OUR PROJECTS

SEARCH

VirtueMart
Your Cart is currently empty.

LOGIN






Are there any specific directions I have to give the forester before he starts with the felling?

Most important is the correct timing: The 3 days leading up to new moon between autumn equinox and winter solstice i.e. New moon happens at the same moment across the whole planet, however we would strongly advise that one stops cutting at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to the proscribed new moon time just to be safe.
We normally publish the accurate time of felling on our website.

Cut so as to fell the tree/pole down slope so that the cut stem of the tree is at a higher point than the end. This helps with the drawing of the sap to the extremities of the tree for faster and even curing of the timber.

Once felled, it is best to leave all the bark and as many branches as practically possible on the tree. For large timbers we recommend leaving the felled trees (typically in the forest) for 3 months with all branches and bark still intact. This is to ensure the timber cures properly, which will leave the timber practically free of splitting and warping. It will also be much lighter so will be much easier to extract from the forest, with less fuel used in transport.
In leaving as many of the branches on as possible, it is particularly important to leave the top of the tree intact when felling, as the branches and top, help to pull the sap (which may still contain minute traces of starch, which is the food insects and fungus are after) out to its extremities. This also helps the timber cure more efficiently and evenly, making for a more stable timber. Note that this only works when the timber is cut at the right times of the year, as otherwise insects will attack the timber.

Remember regular foresters are used to cutting trees up into logs with all their limbs dismembered….they often cut all the side branches off before felling the trees so you need to get them to trim as little as possible and then they also cut off the crown when it is felled ….so you have look out for that and explain carefully how you want it done so as to get the guys to age the trees with their branches.

 

Like us on Facebook to get instant notifications on updates on any events or news such as workshops, lectures etc.

 

"E-WIRE" lights by Andy Horn

The Eco Design lighting range is made from local or recycled materials. Standing Floor Lamps, Desk Lamps, Pendant Lights and Chandeliers are available. The lamp stands are from locally moon phase harvested alien timber. Recycled car parts are used as bases. Various paper shades & low energy LED light bulbs provide good lighting and create a beautiful atmosphere.

Click here for more info & prices.

 

We offer a number of construction & info manuals on our website on natural building technologies which specifically refer to the South African context. The info manual "A LIME DUNG PLASTER RECIPE" has recently been added to the collection.   Click here for more information.

All our manuals are also now available as E-Book downloads. Click here for the E-Books.