This is one of those old planted shelterbelts, don't know who (WPA ?) or how long ago it was planted, but it has been a long time. They planted these shelterbelts around here in rows, with the same kind of trees in each row. They planted LOTS of osage (we call themhorse apples or bodark), and some of these trees are pretty old. I have seen quite a few 12" or better. Do branches work as well as trunks?