I would like to share with everyone my knowledge about wild driftwood. Here is a picture of the shoreline of the lake where I find my driftwood.
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I examine a piece that I like by tapping it on another much larger piece to see how strong it is and how soft the outside is. I don't wood that splinters or fractures easily. I examine the piece for rotten spots or holes that look like something was living it it. I have found pieces like that with holes bored in them, not sure if anything was still living there, but I really doubt it. More than likely the holes where bored when that piece of wood was alive. Using a piece with a lot of bore holes might compromise the wood's strength, but that is a judgement call.
The thing about this wood that I like is that it releases little or no tannins and it re-hydrates very fast so it will not float. I setup a large galvanized tub outside full of water, setting on a propane burner. I have weights that I use to weigh down the wood, then boil it for about an hour or better. Leave it over night and the next day it is re-hydrated ready for my aquarium.
I hope this helps.....