The process for determining the value of individual logs is complex and involves a number of variables. As is nearly always the case, a family disagreement took place while we were working in the woods. Now it may seem like we are always disagreeing in the woods, but that is not true at all. In […]
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Author: Bill Klase
The right tools for sharpening a chainsaw
The only way to ensure the work you do to sharpen your saw is right and will last more than 1 minute of cutting is to use the right tools. There is nothing like cutting with a sharp chainsaw. The chain slicing through the wood with ease. Chips flying and the sticks of firewood piling […]
Ode to a Compass
A compass is a simple yet powerful tool for navigating in the forest. As much as I enjoy trying out and embracing new technology, I am still using the compass I bought almost twenty years ago for navigating in the woods. I have tried GPS units and even a compass app on my tablet and […]
Dealing with problem beavers on your property
Beavers can make dramatic changes to a landscape and you need to learn to live with them, or how to deter or remove them. A friend of ours (let’s call him Wayne) has had a continuing problem with families of beavers taking up residence along the creek that runs through his property. He bought the […]
The Mighty Bug
Insects, either individually or as a large group, can kill your trees, so it is a good idea to keep an eye out for them and monitor the health of your trees. I was assessing the health of our trees recently, and noticed some that looked a bit under the weather. Many of the branches […]
Strawberries, and raspberries, and blackberries, OH MY!
Creating the best conditions for growing berries in your woods can be a part of the rest of your objectives for your woodland. Berry picking is a big part of our family’s tradition and we take an active role in creating optimal conditions for berry production. It really isn’t anything special or difficult and fits […]
An ode to bark
Tree bark can be found in a wide variety of colors, thicknesses, textures, and utility. It is good to take some time to appreciate the “skin” of our trees. This is the time of year that my appreciation for tree bark is reignited. Framed by blue skies and snow and uncluttered by leaves, the uniqueness […]
Achieving sweet success with your maples
Learn how to manage your forest to maximize maple sap production by creating healthy and vigorously growing trees. I have a friend who produces maple syrup on his woodlot, and he has invited me to help out in the production process over the past few years. This has been a lot of fun and hard […]
Machines in the woods
Most of us don’t take the time to consider how forestry machines work and work together to efficiently, sustainably, and safely harvest timber off of our properties. Well, that is going to change right now. Ever since I saw my first timber harvester, I have been fascinated by these machines. The combination of speed, power, […]
Know your Property Boundaries
Knowing the exact location of your property boundaries and corners can help to resolve disputes with your neighbors. I was visiting with my brother-in-law at their property recently, when we got on the topic of property boundaries. It seems that he suspected his neighbor of moving a barbed wire fence that sat on the line […]