Drying Elm Wood

Advice on drying Elm wood. May 21, 2009

Question
We have a lot of Dutch elm that are dying in our area. I want to slab some of the large diameter trees and air dry them. The climate is dry here in MT. Will these be good for slabs or boards? How do I air dry?

Forum Responses
(Sawing and Drying Forum)
From contributor U:
Odds are you have American elm, and it's Dutch elm disease that killed them. To answer your question, it’ll air dry just fine if a few precautions are taken. First and foremost seal the ends as soon as the log is down. I mean really seal them good using heavy latex paint or anchorseal (I use a heavy latex roofing emulsion). Second, get the boards stacked out of the weather as quick as you can. Last, stack the boards in the order they came off - put the log back together upside down. Stickers every 16", and some weight or straps to restrain the stack and you should be good.

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From Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor:
It is best that you cut the lumber as thin as it will be in finally use (or at least within 1/4" or so to allow for shrinkage and warp). Do not plan to resaw after drying. Elm likes to warp so check drying hardwood lumber for best stacking practices (sticker spacing, top weights, etc.).

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From contributor G:
Elm has a strong desire to move when drying and somewhat tough to work with because of that. Is elm a desirable tree for RR ties?

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From the original questioner:
Why can't one resaw it after it dries?

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From Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor:
Elm trees have a lot of internal stress (growth stress) that is not removable in drying. Hence, when resawing, the lumber will "crawl all over."