BajaNomad

? Treating Palm post and lumber?

Russ - 1-22-2013 at 07:29 PM

Here's what a friend just asked me.
Hey Russ, I still a little bit new to this Nomad stuff but I was wondering if you could tell me what product to use on my palm trunks and beams that would protect them and make them less vulnerable to beetles and bugs and make em look pretty.. Any Ideas? Thanks, Bob
I thought there would be some of you that have tried to deal with the pest the palms have and others, like Bob, who have tried many remedies without much success.

Terry28 - 1-22-2013 at 09:17 PM

Wipe them down with diesel...air dry them for a few days...bug free.. that's on beams and dead wood....

Islandbuilder - 1-22-2013 at 09:40 PM

For years I used an assortment of copper-based carcinogens to inhibit rot spores from getting too good a start in a series of old wooden boats.
I now use a solution of propolyne glycol (non-toxic anti-freeze) and Boric Acid (powdered ant and roach poison)
The glycol acts as a vehicle to transfer the disolved Boric Acid into the cells of the wood, where they inhibit the wet rot fungus spores.
I heat the anti-freeze to about 200 degrees, add the powdered Boric acid until until the liquid won't hold anymore in solution (about a pint of powder to a couple of quarts of liquid).
I use a pump sprayer to apply the stuff in hard to reach locations around the boat, but make sure to clean out the tank and hose after use, because the solution will precipitate as it cools and plug the spray tip.
I use the non-toxic antifreeze because it ends up in the bilge and can get pumped overboard. I think regular antifreeze would work as well.
This is non-toxic, has no odor (beyond that of the antifreeze, which passes after it dries).
It does leave a white powder residue on the surface, but that doesn't matter in my application. It may be better than other, more toxic, rot preventatives.

Bob and Susan - 1-23-2013 at 05:33 AM

personally i wouldn't worry about the palm trunks...
they probably already have the bugs inside

the real problem will be the palm leaves
that's the attraction to the bugs

i've seen where the bug poop is so bad there is dust on everything in just a few hours

in reality you can do nothing to treat wood here
that lasts
the bugs WILL get it in the end

monoloco - 1-23-2013 at 07:18 AM

A friend of mine is a wood expert in Nicaragua, and he claims that diesel mixed with salt is effective. Whatever you do, don't bury the palm trunks in the ground, instead pour a footer with some steel brackets to attach them to so they don't come in contact with the ground. The palm leaves will last a very long time if you use only the dry leaves, not green, that have been harvested on a full moon.

ncampion - 1-23-2013 at 09:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Whatever you do, don't bury the palm trunks in the ground, instead pour a footer with some steel brackets to attach them to so they don't come in contact with the ground.


Our workers did bury some palm posts in the ground (for our carport) but they lined the holes with heavy gage plastic sheeting to prevent direct contact with the dirt. Do you think this will be effective? So far, so good after three years.

monoloco - 1-23-2013 at 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ncampion
Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Whatever you do, don't bury the palm trunks in the ground, instead pour a footer with some steel brackets to attach them to so they don't come in contact with the ground.


Our workers did bury some palm posts in the ground (for our carport) but they lined the holes with heavy gage plastic sheeting to prevent direct contact with the dirt. Do you think this will be effective? So far, so good after three years.
The problem that I can see with that approach is moisture retention.

mcfez - 1-23-2013 at 01:47 PM

The old folks in the early 1900's would use roofing sealant tar....to coat any wood that was to be buried into soil. Works great......here at out farm :-) One gal is $16 at HD

To protect exposed wood.......50% Turpentine 50% baked linseed oil. You can add a little wood stain to this mixture as well. Great for bringing the "elastic" back to the wood....and a great preservative.

bajadaze - 1-23-2013 at 03:05 PM

A friend of mine is a wood expert in Nicaragua, and he claims that diesel mixed with salt is effective.

I am trying a reply to this comment on this recipe. I like this simple idea and question whether or not one could put more additives into this formula. Such as some type of beetle juice and other bug repellent into this. Also, I'm not clear as to the proportions of all the ingredients.

Now, I have tried the boiled linseed oil mixed with mineral spirits on my storm shutters only to be disappointed with the mold and mildew that would form on them. Mainly on the North side of the house. So, I am going to pass on that treatment.

I am very much appreciative of all the responses you guys have given.
Thanks, Bob

mcfez - 1-23-2013 at 03:20 PM

Well.....be sure to update us all here on the finale results.

CortezBlue - 1-23-2013 at 05:31 PM

To fire proof you can use Borax and Boric Acid and Water.

Mexitron - 1-24-2013 at 08:39 AM

Speaking of Palm lumber, I have a dead Canary Island Palm at my house. It has about 20 feet of trunk, 2.5 ft. diameter. Can it be sawed into planks or anything usable? I know palm is a fibrous material and a chain saw killer but still want to know if its a salvageable product before hauling it off to the landfill.

mcfez - 1-24-2013 at 09:47 AM

Palms are rough on saws, chippers, and climbers.

Good point source for compost rotting. Bury a confirmed dead one and a couple years later - black as coal dirt complete.
Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Speaking of Palm lumber, I have a dead Canary Island Palm at my house. It has about 20 feet of trunk, 2.5 ft. diameter. Can it be sawed into planks or anything usable? I know palm is a fibrous material and a chain saw killer but still want to know if its a salvageable product before hauling it off to the landfill.