Our Woods

The area around the edge of any woods can be a problem. It is an area where undesirable plants can grow which can damage the growth and health of the edge of the woods and if left alone can creep into the woods causing more damage. In fact the woods itself need attention to maintain its best health and production. The proper harvest of trees, either for lumber or fire wood, can insure a healthy cycle of tree growth. If trees are left to grow they can become very large, preventing young healthy trees from developing. Eventually the big trees age and break down leaving large holes in the woods where sunlight can get into the woods promoting undesirable things to grow which damage the woods. Over the past 100 years we have tried to maintain a healthy woods.

Several years ago my dad decided to put some work into the edge of the woods. As the picture shows there were stone piles covered with weeds and vines, which he wanted to clear out and bury.

His tractor, a recent purchase, was just right for the job.

With the tractor we scraped the vines, weeds and stones out away from the woods and then dug holes and buried the stuff. As we worked I took some pictures. I say "we" because I was visiting then and operated the tractor.

We got the work done and planted grass seed. By fall it was looking great as a result of my dad's tender loving care.

On my current visit the next picture is how it looks now.

To maintain healthy woods one needs to remove the big trees to allow new growth. A few years ago we removed a number of the larger trees for lumber.

The woods are real nice inside.

Whether it is a wood lot or our lives, they both require maintenance to maintain value.