Strange Famous

So, I am embarassed that I should have to ask, as my grandfather was a master carpenter. But I have no clue with practical stuff

I had a tree in my yard and cut it back, I cut off one of the brances to use as a poking stick for burning the foilage etc, and then decided it was a good size for a walking/swinging at stuff when walking stick.

But since I had it, the end where it was cut is covered in mould and feels kind of damp. It is still covered in bark, I basically did nothing but cut the branch to the size I liked...what do I need to do to it if I want to keep it?

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"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."

The Gospel of Thomas