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.
I should note he was a homesteader doing this to provide dry wood with easy access during cold months.