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.