Asked on Jul 22, 2014

Protecting & preserving wood

Nancy
by Nancy
This "heart" was part of a large holly tree we recently had removed from our yard. I want to keep it for sentimental reasons -- I first noticed it on my husband's birthday and, not having gotten him a birthday present that year, I "gave" him this heart as his gift from me.
Since holly is a hard wood, do I need to do anything to seal or protect the wood and bark? There is already a split developing.
  5 answers
  • The split is developing because the wood is drying out. a clear sealer will help slow down that process, but will change the overall appearance of the log in the process. Personally I would do nothing with the log and perhaps mount it on a block like you would see on a bottom of a trophy. Keep this away from direct sunlight and blowing air and the crack should not get much worse. You can seal the top and bottom of the wood without effecting the look that the bark and heart area provides. That will not detract from its natural look, but slow down the drying process helping prevent the crack from getting worse.
  • Redeemwood Redeemwood on Jul 23, 2014
    Lets just hope it doesn't become a symbol of a broken heart if that crack is where it appears in the photo! If you use any sealer on the bark it will darken it considerably... Sealing the ends will help somewhat as well as keeping it in a controlled environment like a humidity house. Good luck because it is a very cool piece!! Post again is it gets much worse please!
  • Therese C Therese C on Jul 23, 2014
    I'm trying to remember from long ago. One of the men on here may know...I thought we used to use something called Tree Tar (?) when we cut limbs off a tree. Couldn't she seal the top and bottom with something like that, instead of sealing the whole thing?
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Jul 23, 2014
    @Nancy i can't help so sorry but i hope someone can this is so sweet and awesome xx
  • Nancy Nancy on Jul 23, 2014
    Thank you all for your comments. Redeemwood, I don't think you have to worry about any broken hearts -- in August, we will be celebrating our 40th anniversary!