The poplar trees that divide our fields and provide wind protection, in addition to other benefits, have to be cut down. If not, they die off. These fast growing trees have a short life. By cutting them close to the ground, we create a stump or stool. They regrow up to 20 new shoots the following year. The tree line pictured above was cut last spring and are already over ten feet tall. Our job this winter is to thin out the shoots to just three of the best. In another eight years, these shoots will be eight inches in diameter. They are then perfect for mushroom production or timber. Anything not the right size is shredded for mulch or firewood. Now we need the right person to come along and create a great mushroom business on the farm.