"Konstabel Els" wrote in message
...
when is the best time to do this

a) for cutting trees down
b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire


Right after the storm knocks them down. If you have a choice, I prefer
after the leaves fall. Weather is cooler, less leaves to fuss with. As for
spitting, I prefer to wait a while and let it dry a bit. Best, IMO, is when
the logs are frozen and they "pop" with a couple of hits of a heavy maul.