Dead oaks worth sawing?

[AJ]

Hi all,

I've got a chance to get some post oaks from one place, and also what was called blackjack oaks from another place.  Nothing huge, but 12"-18" diameter logs.

The post oaks have already been limbed, and the remainder is still standing.  A power company came in and did this because the trees were dying, and I guess they didn't want them to fall on their lines.  They appear to be topped well below the line height, so I'm not worried about that part of it.

I'm not sure why they died - I thought I heard oak wilt mentioned.  If so, can they be safely sawn and the lumber used or sold?  I planned on bringing them out to my place for sawing, but don't want to infect my own oaks, which are post and live oaks.  I'm ignorant of oak wilt and decline, and couldn't tell one from the other, or if it matters.

I'd like to salvage the wood, but don't want to cause any problems for myself or any customers.

The blackjack oak is a tree I haven't sawn before - is it a usable wood?  They supposedly died from various stresses associated with a foundation being put in close proximity, more than average rainfall, and a severe webworm infestation.  This info per the county extension agent.  I'm assuming it's a member of the white oak family, but not certain.  What are the characteristics of the wood - hardness, grain, color. etc?

Thanks for any advice,

Andy

[ronwood]

Andy,

I saw up quite a few oak trees that were dead. I would say generally the quality of the lumber is not has good as the lumber from logs cut from living tree.  Most of it has been used on my buildings. Seems to me that there is also more waste also especially with the red and black oaks.  Since I get them free I cut them and what I can't use goes into my wood furance.

Ron

[Buzz-sawyer]

I believe if you bring them home with the bark on you are transplanting wilt to your trees.....and it spreads through red/black like wildfire!!!
As far as the wood it should all be usable though 12 inches will not yield any real  quality other than a wood for a  tie or post...or low grade lumber.
Worth using except for the wilt!!
It spreads through the roots as the systems touch and I believe insects can also spread the wilt from the bark.