Best time of season to fall Cottonwood ?

[Fnfal]

I've got a friend who needs some big Cottonwoods fell in western Washington State. The leaves are almost gone now, just wondering the best time of year to deal with these heavy waterlogged monsters. I've heard there's a time period when there is a lot less water in the tree which would make it a lot easier to deal with. Any input appreciated, thanks

 

[ATH]

When your saw is sharp.

based on the threat title, I was going to to say "any season is a good season"!

It is not like you can pick up the logs and throw them on your shoulder at one time, but need a crane at another. If they are heavy, they are heavy. They will have a little less water in them in the fall winter, and most in the spring.

 

[Greener]

I've got a friend who needs some big Cottonwoods fell in western Washington State. The leaves are almost gone now, just wondering the best time of year to deal with these heavy waterlogged monsters. I've heard there's a time period when there is a lot less water in the tree which would make it a lot easier to deal with. Any input appreciated, thanks

Hello fellow WA state guy. Best time is right now because I cannot remember a drier December. The poplars/cottonswoods are probably at the driest they will be. Generally though, late summer or fall is best, as a general rule. However, this can be misleading because, if we get a couple days of rain in August or September (which happens a lot in this state), they will suck up the moisture quick. In this case, I would let some dry weather kick in for a couple weeks for best results. I cut one last August and it still had quite a bit of water. September would have been better. Truth is, it is kind of fun the have that stream of water shooting off the chain out of the kerf-but I'm a pure-blood northwesterner.

 

[Hillbilly Rick]

It depends on what you're going to do with the logs. If they're going to a saw mill then late fall or winter when the sap is down, same if it's getting burned. If they're just going to hit the ground and rot, any time is fine.

 

[sgreanbeans]

It depends on what you're going to do with the logs. If they're going to a saw mill then late fall or winter when the sap is down, same if it's getting burned. If they're just going to hit the ground and rot, any time is fine.

Where does the sap go?

 

[treeclimber101]

It would say the day that you are hired to cut it ...... Maybe Just saying

 

[Iron Head]

Now, dry and with no leafs.