There are a number of factors that play into what someone is willing to pay for the trees on your property. I just finished a series of classes for woodland owners on a variety of topics, and one topic that continued to be of interest to the participants was the value of trees. Specifically, they […]
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An Introduction to Agroforestry
In an earlier post, I introduced the concept of agroforestry. In this post, I will expand on what agroforestry is, and how it is being used here in Wisconsin. Although this post may seem very agricultural centered, I should point out a few things. One, many woodlots are associated with farmsteads, and are not seen […]
Trees and fences and good neighbors
The ownership of trees that grow on property lines and those that fall across property lines can be contentious, but there are ways to simply and easily resolve this. I am occasionally asked questions by woodland owners that stump me. One is about trees that have fallen or were blown down onto a neighbor’s property. […]
Ode to a Clearcut
Clearcutting is one of several harvesting systems utilized in the state to achieve certain goals create conditions to favor certain tree and wildlife species. When done correctly, they can maintain the long term sustainability of a fores. If you hadn’t already guessed it, I am an advocate for active forest management. And by that I […]
Management Planning: A Vision for your Land
This is a busy time of year around our offices as our Learn About Your Classes have started, in 23 locations and on the web. One of our topics is planning for your forest, so I thought I would take some time today to share some insights with you. I was reading a couple of […]
Non-timber Forest Products: Part III Mushrooms
It may be helpful to understand the ecology of mushrooms before you get started hunting your own, or even growing them. A mushroom itself is a fruiting body, kind of like the acorn of an oak tree. The fungi itself (the tree trunk) is often hidden from our eyes either in the soil or the […]
Passing the Land on to Others
Family members are invited to participate in activities like deer hunting, and asked to help with tree planting and harvesting. But more often then not, their input is not looked for when decisions are being made regarding the management of the woodlot. Many times they are turned off by the phrase “my woods”, when they […]
Using a Chainsaw Safely and Efficiently
Avoid mistakes and injuries while using your chainsaw by treating it with kindness and respect. My wife’s grandfather, who turns 100 years old this fall, has been working in the woods off and on for most of his life. If it wasn’t cutting ties and bolts by hand in the winter to make some money, […]
Non-timber Forest Products: Part II Seeds and Boughs
Just this past week, I saw a local florist advertising that they are now purchasing boughs (or branches from conifer trees). In fact, nationwide, the most frequently sold NTFP is boughs. The most common use for boughs is of course wreaths. Other uses include garland, floral arrangements and producing aromatic oils. Luckily for those of […]
Building a Forest One Tree at a Time
There is more to planting trees than “one to a hole, green side up”. I have planted a fair number of trees in the twenty some years I have been in this profession, and it is still a joy to put a tree in the ground with visions of more shade or veneer quality logs […]