In fact, handled properly, it is possible that the volume of the annual harvest may increase. Plans for conducting the third year, and subsequent harvests should be carried out in the same manner as the second year's operations. Keep in mind during the harvest that several young trees are already present in the general area of the one that is being cut. Identify some of the larger more vigorous seedlings and mark them with a highly visible string, strip of cloth, or flagging. These should be protected during the cutting operation.
Some species sprout more than others and in general the younger trees sprout better than older ones.
Many of the species that make excellent firewood, such as the oaks, sprout abundantly. Cutting the parent tree in late winter-early spring may also increase the chances for sprouting. Since the stump already has an extensive root system, and it is still alive, the first season sprouts will grow more rapidly than either planted or natural seedlings. During the first spring each stump may produce numerous sprouts. Select the largest stem on each stump and pull or cut the remaining ones.