Thorn Trees: how to safely get rid of them (the thorns)

darrell · 19th April 2011, 07:33 AM

We have a nice supply of thorn trees that we really need to get down. The tree istelf isn't the problem, but how to be sure to get all the thorns so our children and livestock don't step on them... we had thought of laying tarp down, cutting branches off and going from there. I heard the thorns don't burn while green and take so long to 'break down' in the earth if fallen to the ground. Hoping some one has expereince ont his and can advise. Thanks !

Brent Ferris · 19th April 2011, 01:19 PM

Its a tough job. Lay down a good, solid tarp - drop the branches on them and cut up the branches and arrange for disposal or burn in a fire pit (if this allowed in your area).
Wear thick leather gloves to minimize being lanced, keep a magnifier and tweezers on hand for those thorns that penetrate your defences and either polysporin or tea tree oil to disinfect the wounds, The thorns have small protrusions along their lengths, esp at the tips, that angle backwards. These allow the thorn to slip in but retard the removal. It is quite common for the tip to break off inside, even though the bulk of the thorn comes out. Wear thick soled boots (preferably with steel plates) and work slowly and carefully. Eye protection is strongly recommended,
Collect the fallen thorns and small branches by lifting the tarp, and dumping the contents into a large can or bucket and dumping in the disposal area,.

Good luck. Most thorn tree wood, eg Hawthorn burns slowly and gives good heat. Black Locust burns well and long; Honey Locust burns slowly with lots of heat.

Daniel Janjic · 27th April 2011, 09:22 AM

If you have the space to burn, and the time, Kill the trees then burn the lot when they dry. Just use an excavator to push them down into a pile before burning. I've done this with rows of Boxthorn, If you can avoid handling, do it!

Good luck!

Bruce Hopf · 27th April 2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treeshaveneeds

Its a tough job. Lay down a good, solid tarp - drop the branches on them and cut up the branches and arrange for disposal or burn in a fire pit (if this allowed in your area).
Wear thick leather gloves to minimize being lanced, keep a magnifier and tweezers on hand for those thorns that penetrate your defences and either polysporin or tea tree oil to disinfect the wounds, The thorns have small protrusions along their lengths, esp at the tips, that angle backwards. These allow the thorn to slip in but retard the removal. It is quite common for the tip to break off inside, even though the bulk of the thorn comes out. Wear thick soled boots (preferably with steel plates) and work slowly and carefully. Eye protection is strongly recommended,
Collect the fallen thorns and small branches by lifting the tarp, and dumping the contents into a large can or bucket and dumping in the disposal area,.

Good luck. Most thorn tree wood, eg Hawthorn burns slowly and gives good heat. Black Locust burns well and long; Honey Locust burns slowly with lots of heat.

Also watch where you step, as the thorns, will go through the soles of your safety work boots. I had that happen to a friend of mine.
He went to the hospital, and they couldn't find it to remove it, because it broke off, too deep, inside his foot.
Eventually, it worked its way through his foot, and he was able to get it removed, from the top of his foot. Bruce.

darrell · 27th April 2011, 01:21 PM

sure sounds like an ominous task here. the back of the property has thorn trees thu out ~ ~ we should have watched years ago and got em while they were a lot smaller ....thanks

Daniel Janjic · 28th April 2011, 11:46 AM

Napalm.

Brent Ferris · 30th April 2011, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Hopf

Also watch where you step, as the thorns, will go through the soles of your safety work boots. I had that happen to a friend of mine.
He went to the hospital, and they couldn't find it to remove it, because it broke off, too deep, inside his foot.
Eventually, it worked its way through his foot, and he was able to get it removed, from the top of his foot. Bruce.

Hey Bruce, how long did it take for the thorn to work its way thru his foot? And was he able to walk and work during that time?

Bruce Hopf · 30th April 2011, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treeshaveneeds

Hey Bruce, how long did it take for the thorn to work its way thru his foot? And was he able to walk and work during that time?

He was able to walk on it, but he said that it took close to a year, to work it's way through, his foot. Bruce.

19th April 2011, 07:33 AM	#1
darrell Sappling Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: illnois Posts: 6	Thorn Trees: how to safely get rid of them (the thorns) We have a nice supply of thorn trees that we really need to get down. The tree istelf isn't the problem, but how to be sure to get all the thorns so our children and livestock don't step on them... we had thought of laying tarp down, cutting branches off and going from there. I heard the thorns don't burn while green and take so long to 'break down' in the earth if fallen to the ground. Hoping some one has expereince ont his and can advise. Thanks !

19th April 2011, 01:19 PM	#2
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: Thorn Trees: how to safely get rid of them (the thorns) Its a tough job. Lay down a good, solid tarp - drop the branches on them and cut up the branches and arrange for disposal or burn in a fire pit (if this allowed in your area). Wear thick leather gloves to minimize being lanced, keep a magnifier and tweezers on hand for those thorns that penetrate your defences and either polysporin or tea tree oil to disinfect the wounds, The thorns have small protrusions along their lengths, esp at the tips, that angle backwards. These allow the thorn to slip in but retard the removal. It is quite common for the tip to break off inside, even though the bulk of the thorn comes out. Wear thick soled boots (preferably with steel plates) and work slowly and carefully. Eye protection is strongly recommended, Collect the fallen thorns and small branches by lifting the tarp, and dumping the contents into a large can or bucket and dumping in the disposal area,. Good luck. Most thorn tree wood, eg Hawthorn burns slowly and gives good heat. Black Locust burns well and long; Honey Locust burns slowly with lots of heat. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704

27th April 2011, 09:22 AM	#3
Daniel Janjic Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NSW Posts: 111	Re: Thorn Trees: how to safely get rid of them (the thorns) If you have the space to burn, and the time, Kill the trees then burn the lot when they dry. Just use an excavator to push them down into a pile before burning. I've done this with rows of Boxthorn, If you can avoid handling, do it! Good luck! __________________ Cheer's Dano http://www.treelove.com.au

27th April 2011, 01:21 PM	#5
darrell Sappling Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: illnois Posts: 6	Re: Thorn Trees: how to safely get rid of them (the thorns) sure sounds like an ominous task here. the back of the property has thorn trees thu out ~ ~ we should have watched years ago and got em while they were a lot smaller ....thanks

28th April 2011, 11:46 AM	#6
Daniel Janjic Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NSW Posts: 111	Re: Thorn Trees: how to safely get rid of them (the thorns) Napalm. __________________ Cheer's Dano http://www.treelove.com.au

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