Collecting Pine Resin from Conifers

Pine resin, also known as coniferous resin, can be collected from fir, pine, and spruce trees. While it can be gathered year-round, autumn and winter are particularly good times for a forest walk to find it.

Important Guidelines for Resin Collection

• Sustainable Harvesting: Resin should only be collected from trees that have an excess of it. This can be found on trees that have naturally lost branches, been damaged by wildlife, or from felled trees resulting from forestry work or storms.
• Prohibited Practices: It is strictly forbidden to intentionally wound healthy trees to extract their resin. This practice, known as “Lebendharzung” (live tapping), was historically used but caused significant damage to trees and is now prohibited due to environmental protection regulations.
• Personal Use: Only collect small quantities of resin for personal use. Avoid collecting large amounts.

Tools for Resin Collection

• By Hand: Small, loose pieces can often be picked up by hand.
• Scraping Tools: A wooden stick, an old (preferably blunt) knife, or a butter knife can be used to gently scrape resin from the bark.
• Specialized Tools: A stock chisel used in beekeeping can be a handy and practical tool.
• Containers: A lidded glass or plastic container, or a resealable plastic bag, is needed to store the collected resin.
• Protection: Disposable gloves can be worn to protect your hands from the sticky resin.

How to Find and Collect Resin

• Examine Tree Trunks: During a walk in the forest, carefully inspect the trunks and bark of pine, fir, and spruce trees. Look for natural injuries, such as where a branch was removed.
• Check Felled Trees: Freshly felled tree trunks are often a good source of resin.
• Inspect Firewood Piles: Piles of firewood that have been stored for some time frequently contain dried resin that can be collected.

Collecting from Living Trees

When collecting from living trees, a gentle approach is essential.

1. Take Only Excess Resin: Carefully scrape off only the surplus resin from the surface without damaging the bark.
2. Avoid Deep Cuts: Never cut into the resin near the bark or excavate the resin fissure.
3. Do Not Disturb the Wound: Do not expose the tree’s wound; the resin naturally seals it, preventing the entry of pathogens.
4. Gentle Removal: Sometimes, small resin pieces can be broken off by hand.

Collecting from Felled Trees

Felled trees offer a more straightforward collection process.

1. Scrape or Cut: Resin can be scraped, cut out, or broken off using a knife or chisel.
2. Use a Container: Holding a bag or container underneath the collection area can catch loose resin.

Note: If you are unsure about collecting resin, it is advisable to ask the forest owner for permission.

Tip for Cleaning Hands: Sticky resin on fingers can be removed by rubbing with sunflower oil or other cooking oils. Wipe off the excess with paper towel, then wash with soap. Repeat if necessary.