Growing my own

[germdoc]

Wood, that is. I planted a linden tree in the backyard to provide some much-needed shade and visual interest, along with some crabapple bushes, ornamental grasses, etc. I have always liked the look of linden trees--nicely shaped, fast-growing, not messy with their "droppings", etc.

I didn't realize until today that this is the source of basswood. One of my very first projects, an antique-appearing telephone stand, was made of basswood. I built a guitar recently made of basswood.

So, if I ever get tired of this tree, I will know what to use it for...

(Picture shows tree to right, in front of my garage and shop.)

[tseavoy]

I never knew that basswood/linden was used much for furniture making. I made a basswood end table in high school shop once and it didn't turn out very good. It was warped wood to begin with.
However, a year or so ago I had a shoji screen door made by a professional who lives about a hour away from here and he used basswood for the frame and grating. It turned out great. I never knew basswood could look so good.
You should have seen his shop!! Talk about precision woodworking.

Tom on Marrowstone

[pelligrini]

Most of my first woodworking projects were out of basswood, in the form of architecural models.

Once some lower limbs get to size and need to be removed, looks like you'll have a box project to do.

[Copper]

That tree'll give you some nice shade in a few years. Keep in mind that Japanese beetles LOVE linden trees. Keep an eye out for them. They won't kill the tree but they'll eat most of leaves and stress it out. A systemic insecticide (such as Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insecticide) early in the season helps. The city planted a bunch on linden trees on a street near my house. They're usually brown and covered with beetles by the end of July. I haven't seen as many this year though.

[cgallery]

Good idea, I think I'll plant a lignum vitae tree.

[Daryl]

Thanks to the local squirrel population I can count on a few black walnut popping up in my garden, yard, or flower beds.

[Zenaca]

Hey I Daryl got about 15 in my yard and garden this year also!

Saves me havin to plant any.


Bud