What is a suitable workflow for cutting down trees?

For the purpose of my answer I'm going to assume there aren't any special considerations like a tall tree on a small lot.

In general I think this is the best procedure:

1. Cut down one tree.
2. Trim off all the branches.

3. Build a big pile of small branches that aren't useful for firewood.

   a. Load this stuff into a trailer and dispose of it as appropriate when you have a full trailer worth.

   b. Alternatively you can run this stuff through a wood chipper and sell/use the chips.

4. Cut the bigger branches into a length that will fit in your and/or your customer's fireplace comfortably.

5. Cut the trunk into rounds the same length as the branches in step 4.
6. Load the rounds/branches into the trailer once you have a trailer full.
7. Stack the rounds at your house.
8. Repeat the steps 1 through 7 until you've cut the amount of wood you need and/or you need to use some firewood.
9. Split the rounds and put them into a different stack.
10. Repeat the cycle as needed.

The main benefits of this plan are:

• You don't risk leaving wood to rot on the ground because something comes up.
• You can split wood in the evenings at home on days when you couldn't go out and cut down trees.
• You have some shade while you're chopping up the tree into manageable bits.
• You don't risk having too much wood at once.
• The animals can still use the trees until you need them.
• You don't overuse the same group of muscles. (Thanks ab2!)

posted almost 9 years ago

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Erik‭

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