Tree identification help

13 years ago

Hi there,

I have 2 of these guys, they are both 50% rotten and need to be removed. I wanted to identify them to see if they are something that can be used for firewood or not, as I know some tree types put off a lot of creosote.

I've been told they may be a corkscrew willow, but the person wasn't totally sure on that.

Second question, I live in Central Indiana, and these trees sit in full sun and about 25 feet from the end of the driveway (and subsequently, the ditch). Would tulip trees grow well in that spot? Thinking of planting a couple there to replace these guys.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
13 years ago
Hey hey. Welcome aboard. Neat user ID!

My guess is bald cypress. Does it have fine ferny needles that all fall off in the fall? A close up of the remaining foliage would be great.

I love tulip trees and they seem do well here in most full to mostly sun spots that are not excessively moist or dry / rocky. Big trees. Go buy one in fall that is showing decent fall yellow color for an added bonus.
Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
13 years ago
Hey hey. Welcome aboard. Neat user ID!

My guess is bald cypress. Does it have fine ferny needles that all fall off in the fall? A close up of the remaining foliage would be great.

I love tulip trees and they seem do well here in most full to mostly sun spots that are not excessively moist or dry / rocky. Big trees. Go buy one in fall that is showing decent fall yellow color for an added bonus.
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Ruffles78
13 years ago
They're definitely corkscrew willow trees.

They can be used as fire wood, but you must dry the wood very well beforehand, and use it in tandem with a hard wood in your fireplace. Willow does not burn hot.

A tulip tree would be a great replacement.
mulchmama
13 years ago
No not baldcypress, which has a horizontal branching effect and a much different form. I think it could be a corkscrew willow. Zooming in as much as I could, the branches do look somewhat contorted, and the foliage looks the right color and texture. A closeup of the foliage would help.

If that is a willow, you will be running into its roots all over that area. It's too bad it wasn't maintained because corkscrew willows are really interesting looking trees.
lucky_p
13 years ago
Corkscrew willow. That's pretty much what they all look like if you let 'em grow into a 'tree'; much more pleasing as a frequently coppiced shrub, IMO. Seem to be fairly short-lived as a tree-form, they end up with lots of dead wood, and decline steadily.

Safe to burn, but will burn quickly, and tends to 'pop' and 'snap' a lot - may throw sparks, so have a spark arrester screen in place.
Wood will rot pretty rapidly, too.