool handles as we have no hickory around here. I personally wouldn’t want to stock a gun with it because of the prominent growth rings and how easily it splits, but I’ve seen some striking looking guns made of it.

I’ve made firewood of dead ash trees and it’s not been as solid as trees cut green then seasoned. The limbs on dead ash are very brittle. Many here avoid taking down dead ash, depending on various factors, for that reason.

[Steeltrap]

Thanks gents!  Looks like it will go to the fire pit.

[Ky-Flinter]

Steeltrap,

Be careful when you're cutting those trees down.  In their condition, when they begin to fall, the trunk may break half way up and fall unpredictably.  Limbs too.

Ron

[B Kauffman]

Steeltrap,

Be careful when you're cutting those trees down.  In their condition, when they begin to fall, the trunk may break half way up and fall unpredictably.  Limbs too.

Ron

He is right all of them that die seem to breakoff about that height
 
They can also split lengthwise and have killed and injured many loggers here in PA.

I have 3 stocks of ash to build my kids eacj a gun when they get older, mainly because the trees are soon all gone. 😕

[RMann]

In my experience you may be disappointed even for the fire pit.  After three years standing dead, it already is partially punky, and not so good firewood. (At least in a humid climate)

[bluenoser]

Standing dead trees like that are referred to as widowmakers in these parts.  Extreme caution is warranted.

[Steeltrap]

All good advice Gents. I don't chainsaw anything bigger than a 4".

I have a guy come (when needed) to trim several trees when they need a haircut. This guy has been cutting trees since he was a kid. He told me he took a "Tree cutting course" when he was a teenager. He said the instructors first words were...."What we are going to teach you is how not to die doing this work."

Sage advice.