Over the past couple of years,
I select cut several acres,
of pretty much the same trees as yourself.
I would do maybe 10 to 20 trees at a time,
leaving about a 20 in. stump that will be used as
firewood. After cutting off everything to be thrown into the firepit,
the trunk and larger branches were cut to aprox. 5 to 6 ft. lengths,
depending on weight. Most these trees were about 9 in. dia.
These sections were stacked nearby to be bucked throughout the winter.
Within the next few days, I would then have my spray bottle and saw in hand. The stumps were cut close to ground level. But,after cutting, I would leave the stumps in an upright position. Next,
I would brush off any chips with a stiff brush.
After that the stub was sprayed with a 2-4D product. 50-50 mix with water.
Then put the stump on it's side to show that it has been treated.
I've had good results with this. Sometimes it was necessary to re-spray,
on those tougher trees.
Hope this helps.