Tree Carvings

[lxt]

In my area there is a gentleman who carves images into live trees, these images usually resemble "Santa" he charges around $100-$150 to do this!

The trees he does this too & I will get some Pic`s up showing what I mean seem to Die about a year later(give or take) I just bid a Pin Oak with this wonderful image in it & the HO wants me to leave the spar above the carving, I agreed, however when they asked why it might have died & I told them their tree carver & his image probably added to the decline significantly they got a little snippy(conservatively stated).

these images are fairly deep & it appears some form of preservative is used to enhance the look(wet look), I am wondering if anybody else has seen this in their area? I have seen several of them & most have been cut down to the point just above the image, I have never seen the person doing the work it is spotted when out bidding other work & now many customers want me to leave the base of their removals high enough for carving.

LXT................

 

[Blakesmaster]

I've never heard of any doing this but I've considered it myself. Seems to me it would be too harmful to the tree though. I'm planning on trying it out on an old, nasty willow this spring ( mainly because I hate those trees and if it dies I don't care ) but I wouldn't think a hardwood like an oak would take that well to it. *awaits assault from an arborist*

 

[ozarktreeman]

yea,lxt have guy here in the ozarks practices the same thing,says it wont hurt the tre as he seals the fresh carving with polyurethane.have actualy become somewhat what of a buddy of his,and trying to talk him out of this practice.with references from the takedowns i do.to the ho,s.which has brought him a good little chunk of bus,latley.

 

[ozarktreeman]

yea,lxt have guy here in the ozarks practices the same thing,says it wont hurt the tre as he seals the fresh carving with polyurethane.have actualy become somewhat what of a buddy of his,and trying to talk him out of this practice.with references from the takedowns i do.to the ho,s.which has brought him a good little chunk of bus,latley.

 

[Slvrmple72]

We have fellas who will turn the whole main part of the tree into a preserved statue with eagles and bears carved into it. I also see the face carvings gaining popularity. Poly or not it is still a wounded area that the tree will have to guard. I have also seen the faces that can be affixed to the tree ( think Mr. Potatoehead ) I recommend these over the carving method and using ss nails to affix them if not wood glue. I will post pics of the tree statue. It is at the intersection of 619 and Cottage Grove Rd. in Green which is south of Akron near the Portage Lakes.