Using real branches... help

[JerseyJays]

So, i searched a bunch and couldnt find anything on the topic..

I used a branch in 2 mounts i already returned to customers. The branches were from a live tree and about 6' long each..

I did not preserve them.. just wanted them to dry out (they have no leaves on them)..

anyways, they did not have any bugs on them... but should i have done something to prevent bugs?

what is the normal process when using a real branch? seal it? soak it in something? just dont use them? treat yearly with bug killer?

Thanks for the help!

[lee, tees valley]

if the branch is not rotten or bug infested. it will be fine
no worries

[JerseyJays]

thats what i assumed.. it came from live trees and looked healthy as can be...

should be fine i would imagine..

[trbruning]

as a precaution in the future, bug bombing freezing or sealing with elmers glue is a good way to ensure no bugs

[JerseyJays]

thanks

[Matt]

I use a product in the shop that is bug proofer that says it last for a few months. It's called bug stop and I occassionally sray it on locust roots that I use in scenes. It's just added security that something won't try and invade the wood. You can buy it by the gallon at Lowes for about 8-10 bucks. Works well on threshholds to, bugs crawl across it and are dead.

[gade04]

Got the same deal.  Customer wants to use a cedar branch from his yard. I know cedar naturally repels moths and whatever, but do I need to do anything to preserve the wood itself.  Or will it dry over time?

[alan webfoot]

thanks Matt a friend just brought over a tremendous locust root . He gets lots of them because he's a timber buyer.

[Matt]

Locust root is some of the best to use. Extremely strong and very dense. Only down fall is it has to be pre-drilled,  you won't sink a screw in it!