I have two large Norway Spruce's standing, looks like one of them is dying from the top. may I use this species of tree and more importantly this "dying" tree in particular to use in a one story barn with post 12' high
and girts 16ft. I know I will need more timber to finish the barn, what type of species would compliment the Norway if possible, Thank you very much.

Dear Peter,

Check out Joiners Quarterly no 35 where Craig Hanson and his dad built a great double rafter hammer beam roof barn incorporating two large Norwegian spruce trees from their tree plantation as end storey posts. He also mentioned that these trees were affected by a fungus - cytospora kunzei which maybe is what is affecting your trees ?

Look up Craigs email in the directory and ask him how these posts are performing after 4 years or so. The wood from all spruces is not a durable wood but has got a very good strength to weight ratio. Smells nice too !

Ken Hume