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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.

Remember that Insect and fungus proofing of timber meaning no need for preservative treatment of timber as the timber will be of no interest as a food source for insects and fungus. However, your timber will still need protection from the damaging UV rays of the sun if exposed to the elements.

We recommend using Envirotouch’s timber products like “outdoor” oil for this purpose. To seal in the oil you can also add an Envirotouch wax balm. Initially you may need to do this a few times to give a chance for the timber to soak up the oil properly. If the timber is exposed to driving rains the oils may leach out so will need some maintenance. Note that this is no different from conventionally treated timber.

No. Just because it called moon phase harvesting it doesn't mean that you should only harvest during the night.

Essential are the 3 days leading up to new moon between autumn equinox and winter solstice 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.

If you are unsure about the correct time please refer to our website as we normally publish the accurate dates of felling.

This knowledge follows 13 years of personal experience and observation with moon phase harvesting in South Africa. This was following Andy Horns discovery of the technique while visiting Japan, where he met with some scientists studying this phenomenon, which is something that is part of their cultural heritage. We have since also made contact with moon phase foresters in Austria and Germany, where it is also part of their culture, as well as the worlds leading academic on the subject - Ernst Zuercher - a professor in wood science at the University of Zurich.

Yes this is the only time one can leave the bark on and it will not encourage insects. With the conventional way it is on the other hand very important to strip off the bark to discourage insect attack.

However, it is always a toss up with latte and poles, as it is also easier to strip the bark while the trees are freshly cut rather than waiting until the bark is dry where it takes more work to get the bark off. So you may want to compromise with the curing somewhat. We normally leave the crown and bark on for 3 to 4 days after cutting before starting to strip off the bark. The main thing by far is the timing…not leaving the bark on and aging with branches which is more important with big logs that you are cutting into planks/beams where you want to minimize cracking and warping as far as possible and have a lighter tree to extract out the forests and a perfectly stable timber. Be sure to keep trees in shade / out of direct sun once stripped to prevent too much cracking.

If you are wanting to cut more during the time this also allows one to concentrate on cutting during the period and then stripping can happen afterwards ….without the danger of insects coming in…………We suggest you do a few experiments with the forester where you do leave at least one with all its bark on in the forest for as long as possible ….say 6 weeks – 3 months and then strip the bark off. You’ll should be amazed by the lack of borer attack.

Moon Phase Harvesting is an ancient method of preserving timber by cutting wood according to the phases of the moon. Like the tides of the ocean, the moon also influences the rise & fall of the sap in the wood. The wood is cut when the sap is lower, which is in the autumn & winter months i.e. hibernation period. During these months the sap in the tree is at its lowest  in the days before the new moon. The lack of sap therefore is a natural protection that prevents insects &  fungus from infesting the  wood & thus increases its durability.
The trees are left to dry (cure) for 4 – 8 weeks in the forest with their bark, as well as the crown of the tree and a few side branches with leaves left intact. This also reduces the amount of cracking & warping that occurs as the timber dries out.
By propping the stem up and drying with branches and bark, the gravitation helps the tree to pull the last traces of sap to its branches as it dies.

Eco Design Architects supports the continuing scientific research on this field which is currently being conducted in Europe and Japan.

Benefits:

• Superior Quality

• No Infestation of Insects

• No Cracking, Splitting or Warping of Wood

• No Toxic Poisons needed

• Longer Durability

• Lower Carbon Footprint

• Extracting lighter timber uses less diesel

• No kiln drying needed

When to cut: During the 3 days before the New Moon, but only between the Autumn Equinox & Winter Solstice.

Please also see images of projects where Eco Design have used this ancient technique. Click here to view for project 1 or project 2.