Protecting wood that will be in soil?

[SliK JiM]

So, for a long time now I have had the idea of building a tree for my enclosures from various pieces of wood joined together so that it looks like an actual tree is in the enclosure (rather than just random branches here and there).

However, I can't think of a good/safe way to protect the bottom of the stump that will be buried in the soil without leaching nasty chemicals into the soil (creosote for example). Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions of the right wood preservative to use for this task?

Thanks all!

 

[Ulrich]

If it is dead it will rot. Even the hardwood will do. Unless you use chemicals. Sorry.

 

[Kmw]

Just branches in soil? I would think covering it in some sort of plastic sheet before placing it in the soil would efficiently stop the wood from going moldy.

 

[Carlton]

So, for a long time now I have had the idea of building a tree for my enclosures from various pieces of wood joined together so that it looks like an actual tree is in the enclosure (rather than just random branches here and there).

However, I can't think of a good/safe way to protect the bottom of the stump that will be buried in the soil without leaching nasty chemicals into the soil (creosote for example). Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions of the right wood preservative to use for this task?

Thanks all!

I doubt you can unless you isolate the wood from the soil by wrapping it in some sort of impermeable plastic, but even then moisture would still get into the wood from above and rot it.

What about making a base for your tree out of something that is already impervious? Maybe using something like pcv pipe that will hold the wooden base above the soil line? You could paint it the color of your soil. Or possibly making a stump receptacle out of foam used to make terrarium backgrounds?

 

[Zero84]

wood rot

I would agree with carlton. No matter what you put around that tree in the soil if it isn't alive and doesn't have a chance to dry out on a regular basis it will rot and get mold. I have kept a planted large enclosure for two years and eventually lost the battle of to much moisture. I am not saying it is impossible but it is very difficult. Just fifteen minutes a day of misting in a fourteen hour period will result in mold over a period of time. Good luck! I really hope it works what ever you do.

 

[SliK JiM]

I doubt you can unless you isolate the wood from the soil by wrapping it in some sort of impermeable plastic, but even then moisture would still get into the wood from above and rot it.

What about making a base for your tree out of something that is already impervious? Maybe using something like pcv pipe that will hold the wooden base above the soil line? You could paint it the color of your soil. Or possibly making a stump receptacle out of foam used to make terrarium backgrounds?

Bingo! This is the sort of thing I needed! Now that you've said it, it's such an obvious idea (plus, it will help me get over the issue of trying to find a way to stabilise it)! Queue a *****y paint drawing!

Not only will this keep the tree above the ground, it will also mean I can make a base underneath the soil to stop the tree falling over using the weight of the soil on top as ballast!

I think if I have a few supports holding the tree up (not just the one per the picture) then it would work really well. Maybe even use long bolts or something!

Honestly, this is just the idea I needed! The idea juices are now flowing! Thank you very much!

Keep your eyes peeled for the results in my new enclosure!