We bought our HOMESTEAD because of THIS now we HAVE to CUT it DOWN

We bought our HOMESTEAD because of THIS now we HAVE to CUT it DOWN
Lumnah Acres Merch bit.ly/2ZAa6yu
~Our Website~The Modern Steader Blog~ bit.ly/2xbEUb1
Where we got our Post and Beam Barn Kit From ~ bit.ly/39HmTAY (affiliate link)
🛒SHOP our favorite products on AMAZON:
(affiliate link) www.amazon.com/shop/lumnahacres
Link for FarmFoods Grass Fed Beef ~ Use Promo Code LUMNAH for 10% off your first order! bit.ly/2IQbS7u (affiliate link)
My Favorite Coffee Couldn't Start the Morning without it! bit.ly/2M1dKtQ Promo Code LumnahAcres for 10% off (affiliate link)
Chicken Supplies 10% Off For Modern Steaders Free Shipping in the US
bit.ly/2Bkgcq8 Promo Code Lumnah for 10% off (affiliate link)
In-Depth How to Butchering Videos and More on Patreon~ bit.ly/2AzifqQ
Premier1 Poultry Electric Nets and Solar Chargers that we use. bit.ly/2mhCiAZ
***Support the Channel bit.ly/2wNfBcy
Video Uploads 5 Days A Week
Follow us on
Facebook / lumnah-acres-173767697...
Twitter / lumnahacres
Instagram / lumnahacres
I was born and raised 20 minutes from Boston, MA. At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with Anxiety. My personal experience with the prescribed medication was NOT POSITIVE. So I decided to find better way. I didn't know it at the time but, that was the BEGINNING for me! I have been “FINDING A BETTER WAY” in all areas in my life ever since. Better ways of how to create a modern homestead affordably, and a better way to provide my family with healthy foods, and so….. much MORE!
At Lumnah Acres we hope our experiences can help guide you to find YOUR BETTER WAY! Please join us in sharing our journey with you, let us be a guide to Modern Homesteading, Self-Sufficiency, and FREEDOM for you!
New Videos 5 Days A Week!!!

[@denisewilson8367]

Where did you get your grain containers? What are they called? How much do they hold?

[@LumnahAcres]

we have the containers shown here www.amazon.com/shop/lumnahacres they have different sizes and they tell you how much weight they hold

[@denisewilson8367]

thank you Al.

[@hocuspocus4871]

You went all in on them, I see. Looks like you have 6 of them now. I have 2, and have had them for years. While I do like them and still use them, I do not buy them anymore. They claim to be stackable, but not really. If they have any weight in the top Vittle Vault, it makes the bottom one squish down. Once you remove the lid on the bottom one, it distorts from the weight and is problematic to screw the lid back on. While I love the idea, I have moved on. The same company Gamma, makes the screw on lids that fit on 5 gallon buckets. They are Gamma Seal lids, and work better. While I still have the 2 Vittles Vaults I bought for 34.99 in May 2015, I have about 2 dozen Gamma Seal lids for 5 gallon buckets. They offer multiple colors for the lids, and there is endless possibilities on 5 gallon buckets. I am able to color coordinate everything. And they are a lot cheaper. The only downside of the Gamma Seal lids is the buckets will not be able to nest anymore, no storage doesn't save any space.

[@b.wooten4505]

Lumnah Acres- I just bought the 40# and a 22# for chicken feed and DE!!!! Thanks f!!👍🏻❤️

[@francesbruno8445]

Lee Valley Tools sells the screw top pail lids adaptation to put on your 12 inch pails, to convert them to easy opening like your feed tubs. Always bitter sweet to have to cut down trees. Had to do that for a pine Grove I helped my grandfather plant, but they went wild and stringy, and began to die off. You might miss the shade, but the new orchard sounds exciting

[@billonthehill9984]

Hi Al, I understand why the trees had to go & it is a personal decision in either case. If per chance U have other similar apple trees on the property, go in with a pole saw, lop the tops off, cut out the deadwood, prune them up real good, including the suckers. In 3 - 5 years they will begin to pay dividends with healthier apples. Good for you, good for the animals, both domestic & the wild critters. Wild turkey, deer, birds, etc feed off those old trees straight through the winter. Late fall & right now up until before the buds open up is a good time to get started on the pruning... Old apple trees are slow growing & they love to be pruned & they will take on a nice shape with a little love & patience... Bill on the Hill, Vermont, USA... :~)

[@kleineroteHex]

Or graft a different variety onto some of the old trees....

[@davidkunkle405]

Might I suggest you graft to the old root system, with a new apple variety. This will have you in apple's much earlier, and with the extensive roots the regrowth will be much faster. Having said that if you are going to replant new apple seedlings, plant them nearby and they will be able to tap into the old trees root/soil network. As these trees decompose the network will feed the new tree getting sugar in exchange. If you want the trees to water themselves even in drought, plant from seeds so the tap root can reach the sub surface water aquifer. Any non annual planted inplace will typically do better than anything transplanted, this is the result of the tap root breaking during any plant handling above soil. The tap root is critical to longterm success of an orchard. So if possible plant from seed within 3 to 5 feet of the stumps, you can cover it with a glass cloche to aide germination. Good luck.

[@walterzaremba3866]

I was thinking the whole time you were cutting those apple trees down, I was thinking that would Be some good wood for the smoke house, And you were talking about the short seasons for growing stuff I automatically thought of the Old Farmers Almanac Been in print since 1818, They give you a complete run-down on when the best time to plant It's the most awesome books that ever been printed, Enjoy your channel, Remind me of the good old days, Best wishes Z.

[@danielheartsill4269]

Have you noticed the Farmers Almanac is more often correct than the high paid weather men and women. In our area (Dallas) the weather people are like the news people, they give the weather to make you suck air in in shock then nothing happens. Earlier this week they were all excited about snow. The closest snow was in Oklahoma City, two hundred miles to the north. They said last week Dallas hasn't had measurable snow in the last five years.

[@davin3311]

I was thinking the same thing about the smokehouse!

[@Mr21011952]

"Chomping at the bit" is what you needed to say for the waiting on planting season.

[@oldfart8647]

I am only speaking as an ex-logger from the west coast of British Columbia fifty years ago so maybe chain saws are completely different now but I would say that the chain on that saw is way too tight. We would have loosened it until the chain at the bottom of the bar was hanging loose. On the 48 inch bars we used it would hang down so the drive links were one quarter of the way in the bar groove.

[@beverlysmith5658]

Chain saws have changed a lot since then he has a self sharpening chain now

[@zippythechicken]

yeah but you are talking about a home user... they are likely to get the chain jammed in the cut and yank it out and make it loose... so tight works at first

[@gregkahle9046]

Old Fart It did sound a bit tight. Hey you or your fellow loggers ever see a sasquatch in your years in the bush? They say BC is a hot spot. 48" bar.....that'll get it done! Bet you've taken down some monsters in your day. Take care. Cool name!

[@Magnetis0101]

No your right he did tighten the chain too much, it should be a little bit looser then he has it. My chain saw bogs down when its that tight.

[@mikewieggers6337]

I was taught by a Newfie who used to work in the bush on how to sharpen and tighten the chain. He always said to tighten the chain until 3 drive links were completely visible after you lift the chain. Plus, when cutting frozen wood, the teeth on chain should be sharpened to a different angle compared to thawed wood.

[@JDLarge]

Gina, I stopped peeling any potatoes I’m planning on boiling years ago. I just throw them in the pot whole and when they’re “poke” tender I pull them out into a colander in the sink. They peel easily with your bare hands. I peel mine using my thumbs to rub the skin off under slow running water. It’s really easy and takes less than 1/4th the time vs using a tool. You can even do them a day early and just put the whole potatoes in a plastic zippie until needed. I find they do taste better than boiling away the flavor of the little pieces plus I’m sure they’re retaining more nutrients too. Just thought I’d share a tip✌🏼😉

[@loritanner4478]

I dont boil my potatoes for mashed or potato salad etc. I cut them in cubes and steam them till fork tender. Then run cold water over them if I'm using them cold, or hot and mash them. No waste in the water and so much faster. The potatoes aren't water logged.

[@kathybunch200]

Loving your ideas. When you edited I’m so glad you left in the hug that Olivia gave Gina. Sweet. I try to watch all the adds in your videos to help you out. It’s the least I can do for all the enjoyment & knowledge you pass along to us.

[@HarborHon1]

Love hearing you are putting in new apple trees. Can't wait to see what else you are planning. Gina, you really are keeping your family well fed. Love watching you cook. God Bless you all.

[@DrHoyt]

I still think it was so funny when you two announced you were getting a mule and we all started giving advice on what to buy and how to take care of him/her. I have shared that story with others and always get a laugh.

[@dougmeadows6058]

It would be perfect for a walipini greenhouse, year round production of greens, tomatoes, kiwi, carrots and herbs. It can be a start to local roadside market for your Nieghbors.

[@grdngodess]

I agree with you 100% on this time of the year. February is the worst month here in the pacific northwest we may not get as much snow but the relentless rain can drive you nuts.

[@elisabethkarlsen3370]

If you know anyone with rabbits, they love Apple wood! I think the goats might like some too. Can't wait to see what you do with that area!

[@SpotsOnBob]

Full sun, level ground, close to the house, great soil.... sounds like a good combination for a high tunnel and growing year round.

[@kdwashington8584]

I’m a new subscriber. I’ve watched 3 of your videos and I appreciate how you show the world what family togetherness looks like in your life. I also want to say how powerful your videos are to me; when you include your wife preparing meals that reminds me of how much my Grandparents loved each other and how much I miss them. Thank you, for doing that. Thank you for showing me that love and respect you have for your partner in you all’s journey through life. Continued blessings and keep up the awesomeness. A praying family is a blessed family.

[@Zeke-yv3nw]

With y'all's short growing season I sure hope it's a greenhouse!

[@jamieserrano14]

What a blessing for your wife to have a hardworking man like you !

[@virginiareid5336]

I was glad you mentioned keeping some of the apple wood for the smoker. I was trying to guess what part of land would be used for. I'll have to wait till Spring to find out if I was correct. God Bless

[@lynnproffitt8917]

Al we call how you are feeling about spring, "chomping at the bit ". Coop came out beautifully! Blessings from Austin Texas.

[@rebeccajones4311]

Those new baby Chicks are so lucky! They are coming to a wonderful home and a Awesome brand new palace !

[@chrissilsby4312]

I'd rent a good wood chipper. Save the chipps for around the new Apple trees. It will help retain the water and help them grow. I have heard of using old car tires, you cut one side, and place it around the plants.

[@WendyK656]

Good job Al on the trees. We use brush piles for the birds to hid, and they love it. I can't wait to see your orchard! Gina, I steam my sweet potatoes and mash them and they are so good. I do maple syrup; brown sugar and a dash of nutmeg. Al is Rusty and his ladies getting grubbly's too? Awe Olivia is loving on her mom! how sweet.

[@dougiedoug2921]

How about making an awning to protect the chicken door opener and track

[@time4kolene]

Wouldn’t the apple tree branches be good for the goats as a treat? I love watching all your projects.

[@shannonstephens4245]

AL in your older vids you are so much more reserved, but now you have hit your stride my friend!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@VisoMoraine]

I trust you are doing the best thing on the trees. You’ve proven yourself to be a master planner.

[@cindiberg7718]

If you want to start your garden early, you can plant peas when the soil reaches 45 degrees. Peas love to grow in the cold. Have you considered planting a pear, peach and cherry trees too?

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

We saved a couple old heritage apple trees. Trimmed them and then grafted two new varieties on each of them.

[@brendamontanye9877]

greenhouse/high tunnel! :) We are pruning an old orchard on our farm. This year we did a big pruning but most years we do less. The trees (they are full size ones, not dwarfs) don't look too cute but they put out lots of flowers in the spring. We plants some comfrey under them and let the sheep graze there several weeks of the year. They love the apple prunings, and then we use small pieces in the BBQ. You might use them in the smokehouse.

[@pbonniejean]

I remember how delicious applewood logs smell in the fireplace, and the smokehouse. But nothing smells more enchanting than cherry wood on an evening fire. Enjoy!

[@carolinewest2217]

Sometimes you just have to do things you don't want to do and cutting down the apple trees was one of those things. All that brush will make a great bonfire when it all dries. Chickens are upping their egg production with those grubblies. They really like them. We might get a spot if snow here in my part if VA, but I'm not holding my breath. I hope you and your family have a great day.

[@williambrucemacdonald4886]

Al, if I might adda a comment. The threes structures you built this winter are all on skids. My comment is that when placing any of these three structures you should use several 6x6's under the skids at right angles in order to elevate the skids which would prevent premature rotting of the structural skids. You will be older when they require replacement. these 6x6's should also prevent sinking into the ground which will make moving more difficult.

[@lorisanford8515]

Very good idea 😊

[@wayneleamon3186]

Am made the skids out of hemlock if I remember correctly. They should last a long time.

[@williambrucemacdonald4886]

@@wayneleamon3186 Yes hemlock should last longer than spruce/fir/pine but setting the structural skids on a couple of 6x6's will help prevent rot as the structural skids will have air circulation and not be continually wet/dry. The 6x6's will also prevent the structural skids from sinking into the ground and being difficult to move.

[@sharkydog6306]

Thank you for using chaps. Safety first. I always wonder why people don't use stuff like that when they're using tools that they actually make horror movies about. Anyways, thanks for using simple common sense.

[@anniegaddis5240]

You need to get a chipper. You can use chips for filling holes, mulching the garden, making pathways, leveling areas that puddle with water, keeping weeds down in/around garden beds and along fence lines, etc. The bigger parts use for smoking meat of course.

[@familleblanchette4539]

Keeping a couple of trees for pruning and grafting them with better tasting apple varietes could have been a good idea. The root system is already in place and is adapted to your conditions. It would have produced apples a lot sooner.

[@b.wooten4505]

I know the outdoor kitchen is a “greenhouse “ but a dedicated green house would be a positive awesome addition to the homestead!!❤️And my chickens are totally jealous of the new coop/brooder!!

[@gruntqueen]

I'm facing the same problems with my elderly apple trees, which I climbed as a child 58 years ago. Those apples made excellent cider and pies, and they currently feed deer and partridge but I think the time has come to plant new trees. I look forward to seeing what you plan to do.

[@thomasarbo2393]

I love the suspense that I get from you on the Modern homesteaders Lumna homestead can’t wait to see what you got cooking up in that head of yours

[@pbonniejean]

I learned to grow sweet potatoes in mid-Michigan by planting the slips in used tires. I had to bore holes in the sidewalls for drainage, of course, so that mosquitoes were not laying eggs in rain accumulating in them. As the taters grew, I stacked more tires and soil/compost. The black tires absorb heat, which is required for good production for this native of Africa.

[@donaldmiller8629]

Goooooood Evening , Al , Gina & Olivia , I would have done the old apple trees a little differently. First I would have begun restoring them with some good pruning. That process would take three to five years. In the meantime they would be producing some apples. Cider , apple sauce , pies , etc. At the same time you could plant some new apple trees which will take four to six years to begin producing. As the new trees come on line then you cut down the old trees. That way you would not have all of those barren years of no apples.

[@janestabler6222]

Can’t wait to hear about what is to come !!!

[@neildriedger637]

Great video,loved it Guys!

[@70acres]

Save some of those branches for the goats! They'd be loaded with minerals. I look forward to this next project. Blessings to all.

[@AtomicReverend]

You know you can graft new limbs to your established apple root stock, it's pretty easy to do and the new tree limbs will produce 2nd season generally instead of 7ish years. I know you got new plans for some of the land but the trees that are not in the way this might be a good idea especially if you can grab some limbs from the neighbor's trees.

[@danielhitchcock3817]

You can graft what ever type of apple you want onto those trees. It’s the root stalk that is hardy to your cold climate that is critical. As you probably know, apple wood is great for smoking meat. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@sherry2836]

With your bees coming in another couple of months, do you have plans on spring planting pastures of clover and borage? Those bees are a lot of little mouths to feed! Lots of sunflowers and nasturtiums along your fence lines would be nice and a yard full of lavender and snapdragons by the house. I read that they only forage within a 4 to 5 mile radius so maybe you didn't get a lot of honey last time because there wasn't enough food for them in the area? You guys are wonderful caretakers of your animals so I know you will take care of the tiny bees too. Looking forward to the new greenhouse/poly project.

[@jackieoman6695]

Tanner is so awesome! What a beautiful dog !

[@corvettefan91]

You need a couple of plastic milk crates to put in the back of your mule to keep small items from sliding around. I have one in the back of my truck to keep my one gallon gas can from tipping over. I anchor the crate with a bungee to one side of the truck.

[@telcomtechie8448]

hmmmmm productive and sunny area... sounds like a greenhouse maybe.

[@dpynepatriot3138]

Sure hope the goats get to enjoy some fresh apple wood branches

[@RAYOFSONLITE]

Give the branches to the goats every few days. They will likely love the bark.

[@hollymyers4393]

Hi Al! Congrats on your 1000th upload!!! I love you guys!

[@hollyslaughter5505]

We love sweet potatoes pan fried with coconut oil in Vidalia onions and a dusting of cinnamon.

[@nibru8724]

I love you Lumnah! So much better than other people's feeds and cams

[@hull99]

Gina, Just a quick tip when peeling potato's, if you wet the skin under a running faucet they peel better, easier, and quicker.

[@rondacorkhill1654]

You can use those trees to create a hukel something hill for gardening. I just started reading about that in combination with Ruth stout gardening.

[@angelsarrived2642]

I always love your vedios. You and your family are such hard workers. Always taking such good care of all your animals and the farm. You have found your true calling in life. To be G-D's caretakers. G-D Bless. P.S. it's always so nice to see Gina preparing diner, and you sit down to eat together and give thanks to G-D for all you have. 💘 Your faith shines thru and HE will always bless you.

[@MsCaterific]

The word I think you were looking for is 'anticipating'.

[@hhcosminnet]

the branch pile may attract critters that you would not want. those old lims often have larva in them and may spread to the new trees if they are too close.

[@littlewhitedory1]

Goooooood Mawnin' Al! I wish I could have some of those apple wood branches for use in my smoker! Boy, you guys are going to love Applewood smoked bacon....it's my favorite!

[@nancylitton390]

Anticipation!!! I look forward to Spring. All that I hope to get done... It's to bad about the apple trees...But,you do have to clear away the old to make way for the new. Plans that seemed good 100 years ago ,don't work tpday. Thank you for sharing your journey and God bless.

[@brendalawrence6732]

You have my interest peeked Al, can't wait to see what you guy's have in the works. A new orchard will be nice once they produce!

[@faithrada]

Always a goood sign when the water's not frozen.

[@rebeccawoodbixler9536]

Sounds like you’ll be gardening in that spot. 😊

[@kcconaty5270]

🥶Cold there, we have 25 this am NC, but it will get to the 60’s by Sunday/Monday lol crazy weather! Love all your snow! ❄️

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Al. Invest into a 6ft lifting strap and a snatch block. Then you could use the winch to help take down the trees

[@nathanielsizemore8594]

Good morning Al, Gina and Olivia. Looks like the goats will have some nice bark to eat, and lots of apple wood for smoking meats this fall.

[@ursulaeipert74]

we ,too had apples that were not for eating, but made great juice that we bottled. Great for hard cider as well.

[@raynall3593]

Full sun, fairly flat, sounds like a greenhouse build coming up soon. Would be handy way to make your growing season longer and maybe with heat, grow year round. But I will wait and see.

[@dennishammontree8031]

If you haven't burned the apple wood pile yet, you might want to harvest some of the bigger pieces for chips to be used in some of your smoke house. It wood add a wonderful flavor. Live your channel so much and am learning a lot. Hope to have my own homestead one day.

[@keithandlindabaldrey7413]

The apple grower where we get our cider and apples took down a few old trees last winter. A friend of his used the limbs to build a beautiful bench. Next time i go out, i will take a picture and send it to you.

[@tvcat3665]

3:28 You open the door & the 2 ducks come tumbling out quacking. They have a lot to say. 26:55 Tanner recovering an apple branch you piled up. 🐶😊

[@afghanbunny1]

Depending on how old the apple trees were, they might have been planted as cider apples. You don't want eating apples for cider, you want sour, dry apples...at least historically. Cider apples were more valuable as cider kept longer than any eating apple. But maybe not... those trees don't look old enough...probably just wild. Use the wood and enjoy it!

[@dougmeadows6058]

Apple smoked bacon? Yum yum

[@sailme2day]

good for you on letting go of the old and bringing the new .

[@christinedehn3257]

The old apple trees were probably grown for cider. Not very good for eating. You might want to keep a couple for pig feed until the new orchard starts bearing. Branches to the goats. It might also be fun to try and force some blooms on a vase of branches in the house. I've done it with cherry. It takes about two weeks. Don't know if it works with apple. Try branches that have blossom spur twigs on them.

[@brianpisant3567]

Sounds like a fun project!

[@aromaofhope]

Your experience with your apple trees reminds me of my feelings about wild blackberries. I thought I'd have so much free fruit! Ha! Sometimes they're good, and sometimes they're not. Sure do like your channel! Modern steading at its best!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Another great video I can smell that apple wood as you'recutting it up! God Bless y'all!

[@jameswitte5167]

You could use the od aple trees as root stock since they are aready acclimated ... Just graft the apples you want onto them ... Roots are already developed ... Debark and use the wood for the smoker ... Off Grid With Doug and Stacy call it aging in place ...

[@freakier0790]

Oh man, that time lapse from the drone got me kind of sick

[@Rowdymotmot]

It is a shame the old apple trees did not produce good apples. Looking forward to seeing your new trees and new projects.

[@mattben]

Sounds like a new garden spot is coming :)

[@hallenw]

The goats smell that fresh cut apple wood! Waiting for their share. 🐐 🐐

[@straubdavid9]

Good mornin New Yolk City .... yep - if you want good apple production you need to keep the trees well manicured .... they will get out of control in no time. One thing you definitely want to do is remove all dead and diseased branches asap. Properly trimming fruit trees can be an art unto itself. I think I "wood" have saved some of thicker apple branches for smoking ... yes it is a little more work, but once you cut down the trees it will be quite a long time before you can get more from your own orchard. Dinner looked sooo good you guys .... take care AL, Gina & Olivia. Looks like the grubblies are upping your egg production?

[@sailme2day]

the new chicken shed turned out great !

[@anthonystubblefield4987]

Your mule is so nice and quiet!!!

[@wayneleamon3186]

Al, I was watching Danny from Deep South Homestead last week and he says that the smaller wood is better for use in the smoker. What you're doing seems to work and I have always lived by, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@LostNationHomestead]

Good luck with your new apple orchard, sounds like it has been a tough decision. Looks like a good place for a greenhouse 😬

[@digarcia1890]

Ty for showing more of Figaro Figaro Figaro!!!

[@anthonystubblefield4987]

Olivia is so cute wearing dads work gloves!

[@wayneleamon3186]

You have got my attention and I'm excited to see the project that will begin in about a month. I'll be watching to see what will be going on. When will it be time to tap your Maple trees? Also, can you two any kind of Maple or is it just certain ones?

[@kimberli2391]

Maybe you could use your branches and wood scraps to make your own Char for your garden and pastures. A future project, perhaps? :)

[@joyceg6480]

Maybe a fenced in grazing area for your goats? A pond? Many possibilites!

[@joanneganon7157]

Thanks Dad for making me a stick pile! Isn't it ashame the old Heritage Apple tree get so gangly and don't give good fruit . Yah wish there was something you could do. Maybe we are spoiled with the new apples flavor.I made apple sauce with mine I the blossoms didn't get fried by frost. The Easter egg layer turned out a beauty today! Gonna be -1° tonight, finally we got some ground cover👍. JO JO IN VT 💕☃ 😊

[@KandRCustomModels]

Lots of great smoker wood

[@markbuchanan862]

I bet you are getting a polytunnel for that space... Its where I would put it if I had that much space so close to the house. Plus you mentioned wanting to get started on your planting, that would definitely give you a bigger growing season with a hotbed inside

[@dyss9015]

Omg hope is SO big!

[@davet.4945]

Apple wood smoked bacon, apple wood chip smoked ANYTHING! yum

[@davidward1259]

Al, cut up the apple trees into logs to use for smoke wood in the new smoker. Apple smoke is mild and pairs well with pork and chicken (really about anything, but IMO it's a little mild for beef). If you want to let the goats eat the bark, you could cut up the wood after they are done and it would still work just fine.