Just returned from taking a look at a 70 year old catalpa tree that will be taken down in about three weeks. The owner has offered me as much as I'd like. The lower trunk sections are 36" in diameter (about 9 feet in circumference). At every crotch it looks like it is burled. There are several burls all along the trunk section. Few of the burls look like they'd be terribly interesting judging from the nature of the bark that covers them. The lower branch sections are 18 - 24" in diameter.
This is a beautiful old tree that appears to be in reasonably good health, just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I've never turned catalpa, don't have any familiarity with the nature of the wood. The arborist that's taking it down has offered to leave as much as I want.
Any advice?