When to mill?

[WOODWORKER]

I have several mature Ash trees in Indiana and need to log them before the Ash borer kills them. I plan sawing them with a woodmizer and making furniture when the lumber is air dryed and ready. Is it a bad idea log when the sap is up. Should i wait untill fall? If i  log them now will it affect the lumber or the air drying process?

[JV]

I have been around a couple of old timers who wouldn't fell after February because the logs might "sour".  I have sawn ash year around with no problem.  Biggest thing is to process right away.  Seal the ends with a good sealer to prevent checking and splitting.  Stack and sticker right away keeping out of direct sunlight if possible.  I missed the end of one log and it split 3 feet into the log.  Higher temps are not your friend if you wait too long after felling.  Biggest thing I see  in hot, humid weather is the survivability of the sawyer.   :D  Just my simple opinion, others may disagree.

[mike_van]

You'll find out when you mill the ash that it has very little sap in it, even in summer.  It's always been said you can burn ash green, it's this lack of water [sap] in it that makes it so.  I notice my bands get hot fast milling ash. [much more than oak, maple,etc].

[woodmills1]

ash is easy to cut and easy to dry but needs to be well stickered with white stickers very soon after being cut or will stain.

[tyb525]

Where are you located in Indiana?

[Jeff]

Don't feel you have to rush out and cut your ash trees down because the borers are in Indiana. Unless you have many ash trees nearby that have actually succumbed, you may have years.  Do you see any sign of the trees declining?  You will notice it in the top first.  Its not like they are going to catch fire or blow up or something. You'll have time to mill the wood, even if they do indeed become afflicted and die. The lumber should not be ruined from the tree dieing. Just keep an eye on them for signs of decline.