Turning manzanita tree into sculpture in the ground.

by Carol Irwin
(Moraga CA USA)

This manzanita densflora Howard McMinn in our yard is 40+ years old. It is gradually dying, a branch at a time. I know the wood is prized by wood carvers. I would like to turn it into a sculpture by leaving it in the ground and polishing the wood. Is this possible? When the dead branches are polished what color do they become? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Arbutus Ron here.

It will slowly turn grey unless you add oil to help preserve it.

Let us know how it goes.