my buddies in AK claim to do this on a regular basis. apparently they go out in the woods and cut an inch or so into the trees they wish to harvest the following year.. supposidly this will "season" the tree while standing??? not sure im a believer. if this is a viable way to prepare future firewood i could be interested. i have a bunch of maple, cherry and ash in or near the yard that needs to come down and be used as firewood. i just really dont like looking at it lying around untill i have time to deal with it....BRUSH AND LIMBS SUCK. i would prefer to just cut in the woods (and leave the brush),, but the wife says she's sick of all the trees and leaves. better for the garden and the pool i guess!! what do you guys think????