[arnie]

I will be traveling thru Illinois,Iowa,Nebraska,Kansas,Missouri areas June and July does anyone have a hot tip where I could find some cottonwood bark 3-4 inches thick? I have never gathered any but I'm assuming the larger in diameter the tree is the thicker the bark. Does that sound right? any help would be appreciated, arnie

[K Karver]

Hi Arnie,

Check out some of the other threads on the forum. There is lots of good advice about where and how to spot cottonwood. Also, how to get it, how to communicate with owners, and what to do with it once you have it. Sorry, can't help on the where to go and whom to contact. Will check this thread to see what advice you get from others - interested in that myself.

John K Karver

[Kenny_S]

Arnie, sent you a PM about where in Kansas to harvest some cottonwood bark. Not as Good as the northern stuff but carves just as good.

[Capt. Bandaid]

I do not speak with any authority but I read where it is recommended that bark be taken only from fallen trees. Cutting bark from living trees may expose them to disease and death prematurely.

[Clifford_Parker]

By your list of locations it sounds like you will be quite a bit south of me. If I'm incorrect and you will be passing through north east/ north central Iowa I might be able to help you out.

You are correct in assuming that the larger (and older) the tree is the thicker the bark will be. Capt. B is also correct. Not only is it FAR easier to peel the bark from a dead tree but harvesting bark from a living tree can harm the tree. It is possible to find loose chunks on a living tree and these can be safely pulled off without damaging the vascular cambium (inner bark layers that carry water and nutrients to the limbs and leaves).

[arnie]

Thanks for the replies, I know to only get bark from a dead tree. I guess the main problem is locating a suitable piece of public land to hunt some dead trees.
everthing I seen is on private property and were not overly large.Arnie

[Clifford_Parker]

Don't be afraid to go ask the landowner or renter for permission if you see a standing dead or downed cottonwood. I gather +90% of mine by stopping and asking the farmer for permission. Do I ever get wierd looks? Yes. Do I ever get turned down? Yes again. Usually however, once I explain what I want and what I want it for I get permission and off I go to check out my newest find. This is also how I get the majority of my sticks including diamond willow.

While the largest and thickest pieces usually come from large trees I have found 2-3 inch thick bark on "small" trees too. The thickness depends quite a bit on the growing conditions as well as the tree's age. Check every tree you can and you might be pleasantly surprised.