The American chestnut tree was once dominant in forests of the Eastern United States—until a fungus blight killed virtually all four billion of them. Remnants of the population remain, but few are large and almost all of these are severely sick from the blight fungus.
As a result, the primary source of American chestnut wood is old cabins and barns. This wood is likely more than 100 years old. Because I am active in the Maryland Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation, which is working to create a blight-resistant American chestnut tree, I am also able to obtain American chestnut wood from trees that died recently.
Recycled old American chestnut wood (like all old wood) is challenging to carve. It has soft areas, embedded debris such as nails, and insect damage. It is brittle and splits easily. That’s why my prices for carvings in recycled wood are higher than for carvings in new wood.
As a result, the primary source of American chestnut wood is old cabins and barns. This wood is likely more than 100 years old. Because I am active in the Maryland Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation, which is working to create a blight-
Recycled old American chestnut wood (like all old wood) is challenging to carve. It has soft areas, embedded debris such as nails, and insect damage. It is brittle and splits easily. That’s why my prices for carvings in recycled wood are higher than for carvings in new wood.
Through an agreement with The American Chestnut Foundation I offer some of my American chestnut carvings for sale on its Web site. (Under the tab “How Can I Help?” click on “Shop Chestnut Store” and look for the “Virtual Gallery.”) These American chestnut carvings should be purchased from the Foundation’s Web site. Other American chestnut carvings may be purchased from me directly. Either way, a portion of the sale price supports The American Chestnut Foundation’s efforts to restore the American chestnut tree to its former greatness.
American Chestnut
