Tree killed with copper spikes

[Strider18]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone know if the branches from trees that were killed with copper spikes are safe for frogs? I was asking this because their is a small tree in our front yard that we are going to kill and we might use copper spikes to do it. I wanted to use some of the stumps and branches for a cage but didn't know if they would be safe for the frog. Anyone know about this?

[Delilah and Sampson]

I am assuming that by copper spikes you mean banging the tree with copper nails? Well according to scientists this doesn't work therefore I reckon it would be completely safe although you are better off using a log from the tree instead of a branch as a branch could make your tank very messy. This is just my opinion and I am not an expert so... Yeah. Hope I haven't ruined your plans too much!
D and S

[sschind]

I am sorry I can't answer your question but an option would be to just cut the branch off and use it? If you want it to die before using it it will die much faster by cutting it off than by using the copper spike method anyway if that works at all. If there is a particular reason why you want to do it your way please share as I don't see any benefit to it (not the killing the tree with copper but not just cutting off the branch)

[deranged chipmunk]

Using copper is an old wives tale. So is using brass. The amount of those metals in hardware is so slight, it won't affect the tree. But also think about it this way. If you were able to gather enough copper to kill the tree, you are basically poisoning it, and the ground surrounding it, since it would leech out of the root system and into your ground. Then it will filter into your water table, possibly poisoning and contaminating everything around it.

I would do what Steve said, cut a branch or two you like and lay them out in the sun for a few months to dry out.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

Oh, I forgot to mention, copper is ridiculously poisonous to frogs and invertebrates alike. So if there were copper in wood you are using, depending on the concentration, it could potentially wipe out an entire tank. Frogs, springtails, Isopods, everything.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Strider18]

Ok thanks everyone! We are either going to just chop the tree down or use pure copper spikes. Thanks again!

[deranged chipmunk]

Might as well chop it down. Even if you could poison it with enough copper to kill it, you would still need to be cut down.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela