The chill in the air and a dusting of snow makes
all of us in Santa Fe start dreaming of that first fire of the season. And then
reality hits…the wood pile is empty. Time to prepare to cut and gather
firewood. But before you go, we have some advice on the where to go, which
trees to select, and how much wood to harvest. Knowing this information can
help you harvest inexpensive fuel while improving the health of the forest.
1.
Cut
Where It Is Allowed - Unless
you are cutting on your own property, you need permission from the landowner or
a permit to cut in New Mexico BLM land.
2.
Cut
Close To Home - If you
must drive more than 75 miles to reach the woodlot, your transportation costs
may make the firewood more expensive than other fuels.
3.
Avoid
Fragile Sites - In
some locations, living trees are more valuable than the wood that could be
obtained by felling them. For example, windbreak, stream-bank, and hillside
forests are essential to soil and water conservation. Consult your state
forester before you thin trees in such areas.
4.
Cut in
Spring - Wood must be seasoned before
it will burn properly. It seasons most quickly during the hot, dry days of
summer, and only after it has been cut from the stump. The wood that you plan
to use in late fall should therefore be cut no later than the previous spring.
5.
Cut
Diseased Trees - To
preserve the vigor of healthy trees, it is desirable to remove trees that have
contagious diseases or serious insect infestations.
6.
Cut
Damaged Trees - Trees
that have poor stems or small crowns and those that have been damaged by
lightning, past logging practices, wind, insects, or grazing should be salvaged
for fire wood. Such trees will not usually become more attractive with age, nor
will they increase in value for timber.
7.
Thin
and Prune - Thinning is the cutting of
selected trees to reduce overall tree density. Thinning improves the growth
conditions for the remaining trees and should be considered when the the trees
are 15 to 25 years old. Pruning is the removal of the lower branches so that
the tree will produce clear, high-grade lumber or veneer logs. Pruning should
start when the trees are 4 inches in diameter.
8.
Protect
the Terrain – Leave your vehicle on
established roads & carry wood to your vehicle. Tires ruts can last for years and lead to
harmful soil erosion.
9.
Take
Safety Precautions – Hand & power saws are sharp; wear proper
clothing and use ear and eye protection.
