I guess I started out as a "city slicker" in my earlier days. I bought a 16" Poulan that would probably best best described a an occasional limb trimmer and I still have and use it today. I wouldn't or couldn't guess as to how many 30" trees I dropped with it. 20 years later, forestry became my favorite hobby and I picked up a Stihl Farm Boss with an 18" bar. Both saws are excellent and if I had to summarize the pros and cons is that the Poulan is an excellent "limber". Light in weight and with a sharp chain...outperforms or is equal to many other more expensive saws. The smaller chain however allows less sharpenings before it is relegated to the iron pile. The Stihl is heavier but also can handle any tree I have to drop. The chain is heavier and many sharpenings are built into the beef of the cutting blade. I use the respective manufacturers oil in each of them and run them weekly. I think sitting on the shelf for months at a time are the only factor that leads to hardstarting. At temperatures at 10degrees below, I might have to pull the start cord 6 - 8 times before I see sign's of life. Incidentally, both saws are on the original spark plugs with the Poulan having at my best guess 300 hours on it and the Stihl 500 hours.
As for cutting down all of the trees on an acre of land, that is up to debate and the condition of the forest itself. I have red oak trees that soar 50 foot into the sky, straight as an arrow, 28" in diameter or more, and those trees form the genetic pool of what I want to see. Trees that have a definite crotch formed 6' above the ground are useless as lumber and best for firewood for example Those, along with the trees that seem to grow sideways instead of upwards are the first trees I cull. Useless once again for nothing but firewood. Next we look at the useless and nutrient grabbing trees like ironwood and poplar. Not big money producers in any respect. In short, why grow crap trees when something more desireable could occupy that same space? We control the weeds in a cornfield, kill thistles in a field, and a forest is no different. Controlled management shows more concern for the environment than doing nothing at all. I also take wildlife into consideration in my management practices. Hollow trees are homes and nests to many animals and ultimately, they control the insects.
Every person has a right to an opinion. I think the biggest sore spot is an outsider outbidding us on a piece of land and driving up the prices of land and ultimately our land values and taxes. My Dad always preached to his kids that land is the best investment in the world because we'll never have anymore than what we have now. I am also a firm believer in the fact that just because I am steadfast in my opinions, the other guy might have a better idea of the "big picture" than I do. I have to respect his rights also. Clyde
As for cutting down all of the trees on an acre of land, that is up to debate and the condition of the forest itself. I have red oak trees that soar 50 foot into the sky, straight as an arrow, 28" in diameter or more, and those trees form the genetic pool of what I want to see. Trees that have a definite crotch formed 6' above the ground are useless as lumber and best for firewood for example Those, along with the trees that seem to grow sideways instead of upwards are the first trees I cull. Useless once again for nothing but firewood. Next we look at the useless and nutrient grabbing trees like ironwood and poplar. Not big money producers in any respect. In short, why grow crap trees when something more desireable could occupy that same space? We control the weeds in a cornfield, kill thistles in a field, and a forest is no different. Controlled management shows more concern for the environment than doing nothing at all. I also take wildlife into consideration in my management practices. Hollow trees are homes and nests to many animals and ultimately, they control the insects.
Every person has a right to an opinion. I think the biggest sore spot is an outsider outbidding us on a piece of land and driving up the prices of land and ultimately our land values and taxes. My Dad always preached to his kids that land is the best investment in the world because we'll never have anymore than what we have now. I am also a firm believer in the fact that just because I am steadfast in my opinions, the other guy might have a better idea of the "big picture" than I do. I have to respect his rights also. Clyde
