One of my favourite places on the entire homestead is in my forest.
I’ve cleaned it up over the years, added a trail, and made a clearing for a future cabin.
It took hard work. But it’s been some of the most pleasurable work I can think of.
Having a small woodlot is a very valuable resource to have. Whether hardwood or softwood abound, there is an endless amount of things that can come from the woods.
My woods consists mostly of softwoods: pine, spruce, and cedar.
Anytime I need a rot-resistant pole for something I have plenty to choose from. My daughter’s playground, for example, was built mostly from trees that I harvested out back, using cedar. Although I haven’t done it yet, I plan to use some spruce that I have for construction of a pole shed. If I had a small sawmill, I could even make my own lumber.
You’d be amazed by how much kindling you can stockpile simply by thinning branches from around the trees. I have a big kindling box brimming with cedar kindling for the winter that nears.
If I had a woodchipper, I could make a whole lotta mulch out of all the skinny dead or dying trees I pushed over, which my family’s garden would benefit from having on its paths.
A neighbour of mine is building a treehouse for his daughter in their woods. That’s another idea I take interest in.
Whether I’m chainsawing or chopping with an axe, felling trees is a satisfying activity when done safely and slowly.
If you find some land with a woodlot, consider yourself lucky!
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