You can reduce the amount you pay in taxes following a timber harvest just by knowing and using your basis. We recently acquired a parcel, next to the original homestead, that we had been hoping would come on the market. It gives us a bit more frontage along the creek that passes through our property. […]
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Author: Bill Klase
Harvesting trees in the right order
Getting your forest filled with trees that are healthy and fast growing is all about removing the right trees in the right order. I was recently walking in a friend’s woodlot (let’s call him Steve) and he was picking my brain on what he needs to do to get his woods in shape. Eventually we […]
Measuring distances in your woods using your pace
You don’t need to use a tape measure or GPS unit to find out how far you walked. You can do that easily by counting the number of steps you take. I thoroughly enjoy anytime I get to walk in the woods. I encounter something new every time, and there is always something interesting just […]
Managing sprouts in your forest
Sprouts from roots or stumps are common form of tree regeneration and need special care to become healthy trees. I feel we are pretty fortunate to have on our property a number of different trees that can grow well from sprouts. I say that because getting these trees to come back after harvesting can be […]
Forest openings for wildlife
Creating an opening in your woods to attract wildlife isn’t difficult if you build it right and maintain it. My wife truly enjoys seeing wildlife on our property and at the old homestead. And we do quite a bit to get a variety of wildlife to visit and stay on our land; from creating brush […]
An old man’s love of his woods
The practical uses for a woodlot don’t have to conflict with the aesthetic values a forest provides. I have some really good memories working in the woods with my wife’s grandfather. Arnold was a retired farmer who was still gardening and harvesting trees for firewood when I first met him. For the next twenty years, […]
What the kids want
Figuring out what your kids would like to get out of your woodland is the first step in getting them passionate about it. My sister and her husband purchased some forested property in Vernon County a few years ago, and would spend most of their time there if they could. They were originally looking for […]
Dealing with storm damaged trees
Often a storm will leave a tangled mess of trees that require patience and special attention to clear safely and efficiently. A while ago I wrote an article about my efforts to process three trees that had fallen into a pile following a windstorm. This past summer, a storm swept through the area that caused […]
Safely felling problem trees
There are some simple things you can do get hung-up trees on the ground safely and efficiently. A family project in the woods can be a great opportunity to reconnect with relatives you haven’t seen in a while, and get a good deal of work done. A recent work day at a family property was […]
The right technique and schedule for sharpening a chainsaw
Sharpening a saw requires focusing on all the cutting surfaces and consistent filing motions. My last article covered the necessary tools for sharpening a chainsaw. This article will cover the right techniques and schedule for sharpening to ensure safe and efficient cutting. All the time and money you spent on sharpening and the tools associated […]