Growing Straight Osage Orange Logs for Bow Making

Staking for Straightness Without Restricting Taper

To produce straight, knot-free bow staves, stake young osage orange trees but keep stakes loose so trunks can flex in the wind. This movement develops the critical trunk taper (thickness gradient) needed for bow performance.

Pruning for Clear Wood

• Remove or shorten lower limbs periodically.
• Never remove more than 25% of foliage in one year.
• Maintain a clean, straight trunk free of knots and defects.

Art Morris of Bartlett Tree Services recommends this approach for growers targeting bow-stave quality wood.