- I let a carving weather itself for the rest of the season and past my winter to the next Spring. This somewhat depends on the tree to me....and where the carving is located. Generally though, I like to dry the wood out well so it will accept a preservative if I apply it. When I apply I wait until spring is past and I’m into the summer heat and dryness opportunities. I get much better absorbtion.
- After carving I apply a cut paste to the live edge by the bark...right after the carving is completed....as soon as possible...especially if there is a good branch above that will create and continue an edge rollover. I sometimes use a finger, or a cotton tip, to rub-in a fine layer if paste on a live area as immediate as I can....usually while stepping back for a break to examine what I’m doing. If there’s no branch above to build the rollover I leave it exposed as the tree will create its own die back anyway....I may want the bark to dry back....and most likely there’s nothing I’m protecting. Out of habit, and perhaps uncertainty on my part, I almost always cut paste the edges. It works well for me. Sometimes new buds emerge near an edge if I carve into a live area. I’m sure many others will definitely say my use of cut paste is wasted and unnecessary. However, they are my trees.
- After a good season, or two seasons on some trees, I apply a wood preservative....because I want to do that. Applying the preserver also gives me a great opportunity to examine the carve and the wood remaining. I use a small artistic paint brush. I easily see if changes need to be made, if I have loose splinters of wood needing removal, have areas where water may to easily pool and create future problems, or have some very soft areas that need particular attention. I become more aware of the carving detail and care needed. I enjoy the application process....and see my results. The preservative usually darkens the carve for a few weeks before it all looks perfectly natural.
- My trees are all deciduous and live outside for rain, snow, ice, freezing and thawing, wind chills, heat, sun, wet and dry seasons and whatever happens in the climate. Carving is fully exposed to anything nature sends.
- The carved areas on trees that I have treated are stabilized....and the wood, and carving, stays solid and attractive. Is treatment a requirement? Probably not. Do I see it as a good practice? Yes. Does it look natural? Yes it does to me.