Rosemary driftwood

What do you guys think of Rosemary for driftwood? Installed a trampoline and these root pieces came out.

They have been drying on a tin roof for 3 months. Thinking of sandblasting or wirebrushing them then doing a long 2 month soak/rinse/repeat to get any remaining oils out. I havent found pieces that I like in the shops. Just concerned about tannins / toxins if I go DIY.

 

I was surprised how hard the wood is. Quite hard to cut with garden secateurs even. Got some nice patterns. it must have been a very old plant.

 

I have no idea if I am right or wrong... just a thought that would worry me

Rosemary is a plant that oils and scents are extracted from, not sure if the roots could release anything once in the water

I know its been drying for a long time however, if it was me, i would soak it for a while with a few water changes before putting it in the tank
As I said.. its just me... i have a thing about playing safe

 

Yes the oils are my major concern. I'll sandblast and give them a good soak and then revaluate.

 

Let us know if you do use it and what happens, will be interesting to know

 

Nice, maybe add some bleach to the water the first time you soak it, then after a week replace with only water. A friend of mine did it but used a lot of bleach it turned the wood (normal driftwood) white, I think he may have overdosed a tad, but afterwards the wood turned brown again. Maybe try it on a small piece to test first?

 

Interest in this as some washed up from the river

 

Got them back from sandblasting today.

 

Hope it works cause they really nice pieces

 

Those branches are going to look awesome in the water, can't wait to see it in a tank

 

Been soaking for 4 weeks with fresh water every week. Some tannins but less than I expected...



during the last rinse off:



I was hoping to put them in at this point with some new plants but, you know, apocalypse.

 

Looking good, look forward to seeing them in the tank, think its going to look stunning

 

Have used it in the past ... no issues. it does deteriorate, if memory serves got 3 years from it but that was without anything in the tank that ate wood. Having removed the outer bark means what you have left is great for doing moss and other plant tie-on.

Once wet - try not to let it dry again.

Later Ferdie