Sassafras

[XCR-2]

I have lots of sassafras on my property scattered throughout my hardwoods such as oak and hickory. Is there any benefit to hinge cutting, total removal or just leave them be? I don't want to have them popping up even more and taking over. That's why I don't know if I should hinge cut.

 

[@fulldraw]

Depending on where you're located they could soon die off to Laurel Wilt Disease. It's killed off a bunch in upper middle TN.

https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/plants/plant-pests-and-quarantines/diseases.html

 

[DoubleRidge]

Depending on where you're located they could soon die off to Laurel Wilt Disease. It's killed off a bunch in upper middle TN.

https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/plants/plant-pests-and-quarantines/diseases.html

We have lost some sassafras in our area of northern Middle TN due to the wilt. Wasn't sure what was going on until we reached out to our Forester.

 

[Ski]

I'd leave them be unless you're just infested with them. They won't outgrow oaks. They're generally an understory tree and when they die standing they often become hollow, which makes excellent homes for all sorts of birds, flying squirrels, etc. By all means if they actually are out competing oaks then thin them out but otherwise they are an excellent food source for all sorts of animals, including deer. In my woods they get choked out and die by the time they get around 15" dbh, but the ground is littered with saplings that deer, turkeys, bunnies, squirrels, and grouse back when I still had them all seem to like it.

 

[TNlandowner]

"they often become hollow, which makes excellent homes for all sorts of birds, flying squirrels, etc."

perfect....

 

[Huntaholic]

Theres no way I would hinge cut them and waste them. Sassafras make FANTASTIC lumber. The ONLY reason its not on par with white oak is there isnt enough of it to support a commercial market.

 

[diamond hunter]

Great firewood,leaves very little ash

 

[BSK]

In parts of the Deep South, Sassafras is THE preferred tree species for signpost rubs.

 

[TnKen]

Great firewood,leaves very little ash

I used it as kindling. It burns hot,fast,and pops a lot.
My grandad called it summer wood. He said that it was preferred for their cook stove in the summer. It would burn fast enough to cook but wouldn't linger and heat up the house.

 

[DoubleRidge]

My grandad called it summer wood. He said that it was preferred for their cook stove in the summer. It would burn fast enough to cook but wouldn't linger and heat up the house.

Interesting....I never heard that before...I appreciate the wisdom from those that grew up in a different time....good stuff....thanks for sharing.

 

[Huntaholic]

Great firewood,leaves very little ash

The old timers around would NEVER burn sassafras for firewood. Superstition says it would cause bad luck.

 

[BSK]

The old timers around would NEVER burn sassafras for firewood. Superstition says it would cause bad luck.

How fascinating. Never heard that before.