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dlochart · Mar 2, 2006, 07:24 AM

I previously cut down a tree and prepared it for firewood. That next spring the stump started to grow and we realized that it was poison sumac! I never knew they grew into trees! I have determined that I have another one about 25' on my property that I intend to take down. My question is how safe or unsafe is it to burn the logs of this tree? Is it safe to burn it outside in a firepit? I have heard that burning poison ivy plants and roots are bad as they allergens are also delivered in the smoke at least 5 years after they have been killed.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks

Doug

RickJ · Mar 2, 2006, 07:28 AM

The rule of thumb: NEVER burn poision ivy, oak, or sumac.

I'm not sure about 5 years, but not worth the risk of sending that smoke into your or your neighbors homes.

dlochart · Mar 2, 2006, 07:31 AM

Thanks for the quick and valuable answer! I'll just stick in a wooded corner of the yard that I don't plan to develop and let nature do its thing.

labman · Mar 2, 2006, 09:08 AM

Likely your plan of letting it rot is the safest. No kids to get into it? If I read my one book right, they can get 30' high. On the other hand, the ailanthuses, tree of heaven, can reach 60' It looks much like the sumac and grows everywhere as a weed tree. The poison sumac grows in a swamp or bog. Since you cut and prepared for fire wood the one without problems not knowing to take precautions, I wonder if it really was a poison sumac. Did you burn any of the wood? Still, no reason to take chances. I would get it cut before it leafs out and it is still cool enough to work in long sleeves. Wear gloves, and wash or dispose of all your clothing.

fredg · Mar 2, 2006, 09:42 AM

Hi,
There are many different varieties of the sumac; different from the "poison sumac". Here is a link, with a good picture, after click on the "picture" link, with information on the "poison" variety:
http://www.poison-ivy-oak-sumac-guid...son-sumac.html

I couldn't find anything about how long it is "poison" after being cut down.

dlochart · Mar 2, 2006, 02:50 PM

Wow the "Tree of Heaven" might be it. When I cut the other tree down it responded with a large amount of sprouts from all around the stump. When I had cut it down I was not taking any precautions as I was unaware that it might even be sumac. I guess its better to be safe than sorry but I would like to be able to determine what it is.