2024 02 10 Clearing Land Like The Pioneers

How did the pioneers clear acres and acres of forest with just an ax? The method was called girdling; where an area of bark was stripped off the circumference of the tree. This would then kill the tree over time and, without the leaves blocking the sun, they were able to plant crops throughout the forest. Eventually the trees disappeared leaving behind open pasture. This method might be helpful in creating silvopasture by selectively girdling trees which need to be removed anyway.

[@solidaritytime3650]

Pretty damn smart!
I'd like to know more about how (precolonial) medieval peasants used to tend the forests of Europe, in the days before the closure of the commons.

[@holmesteadridge]

Not familiar with that, but it would be an interesting area of research.

[@OutdoorsWithNoNo]

My dad's attempting to kill a palm by girdling, but it's seeming to be very persistent.

[@holmesteadridge]

Fortunately I don't have to contend with palm trees in this part of KY. Hopefully the maple trees won't be too difficult.