Ash logs

[xlogger]

Got a call yesterday from a local logger than has two 8ft ash logs about 500 bd ft in both logs. I usually saw live edge slabs from this size but was thinking about cutting one or both in lumber, maybe some 5/4 and 8/4 boards. Will the ppb hurt the lumber much while drying? Also with the lumber how clear of boards will bring the best prices. He wants $400 a thousand for them.

[WDH]

They (PPB's) will not bother the lumber until the moisture content falls below fiber saturation point, which is generally less than 25% moisture content.  Ash boards will get there pretty fast as ash has a naturally low green moisture content.  If you spray the lumber with borate, you can sleep better at night.  PPB's just love ash. 

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

The beetle that loves ash is the ambrosia beetle.  This is a high MC beetle, compared to the lyctid powderpost beetle that generally likes wood under 15% MC.   The ambrosia can have three crops of babies or more during the summer.  They love to breed in the wood debris under an air drying pile and in stickers.  So, at the least make sure your AD yard is totally free or wood debris and stacks are well off the ground so the soil under the stacks will be dry most of the time.

Note that after a week of air drying, the average MC of a piece of ash lumber can be over 50%MC, but the outer 1/4" can be well under 30% MC, so you can get infestations quite early in drying.  The infestation actually occurs several weeks to a month or more before you see the exit holes and sawdust piles.  Take action before you see damage. 

Borate spray is ok if the lumber is not subject to rain.  Rain will wash borates away...maybe not on the entire piece, but enough "unprotected" area is exposed to do damage.  The best approach is tidiness, dry soil, and fast drying.

[xlogger]

Would putting the lumber straight to the fans be the best for it this time of year?

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

The "best" is a kiln that runs at about 110 F and 65% RH 24 hours a day.  The next best is in an open shed with fans blowing air when above 50F AND below 90% RH.