AusBonsai

I have a titree stump that has exposed dead wood right fown to siol level. I am concerned about that raaw timber. Can anyone advise me re wood preservative / hardener that is native friendly?

Jan

Any of the products used on exotics should be fine. e.g. Lime sulfur or Earls Wood Hardner.

JayC

You can try teak oil (my personal favorite) or Linseed oil .... or you can char the wood to strengthen the structure and charcoal is the oldest form of wood preservation there is. Simple use a mini torch and work the deadwood so that it just starts to change color then brush it with a brass brush....viola...instant preservative and any punk wood is now strengthened. Obviously care must be taken to protect foliage and living tissue. This is a great technique Colin Lewis taught me for preserving and adding color depth to deadwood and doesn't cost a dime.

Thanks, JayC, I was wondering about lime sulfur with natives.

Thanks, Tachigi, I think I'll try the charing thing with this rugged little stump. It should only enhanse the character in it. I might finish up with some wood hardner/sealant on the area that is in contact with the soil.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm here to learn,

Jan

One lesson I learn't from Walter Pall and one of my hornbeams (I guess Pup had something to do with it as well ) is that dead wood always eventually rots away trying to stop it is pushing shari up hill
Maybe that is non conifer wood but I always remember that these days. Work with the rotting don't fight it too much.

Tom has the right idea I use the burn technique on my natives a lot because it actually hardens the wood simulates bushfire's.

Also on most natives will stimulate back budding. I am not a wizz with the computer but I have a couple of posts here showing my use of the blow torch. Very Very carefully I say.
At soil level you can try quick drying cement, as used in making cement fondu. For natural slabs.

Pup