Many landowners own the necessary equipment to harvest firewood. Small farm tractor winches are available which can reduce the amount of labor required in skidding and hauling large logs but are not necessary. A chainsaw, wedges, truck or trailer, and a strong back are all that are really required. Some landowners have opened their land to public cutting. Public cutting should be supervised to insure a minimum of problems. The easiest way to regulate cutting is to designate and mark individual parcels for the cutters. A written contract with each cutter designating conditions of firewood removal and absolving the landowner from liability is advised, particularly if the owner is charging for the firewood.

Removal of low quality wood for firewood allows landowners to reforest with proper quality species at a low cost. If the soil is sufficiently fertile to grow quality hardwoods, no additional treatments are likely to be necessary, as clear cutting will allow seedlings and sprouts to regenerate a hardwood forest. One or more of the Southern Pines are best suited to much of this county's soils and replanting of the proper species would normally be required. If the area is to be replanted to pine, treating freshly cut hardwood stumps with an approved herbicide will reduce hardwood competition.

Landowners should contact a professional forester with the North Carolina Forest Service, forest industry, or a private consultant firm for on-site advice related to firewood removal and reforestation.

Revised 2/16/2006.