What last the longest????

[Racoon]

When using natural trees, what would last the longest before it rots down?
I can get just about any kind of tree that grows in NC or SC. I've heard that honey locust will last a long time but the thorns would be a problen during the drop/construction/cut phase of the instalation

I'll be dropping these in 10 to 30' of water if that matters.

Just want these piles to last more than 2 years, witch is all that a Christmas tree will last. (frasier fir)

Any help would be apriciated

[Crappie Xtreme]

We use stakes made mostly from Oak and we don't have any problems with them. A buddy of mine has put out numerious stake beds that are nailed together and they have been out for several years with no problems. A few of his sets are in open water where there is a lot of boat traffic and waves and they are still holding up well. How I know this is the water level is low enough now and they are sticking up. We fished them the other day while they were sticking up and we caught several fish off of them. They are water logged and nasty lookin but they are still there and holding fish so I guess that is all that matters.
If you make bucket stake beds out of them, I would think they would last even longer. I just think it takes that kind of wood a long, long time to rot under water. Like a stump in the lake, there are stumps in the lake I fish that have been there since the lake was built about 40 years ago and are still there and hard as rocks.
My thoughts on this matter.

CX.

[Darryl Morris]

As for natural wood - cedar, ironwood, and pinoak lasts well more than two years and are certainly give you more benefit for the effort of sinking them.

[Racoon]

Thanks for the input!!! I can get all the oak and cedar I can carry, might even make some piles that are half and half. I think I'll try some persimon trees cause they seem to last a long time on dry land!

[prchjerker]

If you can find it in the south its tough to beat hedge (ozark orange).That stuff is super dense and doesnt take alot to sink.Plus it will last several years before breaking down.

[backtocrappie]

I'm no expert but I did learn last night that guys here in the south are sinking bamboo and getting great results from it, one major benefit was that it was reported to last 5 years.

[crappiefarmer]

hardwoods will last a lot longer than softwoods. Oaks will last up to ten years. Pine, you'll be lucky to get one or two out of it. I was using pvc but algae here just will not grow on them good. went to using myrtle bushes. They jump on them pretty quick. they will last 3 or 4 years. CF

[kc outdoorsman]

another vote for hedge

[crappie champ]

what ever works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[J White]

If you can find it in the south its tough to beat hedge (ozark orange).That stuff is super dense and doesnt take alot to sink.Plus it will last several years before breaking down.

I think that's what we call bodock - never sank one, but have made corner post out of them, and they're so hard you have to drill start holes to put lag screws into 'em. I bet they'll last longer than any of us!