Skidding = dragging out? Yes, I'd consider that depending on how challenging the terrain. Another option is to go in with my pallet forks and cut in 6' lengths. Then if they're not too heavy, rack them up on the forks.
Free wood is good wood! And tops have the added benefit of being mostly up off of the ground. Pre-dried!
You can generally get into the tops with an ATV and drag quite a few at a time to a central location for bucking. Goes faster that way, for me anyhow.
In your area, there might be some quality hardwood types . Worth the effort to go look it over & take a few pics for us. Most times, takes big trees to be logged, so tops have a lot of good size, salvageable firewood Also it can a bit drier wood, if the leaves came out & sucked out some moisture.
Tops? A couple years? No problem. Even if you can't get them in another year or two they will most likely be 99% great firewood. Have you considered pulling a dray? This is one we threw together with just scrap stuff (except the bolts) and it works great, summer or winter.
Tops are great- but you almost need a tractor, ATV, or something to move them around. Otherwise, you will be a lot of carrying to get them to your truck.
Some estimates for forest hardwoods say that half the wood of the tree is in the top. Go for it! Keep the other wood in reserve.
It depends how easily you can get the cut wood into a truck or tractor. It will be easy to cut and I bet it will be somewhat dry, at least the parts that are raised off the ground. If you don't have to carry it far it will be easy pickin's.
Aw shoot, my ATV is out of service. By that I mean I don't own one. This wood lot is next door to me. No truck - I think I would get the tractor in, load it up, and take it directly to my S/S area. David
That sounds like a great option! If you have a tractor carry-all then load both side for balance and double wood
