For some reason this reminds me of :
https://www.thefenlandblackoakproject.co.uk/our-story
In particular - the section on drying - air drying would have been too rapid/harmful to the wood - so they put it into a purpose-built dehumidifying kiln for 9 months.
(It was briefly discussed here a few years ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36912861 )
I saw a thing once where a guy would make 3 large cuts at the bottom of a tree, in a particular pattern. This would kill the tree, and it would essentially air-dry over the course of a year or two. I wonder how that compares.
I should note he was a homesteader doing this to provide dry wood with easy access during cold months.
That’s pretty clever! I’ll have to keep this in mind if ever get my dream homestead.
I’m no arborist, but I’d guess the cuts sever all of the tree’s microtubules without felling it? I think 3 would be the minimum amount of cuts you’d need.
Yeah, girdling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girdling
I hadn't heard it used to get dry wood for harvesting but I recall it being useful because it actually kills the tree, so if you cut the tree down (after it's fully dead) the stump will decompose instead of trying to continue to grow.
Seems like it might be a good way to waste wood. Dead and dry wood tends to shatter and break apart when felled. Green wood has a LOT more flex. Depends on what you’re after I guess.