question on cutting ash

[timmyd]

hi everyone. just wondering if it's too late in the year to cut ash and be able to peel bark off. some leaves are starting to turn already but I would assume until temps fall into the 30s the sap should still be up in the trees correct?

[Del the cat]

Any time is good... (IMO)
Del

[George Tsoukalas]

I bet it is ok but it depends on where you live.
If the leaves are still on it is probably good to go.
I've never adhered to that anyway. I always cut wood when I needed it.
If the the bark doesn't't peel off be more careful. Get close with a draw knife and then scrape it off.
Jawge

[osage outlaw]

Check for borer damage before you cut.  All of the ash trees in my area are dead or dying. 

[Hamish]

 You can cut ash any time of year but if you cut it when the sap is up and the humidity is high will probably get bluestain. Wood goes grey and is not as attractive as normal ash. It is a cosmetic and not structural defect, so you can still make bows from it.

[Pat B]

Cut a small branch and see if the bark will strip easily. If it does, the rest of the tree should also.

[timmyd]

well I'm cutting it tomorrow or Tuesday so well see what happens. I've tried drawknifing winter cut hickory and just can never seem to do the job without digging into the back

[High-Desert]

I cut an ash today, and it peeled just fine, but our leaves here haven't changed at all yet.

[timmyd]

well got it cut. it wasn't a big tree but I'll get a few nice staves out of it. of course it opened up in torrential downpours ad soon as I had them sealed. so I have no choice but to get them air dried today

[High-Desert]

Very nice! It's alway feels great to have a supply of staves. We look forward to seeing what you turn them into.