Carving is an excellent way of reusing and repurposing a dead or damaged tree. Rather than removing the tree from your garden, making it a piece of art is more practical. It gives your home a creative touch and makes it visually more interesting.
The Popularity of Tree Carving:
Tree carving in UK has become highly popular, and it is a good way of bringing life back to the tree. However, before you call in a tree carving specialist, knowing if your tree is suitable for this artwork is essential. If your damaged or dead tree does not match all the criteria, applying such efforts is useless.
Is Your Tree Suitable for Carving and Sculpting?
Make sure to remember these factors before carving your tree for sculpture:
- Tree Species: First, determine whether your tree is suitable for carving. Different types of timber vary in their durability and strength. You can add some preservatives to make the timber harder, but it won’t work in the long run. The most suitable trees for wood carving and sculpture are Walnut, Chestnut, Elm and Black Locust Oak. It is advisable to avoid tree species such as Sycamore, Spruce, Hornbeam and Birch.
- Stump Dimensions: The stump size will significantly determine if your tree is suitable for carving. The suitable diameter for carving a tree should be between 12 and 39 inches. You can measure the circumference by tying a string across the stump. Mark or hold the other end of the string and measure it thoroughly. You are good to go with the artwork if it remains between 12 and 39 inches.
- Clean Area: We often ignore the importance of a clean area for tree sculpting and carving. The sculptor cannot work in a dirty, ill-organised area, as it would constantly shift their focus off work. Make sure to clean the bottom of the tree and remove the layer of dirt and rock. Once you remove all the extras, you can continue with the tree-carving routine.
These are a few considerations to understand if your tree is suitable for carving and artwork. By collaborating with an expert like Peter Leadbeater, a Chainsaw Sculptor, you can give your dead trees a new lease of life. Peter specialises in carving different kinds of trees and is experienced in offering multiple shapes. If you want to learn more, visit his website today.