Clearing the Woods of Many, Many Fallen Trees
It's been more than three months since the awful Hurricane Sandy. Although I was fortunate to have only minimal structural damage at the farm, countless beautiful trees were snapped like toothpicks or were yanked right out of the ground. My grounds crew has been working tirelessly clearing the woods of this tangled mess. Tree branches are being chipped and the wood chips are broadcast right back into the woods for decomposition. Desirable tree trunks are cut up for lumbering and rotten or irregular trunks are being reserved for the tub grinder, eventually becoming compost. It really saddens me to lose so many trees, but at least they're being put to good use!
1 My farm crew has been working on fallen tree removal, one section of the property at a time.
2 The forceful hurricane winds tumbled trees all over my 153 acres.
3 The chainsaws have been working overtime sawing off branches.
4 All of the branches are being dragged out of the woods and fed into this wood chipper, which has also been working overtime. The wood chips are blown right back into the woods, where they will eventually decompose.
5 This appears to be an American Ash tree, a species native to eastern North America.
6 The wood of this tree is white and quite dense. Because it is very strong and straight-grained, there is a high demand for it.
7 Ash is the go-to choice for wooden baseball bats and many tool handles are fashioned from it. The lumber is also highly desirable for furniture and flooring.
8 To keep up with the high demand for the lumber, ash trees are cultivated in many forest areas.
9 The trunk of the ash was sawed into approximately 8-foot lengths.
10 Those sections will be transported and added to the rather enormous growing pile of logs near Dominic Arena's saw mill at the compost area.
11 Uprooted in the same area was a stately maple, which grew alongside one of the little streams.
12 The root mass will be pushed back into position when the ground thaws and nature will take its course.
13 Of course, sugar maple trees are tapped in springtime for their sap, which is boiled down to produce maple syrup and maple sugar, and maple timber is another highly desirable hard wood that has many practical and beautiful uses.
14 With a rotten core, this shagbark hickory was quite compromised standing up against any strong wind.
15 Pete chainsawed it as close to the ground as possible.
16 One good push to topple it over
17 Pete wrapped a big chain around the rotten trunk. Notice the hollow core?
18 The other end of the chain was attached to the extended arm of the Hi-Lo and the pulling began.
19 The extended arm of the Hi-Lo telescoped in, dragging the hickory trunk out of the woods.
20 The Hi-Lo is an indispensable piece of farm equipment.
21 Transporting the hickory
22 This unwanted tree trunk was taken to the pile of wood designated for the tub grinder.
23 A pine tree down there
24 More fallen trees there
25 There are two distinct log piles at the compost yard.
26 The logs on the right hand pile are straight and strong and are all good candidates for the sawmill to cut into useful lumber.
27 The pile on the left, where the rotten hickory was placed, will eventually be ground up, when we hire the giant tub grinder, and will be turned into compost for the farm. These logs could be split for firewood, but I already have plenty.
28 This is Dominic's Wood Mizer sawmill and from all of the new sawdust on the ground, it's obvious he's been cutting lumber.
29 These are stacks of lumber in the process of aging.
30 This project should keep Dominic quite busy for quite some time!
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Martha, your crew works so hard to keep your farm beautiful.
Since you find a use for everything, why don't you have one of the guys cut the hollow tree into sections and use them for planters? You could preserve them with something and place them on a cement slab, with rocks along the edge of the slab to hide the cement and make it look more natural, and use them at the edge of your woods, or even in your gardens and veggie gardens.
They're free and would last many a year, and be soooooo beautiful. In the edge of the woods, or along one of your trails, shorter ones that would hold ferns and/or Hostas would look great. Sweet potaoes would grow very well in taller ones. I could go on and on, but You know more about growing things than I do, and you'd have to want to use them instead of grinding them up.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | February 8th, 2013 at 12:20 am
Martha,cheer you up?
That looks like a lot hard work! What about planting trees where you lost trees would that cheer you up? Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | February 8th, 2013 at 12:52 am
beautiful photos, just came across your blog via a link of your hand made bath salt....even if I am not the bath type, I will make some for friends and family.... thanks for sharing, will follow you now...
Posted by: Claudia Schönmetzler | February 8th, 2013 at 1:47 am
What a big job.... early spring cleaning!
Posted by: Holiday Baker Man | February 8th, 2013 at 2:35 am
More years ago than many remember, my late husband worked in 'the woods' living alone in a camp house and always spoke about it fondly. He was a man who loved types of equipment you call Hi-Los. and designed, rigged up, and used unusual methods of clearing, loading, hauling, and unloading lumber, oil field equipment, and anything else that could be transported. Love these photos of ordinary crew doing ordinary work.
Posted by: ann | February 8th, 2013 at 3:46 am
How about cutting and splitting some of the leftover hardwoods for firewood? Although it would make excellent compost as well, there would be plenty to do both!
Posted by: Mary Lou in Central NY | February 8th, 2013 at 7:35 am
Hi Martha,
I didn't know that sugar maple trees are tapped for their sap in the springtime. I never even thought of it as maple timber ... I just knew that maple syrup came from trees! Okay, I sort of missed the boat on that one ... It is quite amazing that such a wonderully sweet product could come from trees. I think I might need to make pancakes this weekend now that you got me thinking about maple syrup. I am sad you lost all those trees from your beautiful forrest. There is something terrible about losing trees. We lost a few from Hurricane Sandy too. You grow attached to them. But you are recycling them so you're doing the right thing by your trees. I can only imagine how beautiful your farm will look after this weekend's blizzard in the Northeast. Stay warm and safe. And may your beautiful trees weather the storm well and stay strong, tall and glorious in the days, years and generations to come. Time to make pancakes, french toast and waffles!!
xo
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Gordon-Miller | February 8th, 2013 at 8:26 am
Martha, I love trees and woud also be sad if I lost so many of them as you did from Hurricane Sandy. At least you're putting them to good use, either for lumber or for compost. Thanks for updating us on the progress.
Have a great weekend and stay safe in the aweful weather heading your way!
Posted by: Cindy F | February 8th, 2013 at 8:47 am
Hi Martha, Thanks again for showing us the greatest work that your farm crew does especially clearing the trees that were broken and uprooted during the Sandy Hurricane! Those super guys not only use great equipment, but they save some of those outstanding logs that can be used by Dominick to make fantastic boards for you to use, baseball bats, compost, etc.! It is so great that nothing is wasted and your farm continues to look fabulous! All of these photos are stunning and I love to see them using those great chainsaw, the indispensable Hi-Lo, the tub grinder, and Dominick's Wood Mizer! I would love to use all of that equipment and I do use my chainsaw daily to cut wood to burn in my wood stove! It was also nice of you to share all of this great farm work again today and the lumbering and tub grinder blogs from a couple of years ago! I love all of it and learn a lot from your blogs! Are you getting any storms with snow yet?! Sure hope all of you stay safe over the weekend and please hug Francesca for DDR and me again! God Bless all of you! Off to see The Daily Wag with Sharkey modeling the newest PetSmart fashions-pretty cute! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 8th, 2013 at 9:07 am
Lets hope we do not face the same amounts of damage with this upcoming blizzard! I love seeing how well you take care of things at the farm, its always satisfying and provides me with some inspiration for my own home.
Posted by: Kristina | February 8th, 2013 at 9:10 am
It saddens me the trees are being removed. Fellow readers might also learn that removal isn't always necessary. The value of "deadfall" trees to both wildlife and people are countless. Many snag-dependent species control insects and pests, and birds of prey prefer the vantage point snags afford for hunting rodents. The woodpecker's diet is filled with many insects that can be harmful to our interests.
Mammals such as bats, gray squirrels, fox squirrels, flying squirrels and raccoons also use cavities in snag trees. Tree cavities are also used by frogs, snakes, honeybees, wasps, spiders and aquatic invertebrates. A single snag tree may contain many cavities useful to a multitude of species, as well as providing a food supply.
I hope your readers also consider leaving some trees for the web of life diversity it brings.
Posted by: J | February 8th, 2013 at 9:12 am
Hi Martha,
The work is never done, is it? I was wondering, isn't there any cabinet makers or craftsmen that would like some of the wood? I sadly watched as a contractor bulldozed a black walnut tree adjacent to our commercial building. It sure seemed like a waste to me. The wood was so beautiful.
Well, hunker down everyone, a nor'easter is on the way.
Have a safe weekend.
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | February 8th, 2013 at 9:49 am
You should think about leaving some downed trees where they lay- it's important wildlife habitat.
Posted by: Carol | February 8th, 2013 at 9:54 am
Hi Martha,
It is sad to lose trees but on the bright side, your loss provides plenty of work for Dominic and the grounds crew. That got me to wondering what your property looked like when you bought it – like were there fallen trees in the woods that weren’t hauled off to their designated wood piles or did the previous owners even take care of the woods as well as you are doing. Maybe they didn’t have the storms like you’ve been having rather recently. I’ve been through woods in northern Michigan and it seems that when a tree fell, it stayed put which seems like a lot of wasted wood when you think about it. Some people don’t think about things the way you do and I guess that’s why you’re Martha Stewart and they aren’t. Needless to say, you set a good example and no doubt people everywhere have been tidying up their properly because of you. Wait, what’s going on here – is this compliment Martha Stewart Day? Well if the shoe fits…. Keep up the good work and keep blogging because so many of us appreciate all that you do. Trish
~
P. S. I’ve been thinking about signing up for Sirius radio so I can listen to your two hour show slated to begin on February 19th. I’m not real keen on call-in radio shows as your other show is/was, but this one sounds like it will be more informative with you sharing your knowledge and experience with listeners and guests. I already like the format so I think I’ll look into it.
Posted by: Trish | February 8th, 2013 at 10:33 am
Thanks for the lessons. It's nice to see that the wood is put to good use. I always worry about high demand for wood and the need to grow more trees just to meet the demand. But welcome to a planet with over 6 billion people on it. You seem diligent about not letting a single piece of wood fail to serve a purpose and I admire that. I also admire that you don't put the job off, that the work is being done as soon as possible. Thanks for setting a great example.
Posted by: ceecee | February 8th, 2013 at 10:35 am
Such great photos. I really looks like such hard work to get a farm back in shape after a disaster.
Posted by: Jonathan | February 8th, 2013 at 10:47 am
For J and Carol - I appreciate your comments and I can assure you that there is an abundance of wildlife thriving in my woods.
For Trish - Thanks, as always, for your comment. I am planning a book about the evolution of my Bedford property, so sit tight!
Posted by: Martha Stewart | February 8th, 2013 at 10:57 am
Hello Martha,
I had learned that you had purchased my great " " "" uncle Henry's home.I don't have a computer at home so I am trying to reach you on this tiny cell phone. I understand this is suppose to comment on your trees but I'm taking a chance that somehow this can be sent to your e-mail. I have a picture of uncle Henry and aunt Claira and would like to know if you would be interested in having it to display in(his) your home. Thank you
Maggie Mitchell
MMitchell@lincolnk12.org
Posted by: Maggie Mitchell | February 8th, 2013 at 11:13 am
Martha,
So sorry for your loss of so many trees..that is hard...so many! You are doing such a great job of clean up though! Eco friendly & making sure what can be salvaged is saved & used for lumber.
Must be so noisy though during clean up! I am surprized no " critters" were using the hollow hickory for a dry home.
Anyway, Great Job! In bad situation.
Posted by: @ellepiari | February 8th, 2013 at 11:14 am
We had a terrible storm in 1998 which destroyed many trees. After the storm was over , we persevered and replaced the fallen trees. It was a lot of work, but nature is wonderful if humans give it a little help. No one today would ever know that this terrible storm occurred in 1998
Posted by: Laddie Schnaiberg | February 8th, 2013 at 11:51 am
Hope you brought some hot chocolate out to those boys!
What a beautiful property.
Posted by: Leslie | February 8th, 2013 at 11:52 am
Hi again Martha,
I think we're all going to be waiting anxiously for your Bedford property book! Ever since you bought the place and talked about all the old buildings, etc. I was curious to see what it looked like before you turned it into a masterpiece. Not many pictures if any were available but soon we'll see - yay! Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 8th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
We fans are always sitting tight, waiting for more LIVING.
Posted by: ann | February 8th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Hello Martha,
I feel that Mother Nature is doing her job when that happens. She's making room for new babies! Your farm is beautiful, regardless. I love that you share yor personal life with us.
Do you have a place on the blog or website where I could get advice for a craft project? My father was on the cover of the NY Times during this past summer when they covered a story about the Olympians who went to the London Olympics in 1948. I don't know how to preserve the article and am looking for advice. Thanks!
Posted by: Mary Flanigan | February 8th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
Yes Martha, the Bedford book sounds lovely! I would also love to see either a book or chapter of some of nice pictures you take of the wildlife on the property. I know you have a bird camera, owl & other nest boxes that you have shown on your shows
would love to see everything wild that calls your home theirs too ( and of course I like all your domestic furbabies too 
Thank you.
Posted by: @ellepiari | February 8th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
Martha, here is a story about a man making beautiful wooden bowls from trees knocked down by Hurricane Sandy.
http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/artist-gives-new-life-to-sandys-fallen-trees
Posted by: homer | February 8th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Thanks for sharing these photos and your commentary again today, Martha. I just love reading about life on your farm and the other things going on with you. You take beautiful photos and write so well.
BTW, I got my copy of 'Meatless' recently. The recipes I tried so far are amazing! Thank you!
Angela
Posted by: Angela | February 8th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
HELLO MARTHA, SORRY ABOUT THE DAMAGE ON YOUR PROPERTY!! AND I ALSO HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON HOW TO ADD KITCHEN CABINETS WITH A LIMITED SPACE TO DO SO. MY KITCHEN IS SMALL AND DONT HAVE HARDLY ANDY CABINETS. THAKS FOR ANY INFORMATION. LOVE YOUR SHOW!!!
Posted by: Karen Sanford | February 8th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
Sorry for your loss, I love trees! at least you are putting it all to good use. Better days ahead Martha. At least family and friends are safe. Trees can be planted again and grow beautifully.
Sincerely
Lorraine
Posted by: Lorraine Laviolette(Loiselle)! | February 8th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Hello Martha, I hope no more trees are lost, Are you by any chance in the storm nemo? I hope all stays well. Take Care.
Posted by: Teresa Owens | February 8th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
Good Morning Martha! I'm sorry for you and all that had loses from Sandy. Seeing these photos reminded me of my cousin's husband who was crushed a few years ago by a falling tree while clearing trees for firewood. Ask your workers to be very careful. Take care, keep warm and healthy! I miss your television show, I don't have that channel here anymore. Your show got me through a tough time recovering from a broken foot several years ago, I learned so much from you!
Best wishes, ~Debra, Grand Rapids MI.
Posted by: Debra | February 9th, 2013 at 8:14 am
Leaving some of those downed trees in the woods provides wonderful habitat for local wild life. Our temptation is to maintain and groom our woods, But a rotting tree truck is a perfect home for raccoons, possums, fox and a whole host of birds and other creatures.
Posted by: mark | February 9th, 2013 at 9:33 am
Dear Martha,
I am so sorry for the many trees that you lost in the storm. With hurricane Ike, my area lost millions of trees. I was fortunate in that I didn't Iose any of mine. I think that the double row of ash trees behind my yard broke the strength of the wind and saved my oak trees. I lost many branches but none that endangered the health of the trees. And, the ash trees behind my yard survived as well. But, all over the area trees fell. On one street near me, all the crape myrtles were knocked down like bowling pins. It was depressing for months as the clean-up progressed. Trees are like friends to me. I enjoy seeing them each day and their beauty adds so much to each day. Again, I am sorry for the loss of your many trees...p.s. I enjoy reading your tweets. I feel bad when I read some rude people reply in an ugly manner. I think they must feel powerless in their lives and make ugly replies to feel something they lack. It is too bad that they can't instead follow your example and do something meaningful with their own lives. God Bless you.
Posted by: Cindy M | February 9th, 2013 at 11:40 am
Martha, I'm sorry to hear about your farm, it's tragic when we loose so many wonderful trees. In Australia over the past few months we have also seen fire and floods causing huge destruction, fortunately this time me or my family havn't been affected. It's such a reminder that nature can't be tamed and no matter how we tinker with her, she will come back with her own will. I wish you well with the "clean-up" after so much havoc.
Posted by: Jude Mayall | February 9th, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Martha-I am amazed at the number of trees that came down on your property. Your crew are hard workers. Just a thought about the downed trees. It is good to let some decay naturally. The decaying trees provide homes to various animals and encourage good insects to do their work, eventually returning the dead tree back to the earth. Thank you for your interesting blogs on the farm.
Posted by: Diane | February 9th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
Super storm Sandy was horrible - I'm sorry to hear of all the lost tress. I am glad you are putting the wood to good use, or broadcast back into the woods. Remember, some of those fallen trees offer homes and protection for the ground dwellers. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Nicole | February 9th, 2013 at 9:51 pm
Hello Martha..Its sad to see the loss of the Trees. At least you are putting all to good use..We were just given 200yr old Barn wood that was going to be tossed and we are putting it too good use in re-doing our floors in our Home. waste nothing
..Love all your pics..
Posted by: Darlene martinez | February 11th, 2013 at 10:22 am
Hi Martha--
First-time writer here. Whenever I see downed trees, or even just smaller limbs and twigs, my mind kicks into a higher gear! Back in December, when my wife and I were visiting our family in northern New Jersey, I saw countless trees brought down by Hurricane Sandy. Being a "Branch-Carver" for over 46 years
(having helped pay for my senior year in college with a country store pocketknife and branches from the woods surrounding my college campus), I collected a number of small branches from the storm. In the past couple of months I've been having a lot of fun turning some of the "lemons" Sandy left on the ground into some cool "lemonade." Actually, I'm hoping to do a couple of Artist-in-Residence days in New Jersey or New York high schools to share with students some of the useful and beautiful things that can come out of all kinds of found wood. I was espcially intrigued with the hollow stump in one of your photos. Talk about potential! As I write, I'm sitting about 25 yards from a pile of 7 slices from a huge hollow maple tree that was blown down right here in Lancaster County. I'm sure you already have a gazillion ideas of what to do with branches, twigs, and trees, but if you want and have a few spare minutes, check out my book, TREE CRAFT: 35 Rustic Wood Projects that Bring the Outdoors In (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2010). I think my other three books are still the only ones in print on what to do with a simple pocketknife (and occasionally a few other common tools) and twigs and branches.
My wife subscribes to your magazine...but I enjoy looking through it too.
Posted by: Chris Lubkemann | February 12th, 2013 at 2:16 pm