- Dead trees, particularly near trails and fence lines which threaten people, property, or fire hazard. But we strive to leave those snags which make great wildlife habitat.
- Trees which have been damaged or show signs of stress & Blowdowns
- In a fire-line we’re maintaining to protect our farm, or to open trails and service roads.
- Smaller trees culled to improve the health and vigor of those remaining, per Texas Forest Service recommendation.
We will NEVER clear-cut, unless it serves a particular conservation purpose (e.g. restoring native prairie, removal of invasives, bog restoration, etc.)
Prescribed burning is not practical at this time, despite the benefits it provides. Instead, we try to simulate the effect by mowing and harrowing at varying seasons and heights. When working to improve access, we try to choose a path which results in harvesting that meets the criteria above, and actively seek to minimize impact on creeks and streams.
We avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on product we sell, but there may come a time when we must. If that ever happens, we will surely let you know (you probably would not want to cook with firewood treated with pesticides). Also, when possible we prefer to use biodegradable vegetable based lubricants for saw chains and 2-stroke premix.
Timber is a natural resource, and the forest is constantly evolving. Because all of our products are harvested here, on our property, the products we offer will vary from year to year in terms of quality, volume and type. You know all about human timescales, generations, etc. And you probably have a concept of “geological time” (mountain ranges being formed, then carved into canyons, over millennia). Somewhere in-between is what I call “botanical time”: the oldest tree on Earth is a bristlecone pine which sprouted in California around 3000 B.C. That said, our company operates in accordance with the botanical clock. This year we may focus on clearing dead Cedars, next year focus on thinning hardwoods for vigor, the year after focus on propagating Longleaf Pine stands. If you’re in the area, and the weather is tolerable, I’d be thrilled to take you on a tour of the property, if you are interested.