Ash for arrows

[Lucasade]

Last year the Council coppiced a load of ash trees by the side of the road in our village. They are now all growing back nicely. If I wanted to thin a few stems out (to help the rest grow of course), will I get better arrows from 1, 2 or whatever year old stems?

[Pat B]

You'll always get better shoot arrows from at least 2nd year growth. The problem is that some species are too big by the end of the second year.  It won't hurt to try a few and see how they turn out.  I've made and shot doweled ash arrows but not ash shoots.

[Lucasade]

Sounds like I should grab a few this year and a few next year then and compare - thank you. It's for warbow arrows so big isn't necessarily a problem.

[Pat B]

If you keep an eye on them during the growing season you can remove unwanted limbs as they emerge in the spring and early summer. Remember, the shoot probably won't grow any longer, just more in diameter.

[BowEd]

Split em naturally,and make 3/8" squares and go from there.

[Lucasade]

Sorry, just noticed your reply.

I've got half a dozen logs that I picked up when the loggers were doing the coppicing, about 4-5 inches diameter, that will be split down. I just thought using fresh growth would get me some more with less effort!