Hey, brad_bb -
We often incorporate logs or trees into our frames.
First we choose some unlucky person to remove the bark with a pressure washer; Then we lay it out for the joinery and cut it (no, not on the Hundegger )
The finish is first tackled with a grinder with 50 grit, or wire brush attachment, depending on the density of the leftover bark, and then with an 80 grit on the orbital, which will remove the scratches left from the orbital.
Nice, smooth, touchable wood with all the knots and branches, if wanted...Throw a nice Landark stain on it and - voila - you have a great tree in your house.