Planting Trees for Sustainable Living

In the dense forest around my log cabin in the Canadian wilderness, do I plant trees to replace the ones I use for building and fuel?
Thanks for watching!
Please subscribe:
My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2G7ncW9
Shawn James Channel: bit.ly/2xzZHpB
Playlist Links
Building the Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2GSjkJa
Log Cabin Build Step by Step Playlist: bit.ly/2LttALh
Food, Wild Edibles, Recipes: bit.ly/2sc1riW
Log Cabins: bit.ly/2sdl0HF
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance....
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada
Links to gear used at the cabin:
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants - amzn.to/2rhEiMn
Tilley Endurables Airflo Hat - amzn.to/2Ia4xy1
Apeman Trail Camera - amzn.to/2HRZSNT
Mora Knife - amzn.to/2BOiv35
Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 Saw - amzn.to/2BPV6OF
Axe - www.torontoblac...
Moka Pot - amzn.to/2DEomvO Canada amzn.to/2ndmtw6 USA
Virtus Knife- www.virtusknive...
Canon 6D - amzn.to/2EdaZjs
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2DHuJib
Solar LED light bulb 15W - amzn.to/2BQvSQ2
Copper Fairy lights - amzn.to/2BCmF0X
Solar String Lights - amzn.to/2DvgU2n
Lodge Dutch Oven - amzn.to/2kHuxDQ
Bragg’s Sprinkle - amzn.to/2EdouzK

[@judymcintire8061]

Anyone watching you can see how resourceful you are & can see your love & respect for nature. I guess we can be thankful for the questions & concerns because it gives you the platform to teach & explain how nature works. Thank you Shawn!🤗🍁🍂🍃🍁🍂🍃🍁🍂🍃🍁🍂🍃🍁

[@BrianAdle]

Such a patient and humble approach to community engagement. Thanks for everything you do Shawn.

[@jasonwilson7998]

I'm in the lumber/tree harvesting industry here in USA. You did an outstanding job explaining the overall concept of "tree evolution" and/or land management. Thank you!

[@theresalero7039]

Articulate and well thought out response to questions Shawn. You are an excellent teacher both in the micro (building) and macro view (sustainability). Thank you for your time and efforts. It's a beautiful scene in your video as well.

[@joshblackmore1997]

I’m 37 when I was 16 I used to have these favorites hunting clear cuts here in Maine now when I drive the same areas you can’t even tell they was ever clear cut. Nature will reclaim what’s hers in time 😁 thanks for the video.

[@marianfrances4959]

i hear ya! i got lost (with my son, who was about 11 at the time) on an island whose paths i used to know very well. short story: things changed, trees grew, and we got royally lost!!!

[@hermit6208]

Is amazing isn't it? My pop is over in Coos County in NH. I am 56 now, and as a boy, there were dairy cows raised in hayfields. 40 years later those fields are now covered with trees.

[@globetrotting2628]

Trees plant themselves everywhere on my property, even in places I do not want them. I have to pull the seedlings and sapplings up every spring. BTW, I like the front porch on your bathhouse. You've done so much in such a short amount of time, so inspiring.

[@gaylemesser136]

I have a problem with seedlings as well. They grow every where that you don't want them to. Like in flower beds and gardens. I get several hundred seedlings in my garden every year. They like to come up around my foundation too. Take care. Vaughn

[@globetrotting2628]

@@gaylemesser136 Yep, same here. Take Care, too!

[@toolkit71]

It is a bad thing but I have horse hair chestnut trees in my yard and they sprout almost every couple years with new buds. their seeds are like caltrops and can cause issues with dogs walking on the grass but I actually collect them every year when they fall and give them to a local tree farm as they are getting very rare in this area. Love your vids. As a FYI, the tree is very very old and is slowly dying because the other maples are so much taller cutting off the light so a 150+ year tree is soon to be cut down...the local wood workers all want the wood once it is down, I have people asking for branches when the break off...sad to see something so nice go away.

[@PavlovsBob]

@@toolkit71 It does not go away. It simply takes new forms. The cycle is far more beautiful than a single stage represented in a single tree.

[@jamescurtis1226]

Shawn, you are one of the most "green" people I have seen in my 50+ years on this earth. You have more understanding and "care for" of Nature than 99.999% of the population. You are not only LIVING Naturally but you are TEACHING that knowledge to others who didn't have it!! Light years beyond modern thinking. Now then as far as my thoughts on improvement...NEW Tree's/ Animal Food Tree's/ Deer Squirrel type tree's as "addition to" area's Hickory Walnut Fruit- Pear, Apple

[@cecewhite6664]

👍👍👍🇺🇸 there is always going to be enough trees and land in the world we would never ever run out👍👍👍

[@crystalwalsh2867]

Very well said Shawn. I grew up on a farm near Quebec City and we used firewood as a heat source. I am now in my mid 30s and last fall i was helping my dad with firewood. I saw a tree about 30 foot tall trees right next to the tree stump that my dad cut about 15 years ago. It is unfortunate that some viewer give negative critics about you cutting trees. You live a greener lifestyle than majority of Canadians. Some people are just ignorant; I work for government and I see some of them everyday:) Keep doing your good work.

[@sebastienlafreniere]

Bien expliqué voisin! Je suis de Montréal et il y a vraiment des gens qui critique facilement le succès d'autrui comme Shawn.. sûrement par jalousie. Ce monsieur est vraiment une inspiration pour nous tous!

[@liveandlearnkatya9404]

Thank you SO MUCH for recording this video. My son, is homeschooled, and it so happened that at the moment he is learning about Canada, specifically trees, and animals, as well as weather. I will be showing him this segment:)

[@volcanocollins9845]

Professor Shawn

[@MrJerryKramer]

In most of the videos I’ve seen from you, the majority of the trees you’ve cut down we’re dying or already dead. I believe you’re giving the young trees a chance to grow while harvesting what y’all need.

[@carolyncrouse128]

Awesome we have oak in Florida and they grow fungus on them some are water oak they are hollow inside

[@crossfire5355]

Hi Shawn, I enjoy seeing the progress of your homestead, it's awesome! Have you considered selling seeds, because they're always in need & you have an abundance from your garden & on your property? the best part of seeing your videos is knowing the rewards you & your family steadily reap by your faithfulness & endurance. Cheers!

[@robertfay1150]

You are a very capable man who cares so much about nature we know you would not intentially harm anything in creation. You are trustworthy of caring for all that surrounds you well done and thank you for the video. Carol and Bob

[@Lordslade1]

nothing like a golden retriever and a forest full of changing trees in the fall.....life is good

[@cardtrickmaster79]

at 4:45 , those tiny seedlings could be up to 20 or 30 years old! just waiting for their opportunity for space to open up in the canopy and take advantage of the sunlight. As soon as a space opens up, those seedlings will take off very rapidly and put on substantial growth very quickly! very cool to see it on the growth rings!

[@volcanocollins9845]

@Bobby t trees can do that. So if a bonsai tree were to be planted will it grow to what it's supposed to depending on tree species?

[@mattskag2]

@@volcanocollins9845 Yes, depending on the species. The taproots are cut on bonsai which may stunt and potentially limit growth if replanted in a more natural setting. But again, that depends on the type of plant.

[@cardtrickmaster79]

​@@volcanocollins9845 if its already a tree that has been pruned and trained to grow a certain way, then probably not as the taproot and leader branches are usually heavily pruned. But it depends on how the tree has been pruned.

[@Fehrman21114]

Great response Shawn. Calm, reasoned, and informed. Too much irrational hysteria out there on this topic, born of, as you alluded too, just plain ignorance.

[@user-mo7ck7nc8z]

You are a powerhouse Shawn, your energy, effort and commitment are an inspiration. Detractors exist in all walks of life, they will exist long after we are all gone. Negativity does not build the world, people like yourself do, love your work.

[@thizizliz]

Thank you Shawn. Good questions, great answers. I live in the desert of Southern California where even our forests are fragile due to minimal water, so sustainable here is a completely different word here & it's good to hear your understanding of your forested area. We might as well be on different planets ecologically, yet as you mentioned, we all impact one another. Your home is sustainable in YOUR area, more so because so few power tools were used. We can't apply the same standards in all parts of the world & you helped spread that message.

[@centennialmagnolia2273]

Shawn, thanks for all the talent and effort revealed in your videos. They're beautiful and so refreshing to watch when we're in the middle of a particularly hot or dry spell here in Georgia (USA). Since you occasionally ask for suggestions of video topics, how about an ongoing class in tree identification. I know a maple when I see one, but don't know the difference between different varieties. When you're out doing anything you normally do and spot a different tree, such as maple, oak, pine, etc., I'd love an impromptu description of any trees you can identify showing close-ups of bark, leaves, seeds, information on what they're specifically used for, their notable qualities, etc. Would that be something you'd enjoy doing?

[@upnorthandpersonal]

I posted a video on my tiny channel on Saturday showing the same idea, with a storm as a background and how it knocked over more trees than I ever had to cut down for my build. I got 5 views, one down vote, and one subscriber less. Sigh... some people. At least you got this message out better :)

[@fiorevitola880]

Shawn: The fact that you have built the life around nature and not to exuberance is a statement in its self that you are respectful to nature and earth. I think when people speak of wast of natural resources they are sighting the many over the top homes that are built now to show what we think is a sign of our wealth, "mic mansions" that are a wasteful use of lumber. You are building a home that is practical and I for one commend you for it!!

[@funnyd8798]

Thank you for teaching the ones that don't understand. Thank you for just living the way you do. So many people are creating so much waste but want to question if you're replanting trees??? Haha you really shouldn't even have to explain yourself to anyone. You're nice enough to take the time to do that. That shows maturity and patience. Anyway thanks for another great video. I just took some Canadians around Houston, TX today and I was telling them about my you tube addiction including your videos. I can't believe it but I think all my favorite you tubers are Canadian I need to just move there already. 🤔😊

[@susanhamilton1822]

I've noticed the abundance of tree seeds and cones also and the berries were terrific. There was no bear activity in town this year as compared to other years because there was lots to eat. It was a beautiful summer and I'm sad to see it come to an end.

[@jeanblythe1595]

I did my special college study in forest succession, and you have a very healthy forest there. Nature does take care of itself, even when there is fire. Things replant themselves in a particular way. In different areas, the succession of what plants first is different. What is not natural is the planting of trees the way the lumber companies do it. That wipes out diversity. If you look at how Mt. St. Helens was replanted by the timber companies, it entirely wiped out the natural succession, so what you get is a "crop" of skinny trees that will be harvested when they are a certain age/height/girth. Underbrush is left alone, but thinned to suppress fire. That means the animals aren't the ones that would live there in succession with what should be growing in an area--they are the ones that like a certain kind of tree seeds for their food, or a bird that favors the nesting habitat. That's a gross oversimplification, of course. Shawn's forest has the proper diversity of ecosystem, from wet to more dry, from deciduous to hardwood, with the healthy understory to sustain the animals and everything else that should be there. As for maple fliers and their germination rate, it's high. I have a maple in my front yard that drops billions (it seems) of fliers so they all stand in regiments in the prerequisite lawn, and even in the lawn they manage to sprout, forget about the little forest of sprouts in the flower beds and planters! It's so cute! So there is never a lack for trees. Shawn doesn't have to plant anything for it all to get taken care of the right way. :D

[@volcanocollins9845]

The wind going through the tree leaves is such a soothing sound. Much like the waves on a beach. Cali is such good doggo.

[@brendasas8440]

Read this quote recently and think its fitting "Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself ."👍🍁🌳🌲

[@jackiereeves9280]

I hope your teaching on renewable resources hit the mark for the few that simply dont understand the concept.

[@diananazaroff5266]

Sneak peak at the finished porch on the bath house. Awesome! Looks wonderful!

[@charles9410]

I grew up in deep woods North Carolina and NYC. we had no running water or electric in NC and I loved it. I currently work in the NYC area and live in the Poconos PA so these videos are my ideal fantasy. 👍 thanks for putting it on KZbin and I love the atmosphere and lessons.

[@tracybradshaw1362]

Great answer to that question. It is wonderful that people are concerned and looking for answers! If everyone would plant a tree, What an impact it could make!

[@PenguinCam]

There's no way that you could use the resources more sustainably than you are now, you're doing more than most in an educated, systemic and intelligent way. It sounds like the critics have a knee-jerk reaction to things they don't know much about. It's great that your are so patient and non critical in trying to inform, but it must be so frustrating. The more all of us do, if only in small steps, it's still better than cynicism or just plain not caring about the planet and those who will inherit it after we're gone. Great video!

[@d4mdcykey]

He plainly stated the majority of questions were by people from other parts of the world, many of them where they have to proactively plant trees or the ecosystem suffers.

[@trudyschaffer8016]

Nicely done! It is so true that different parts of the world have tough time grasping the vast differences we have here in North America vs other areas where trees are so scarce. 🌲

[@beatrizgonzalez6221]

Sorry if I don't write correctly I am Spanish and just tried to express how much I like your videos I am a nature lover.

[@mindyvaughn8217]

Shawn you sound just like a forest ranger friend of mine. You are both very intelligent. Living in Alabama we are covered up with trees which I love. I only live on one acre but I have a massive oak tree in my front yard that I have watched grow my entire life. My father planted it before I was born. I can only grow Elephant ears and ferns in my yard because the oak blocks out most of the sun. My sunroom stays at a comfortable temp all summer even with our 90+ degree weather. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. That Cali just loves you so much. She is so precious.💖

[@jackstraw1919]

Cali must think you talk to yourself

[@marianfrances4959]

hilarious. or that he talks to that funny box on the tripod. LOL

[@TheTed169]

Hey Shawn, forest conservation officer here. You pretty well nailed the life cycle of a tree/forest. Sunlight is the key ingredient, seeds will lay dormant for a very long time until conditions are perfect for them to regrow the forest. In a clear-cut situation we plant and also leave behind what are called crop/seed trees. These mature trees that are left behind will propagate the regrowth of the future forest along with the planted seedlings. tfs...

[@leann4925]

I have trees that produce a lot of acorns but then the squirrels around here eat them. The trees abound where I live helps during the summer time to keep the area somewhat cooler. Thanks for the information. The sound of the wind through the trees sounds nice.

[@roybaird3062]

Man!Callie is such a beautiful dog.She looks like she's in a lovey baby mood today!!

[@scotta71]

I suspect that's her default mood. She's a great dog!

[@CC-xk6cp]

SHAWN No doubt you're being a responsible and wonderful steward of all nature around you. I know how much you appreciate the life you have and seek the answers you need to continue into the future. You've done a great job and look forward to your continued journey...

[@YlvaBjarnson]

I always love learning new things no matter how old we get we have much to learn

[@maryblaylock6545]

That means that you are a lover of life. And That's a good thing. George Meredith, a British poet once wrote a poem about that.

[@nnnn-oo7bo]

You already have the title for your series; "Welcome Back to The Cabin". The ratings will be off the charts :-))

[@Loesters]

I don't understand why people don't see the difference between one man cutting down some trees just to sustain his life and multinationals cutting down entire forests. Huge major difference. I think you, Shawn, take only what you need and that you are living more aligned to nature and your envirement then all the people nagging about you cutting down a tree. Bless you for taking care of yourself and your/the land. And thank you for sharing it with us. It is a blessing for so many.

[@marivanderlinde2026]

Yes it is true, some areas in the world do not have the luxury of abundant wood supplies. However, looking at your vids over the last few months, I realized that you are concerned about how and what you are harvesting. Yes, I supposed, you will always have critics, but one word to them, before you criticize, investigate first. I had a back operation a year ago, and due to complications I had to basically re-learn to walk. I came across your channel accidentally, and subscribed because I liked it a lot. Still watching it although I am on my feet again. Your simple but effective manner of doing things made sense, and I love to be informed about parts of the world I never were exposed to. Thanks for that. Continue doing what you do.

[@jasonreid611]

I live on an acre property in Ontario and it’s all I can do to keep up with tree growth and management.

[@mermaiddreams83]

Same way here in the tall and beautiful mountains of eastern Kentucky, all different species of trees from the different elevations of the valleys and tall mountain tops, what a beautiful places we both live in and if we all do our small parts it will be more hopeful for future generations as well! Thanks for your explanation of how our forests work, hopefully it's helpful to others and in showing them how they can also have a part in helping care for this wonderful world we are all so fortunate to live on!!!

[@Gordonseries385]

Thumbs up Shawn my old neighborhood was very wooded back in the 60`s now all gone for factory's and housing I think eventually things will change back to a smarter environment knowing we have to

[@terrinadeau8965]

Thank you for educating us.

[@markphillipson768]

If you have a question for someone great, do your research before you throw criticism at anyone. Very well explained Shawn.

[@irishcherokee8884]

Your a good man Shawn. Your doing a great job.

[@johnstromgren9022]

I totally agree with you Shawn, We had our property logged two winters ago as part of a gold wing warbler restoration project. They main took Aspen and Balsam and now the aspen are 10' tall and are so thick you cannot walk through the woods without cutting a trail

[@bismillahrabbani9006]

Appreciate this lesson about how forestry works naturally. Always something new to learn here. 💕💜💕

[@fergsfilms782]

Thank you for your videos. The moment I see that you have uploaded a video it makes my day. I am from Alberta but have a spot for a trailer in BC right next to crown land and my son and I are planning to go back country camping next year. All because you have made the outdoors enjoyable for me again.

[@janethartwig774]

Outstanding educational video presented by a wonderful land/resource manager. You do such a perfect job of maintaining the balance between your needs and the health of your environment. The sound of the wind through the trees was very relaxing.

[@floydjustice5445]

Shawn I lie in South Carolina and some years back there was controversy over thinning out the wateree swamp. I was a hunter and my cousin was brought up in the swamp. By thinning out the swamp people were complaining about the destruction of habitat. Well it helped the habitat and wild life just how you explained. See you've been working on the porch for the sauna. Looks great.

[@floydjustice5445]

I know. Live instead of lie.

[@techronmattic5876]

I love that there are people out there watching your videos in screens made from mineral sands mining, using electricity to watch your videos provided by fossil fuels, all the while sitting in their homes that are likely framed with timber, and they are shocked that you might kill a few trees to build your home, ignorance at its best, keep the awesome videos coming shawn

[@retiredyeti5555]

I do not have any trees on my city lot that produce seeds, but I still get maple seedlings sprouting in my front yard from my neighbors trees, and other seedlings from trees in the parkway across the street. Nature takes care of itself!

[@sallymcdonald502]

Another great video, always interesting, fun to watch and informative. I love Cali, if you could harness power from her tail, you would be set as it never stops wagging. Can't wait for the next vid.

[@RJ-cc5cv]

Native Americans used to clear cut forests to open the canopy and let the undergrowth sprout up. They did this so it would bring wild game into the area to feed on the new growth. It made hunting much easier. When I used to hunt I never hunted in old growth forested areas unless acorns were falling because you never see that many deer there.

[@cindirice5295]

My husband and I are big campers here in Oregon. One of the campgrounds we visit every summer (Detroit Lake) is very large, wrapped around an enormous lake and filled with huge cedars, firs and deeply shaded forest. Beautiful! But several years ago when we arrived for our yearly camp fest we were shocked and dismayed to discover that much of the campground had been cleared of trees - lots and lots of trees - leaving huge bald patches, glaring sunlight and a dearth of the dappled, cooling shade we so loved about the location. One of the rangers shared with me that the prior winter they’d removed 1600 trees (!) due to needing to provide sunlight and air for the new saplings trying to come up as well as remove dangerous, dry duff that was packed all along the forest floor. He cheerfully said not to worry; the forest would soon regenerate itself in a far more healthy manner due to the openings they’d created with the enormous removal of mature trees. He was right! The following summer the campground had replaced its cool shaded groves by at least half; within three years one couldn’t tell a single tree had previously been removed. That experience was a good ecology lesson and nicely dovetails with your explanation about regenerating trees on your own property. And btw: none of those 1600 trees were wasted. They were either harvested for the wood or chipped into bark dust.

[@gaylemesser136]

Good show today Shawn. I think that you are doing a good job with your forest. I live in a prairie here in NE Missouri, and things are quite a bit different here. The only place here where trees grow naturally are creek draws. Back during the 1930's was a time called the dust bowl days. Farmers were encouraged to plant trees at the edge of their fields, and in prairie country the trees cut down on the velocity of the wind. Thus in years of drought they reduced wind erosion of cropland. I lived in river country the first the first 30 years of my life. River country here in Missouri is a lot like the area you live in. Lots of trees that reseed themselves. The forests are largely silver maples, red maples and sugar maples. We have just about every species of deciduous trees that there is including pawpaw and black walnut. Missouri has more black walnut than any other state here in America. Pecans grow naturally in the river bottoms. The forests here are mainly 2nd and 3rd generation like yours. I don't like the practice of clear cutting. I know the big lumber companies replant, but they don't do a good job of maintaining the seedlings. They plant to close together and don't water, fertilize or replant those that die. You're doing a good job managing your forest. I love your show. Keep up the good work. Vaughn

[@skygerspacher6891]

Living in a thoughtful balance with your surroundings is a win win. Well said!

[@rodneywroten2994]

I have planted sugar maple on my land .I live in north central Louisiana and they get fire orange in the fall. so beautiful

[@robinmoore7202]

I appreciate that you’re consciously being a good steward of your land. Thank you for addressing this issue. Hopefully it will cut down (no pun intended 😝) a bit on the negativity that sometimes shows up here in your comments.

[@virginiareid5336]

Your information was things most people don't know about. They only see trees being cut and think it ruins the forests. Mother Nature will provide. As you mentioned, the seedlings must get proper sunlight to grow. If they paid attention, they would realize you use the wood from your trees, you never clear cut! Looking forward to seeing the finished porch on the bath/sauna house.

[@biblebeliever4570]

I think your more knowledgeable and aware of what your doing over anyone who lives in a town or city. Those who live in a city don't even account their footprint of lumber, fuels, or foods. People commute an hour or more one way and don't put any thought to the waste. Foods that are trucked in are using containers such as plastics that are just thrown into a landfill or the ocean or other water ways. Like you said if people bought locally there would be less fuel to transport and possibly less containers used such as instead of plastic wrap you buy from a local farmer and put it in your own cloth bag or wood crate to bring it home. I think your doing a excellent job paying attention to what is important. Its way too bad more people don't compost. And society take a look at using less plastics. Your living set up is great. Thank you for your videos. I was a truck driver so I can tell you how confused that I was picking up a load of beef in California to bring it all the way to New Jersey, then took a load of processed beef back to Nebraska to then go and get Omaha beef to take back to California. Certainly not using beef locally this way. No joking about these loads either.

[@maryannanaya905]

Funny you talk about tree growth. Our 1st house in suburb of Chicago in 54 my Mom had little trees and lilac trees planted next to house. My sister and I by the time of our late teens we made use of those trees at night and yes after curfew. One time after school we were locked out of the house forgot our keys so next best thing I had to climb my tree to get to my bedroom. Memories.

[@mattvaandering]

I remember learning about the seed booms on a guided hike in Algonquin and how they trigger spikes in rodent populations which then triggers spikes in species that prey on them. It will be interesting to see what next year brings. All the best Shawn!

[@paulmoore6175]

I think it's backwards around my place this year. I usually have about six to eight Chipmunks running around collecting and burying acorns. This fall I just have 1 little one and he must have thousands to bury. He'll be pretty fat in the spring LOL

[@tamarasself-sufficientlife7539]

Very eloquent and respectful response to those that don't realize. I have a cabin on Tug Hill in NY.

[@fyiaustralia9686]

Shawn, this was an excellent video about natural resources! You obviously have a natural talent for delivering a lecture about the world around us. You should produce more of these videos about the rivers and lakes around your property, and fishing, for example.

[@Pixxelshim]

Having lived in Michigan and traveled extensively in Ontario north of Lakes Superior and Huron, I am quite familiar with your perspectives presented in this video. However, I could never have said it so eloquently. Nature finds a way! Thanks so much.

[@beebeel6285]

I grew up in the 50s. EVERYONE knew this. We had more woods everywhere..we all knew this! Thankfully, you are teaching the kids who are ignorant of this basic knowledge. Scary there are ppl today this unknowable.

[@treesareshady]

Hopefully I'll be as knowable as Shawn is one day.

[@DillRidge]

Griffin McKnight 😂

[@sovrajg.baruah4902]

Not so basic for kids. Not at all basic for an audience living on the other side of the equator.

[@beebeel6285]

@@sovrajg.baruah4902 no trees in South America?? Or are you talking about Sahara Desert??

[@MikePhumanaut]

Yes, please continue these types of video.

[@marshavasaturo2289]

My late husband Frank restored antique and early american industry tools. It is nice to see you using hand tools to build your cabins and household items. I sold most of his collection on eBay but maybe if you have something in mind I can send a tool your way. I really enjoy your videos. Marsha

[@julipolito7761]

Beautiful, beautiful area. Thanks for sharing, again, Shawn! 🌵🌵🌵

[@edowlut2004]

I can fully understand the seedlings growing, here in France my land is surrounded by Beech and Oak and when I have to cut the grass it is like cutting a miniature forest as the land is covered in young tree saplings

[@marthaadams8326]

Cali gets it"! I think you explained this beautifully and hopefully, you will continue to educate those who have not lived like this. I am alone and unable to keep my forested areas (on an old farm in TN) cleaned out. Really bad trees come in and push out the good one if you do not keep up. I have acres of 100 year old oaks and like you said, if they get too crowded, nature takes care of it and firewood is supplied if you can get someone to cut it for you. This was a cow pasture before the farm and so some of the land is open pasture, but since it is not being used right now, it will eventually fill in with trees unless animals are put back on the land. Because of my age, I hope that the next owner will care for it. So many people come up and say, just get the loggers. That is what destroys the land. They just leave it a mess and the drainage all changes. Taking a tree down at a time or using fallen ones does not do damage but (as you said) encourages the trees that are left. One person at a time who is living sustainably adds up over time. Keep up the good work while having a great life.

[@MJAMES1021]

Cali is such a sweet dog. Great video.

[@ws775]

The squirrels certainly help in reforesting with all the seeds they bury.

[@RJ-cc5cv]

So true......they play a huge role in forest growth. This is their most active time of the year

[@brianwhite9555]

LOL! I think everybody calls them "helicopters", at least in N. America. Maple trees produce an amazing number of seeds. Over time, I've noticed that many of the ones that end up in my SE Michigan garden never germinate, but nevertheless, I still have to pull up a good number of seedlings each spring to keep the perennial beds looking tidy. Not many acorns in my area this season, but plenty of hickory nuts and black walnut. Anyone who watches your channels long enough will understand you're a fairly conscientious steward of the land, and of natural resources in general. Keep up the good work!

[@terry-sue-88]

I was educated today. I did have the thought in the back of my mind about the cutting of trees for firewood for you through the coming years; wondering how your land would look in the future. I know from watching you that you were particular about the trees you do cut and use. Now I know. Thanks Shawn for addressing this issue. Btw, love the filming of the trees blowing in the wind and rain!

[@tegannottelling]

Greer that’s so awesome, just to give you an idea, I bought my property 4 years ago. It had been cut to the ground for cow paddocks 75 years previously. ( I am sad because some things didn’t grow back, so we lost some bio diversity, but I’m slowly reintroducing these species but it’s hard, as Shawn said, just finding an area with enough light to let them grow ) but google ‘ Laniakea Rainforest Camping ) the forest you see in the images is the equivalent of one generation. 75years old. I love that forests are a renewable resource if managed properly and Shawn is managing his well from what I can see. Cuts many standing dead ones, I also bet if he sees a hollow in that tree that could be an animal’s home he leaves it alone as I would 😊😊 ( takes about 120 years for a live tree to form a hollow big enough for our species of owls to nest in, as my forest is essentially so young I help out here too by creating artificial hollows, this helps out in turn by controlling the rats etc ( introduced species) . )

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@tegannottelling Well done ye!

[@Mcbaby12345]

Perfect timing for a upload! Thanks for the videos Shawn!

[@bradbandemer5845]

Congratulations Shawn on hitting 100k with a quarter to go. Way to go. Love your honest responses to questions.

[@hadassah8549]

I came across your video on my you tube and your cabin and the beauty of Adonai’s untouched world and to see HIS BEAUTY IN THIS WAY is awesome. That is just a small sample of what Elohim has in store when He destroys this world and makes a NEW WORLD for those that love Him and live for Him. And Yes humans do have an impact on this world and will be held accountable as all of nature and what Adonai (Lord in Hebrew) gave is JUST ON LOAN FOR US AND WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE!!! And your knowledge of it all is awesome. I wish I could visit! Shalom bshem Yeshua. Peace in the name of Jesus🙏😊🕎✝️

[@MrCow579]

New upload! Always nice to see that you care so much about nature and the ecosystems around you. Keep going, you're doing great!

[@waltereldridge9447]

You're not taking more than you need and what you have taken is a selective approach. So the things that you're doing is just fine from what I see Shawn. 😊👍

[@Thornbeard]

Growing up in Humboldt county California, I have seen first hand when man takes too much and does too little to replace old growth. The devastation that all the big lumber companies did to old growth redwoods was and is incalculable. Yes young redwood saplings grow super fast but it will take over a thousand years for them to ever attain the same size as their old growth counterparts. It is one of the reasons that I oppose logging in the Tongass National Forest here in Alaska. There is no need, we can get wood elsewhere without damaging forests that were set aside for everyone. You do a amazing job Shawn of being sustainable and I commend you. Its unfortunatly large companies that are not doing a good job.

[@Bunefoo401]

I can see people who might be criticizing someone who comes in and just plows down acres of trees, such as for pastures or housing developments. They create a whole new landscape without thought to the outcome. The farmers with pastures often replant, but even if they don’t, they’re trying to grow food. I just find it ironic that someone living in the middle of the forest has to explain himself for cutting down trees. Not being in forestry, my own common sense would tell me that you are doing the forest a favor by taking some of the trees down ... like you said, opens the canopy to allow sunlight into the smaller trees so that they can grow. That bit where you were sitting in the forest, people couple probably count hundreds of saplings that are growing, but again, need a bit more light to continue to grow .... kudos to you for trying to educate all of us. Everything you share is definitely a help to SOMEone out there.

[@HelloHello-ej4lk]

Funny just thinking back ...We had 10+ acres of land..(5-6 acrs) .I manicured the land to look like a park setting.. Had little help ...I Loved. It...just being outdoors. Know I see.your.land.thinking Hmmm, What.could I do with it..😂😂😂 Sometime it's best left alone..... Keep it woody's ... Everything Looks Amazing 👍😊

[@toneyjohnson8910]

It is crazy how fast they can reseed themselves. We had a tree fall on our house a few years ago and we had to move out for 90 days and when we moved back in the front wooded area had all these samplings growing everywhere mostly oak and hickory. Great video thanks

[@michaeldh4769]

The comment actually spurred some good information about your geographical area and the ecology thereof thanks for sharing

[@nnnn-oo7bo]

Succinct yet in-depth response about forestry as it pertains to your region. I only came across your channel a few weeks ago and wished I had tuned in when you started years ago..... it's never too late to learn. I totally enjoy the picturesque "Great" outdoors that you capture in every video!!! God's creation is breathtaking. Your videos are so educational, relaxing, scenic, inspiring, refreshing etc. etc. - words can't describe :-)) I am hoping to view you on several major worldwide networks in all languages. These golden nuggets are too good to be had sparingly :-)) GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS!

[@ilidsdou2]

Very well said Shawn! We have an abundance of resources in Ontario. I was born up the line in Deep River. My fish, game and of course pine needle tea..

[@christinegreenstreet6115]

We also have tree saplings growing everywhere. Places you don't want them to. Nature has a way to replenish.

[@robertgill3907]

Great patient answers for common sense questions. Thanks for sharing.

[@janetwithers7427]

Thanks for sharing your expertise of the trees. I have never doubted your knowledge or use of the trees. The fall colors of the trees are just gorgeous now. 😺💞🎃

[@gzubeck3]

Nice general overview of your area in Canada. Very informative. thanks

[@TammieFulmer]

Very well put you even mentioned wild game and fishing I think also is very important as human beings have that responsibility to be careful and mindful of the food we take so the cycle of life can continue strong.

[@jamesfleming555]

Well spoken/explained. I live on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington. I can't cut the Alders faster than they regrow!

[@nigelmonicahobson1267]

Thanks Shawn for sharing, great information 👍