trail clearing technique and tools

[ArlyA]

Its normal, at least here in the northern hardwood for the wildlife to change to larger animals (and different small ones) when forest was cut or burned over. That's how the system works. As far as leaving dangerous tree standing, we have moved trails to allow hikers to pass a tree that could not be safely cut. You kinda need to do one or the other.

 

[airbiscuit]

When we had several small clear cuts done, we had a huge increase in songbirds, followed by an increase in hawks!

Making trails out of logging trails was a breeze. Making trails through the slash was a pain.

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

What's coming up in their place? Hopefully trees and not stilt grass!

On my property a lot of them are more ash. I have oak, walnut, maple, and sweet gum coming up too, but more ash than anything. I'm starting to think I should just cut down ash saplings to encourage the other species since as soon as the ashes start to mature the Emerald Ash Borers will get them.

 

[Milo]

Right now stiltgrass until I can get all the tree parts moved and the rest come down.
It's a mess.

I curse the stuff! I've fighting olive and rose, stilt grass out where it can be mowed is no big deal but when it takes through the forest it's impossible to stop.

On my property a lot of them are more ash. I have oak, walnut, maple, and sweet gum coming up too, but more ash than anything. I'm starting to think I should just cut down ash saplings to encourage the other species since as soon as the ashes start to mature the Emerald Ash Borers will get them.

Maybe so but I'd probably leave some to grow just in case the ash borer runs its course at some point.