Woodcutting (sage ability)

Woodcutting is an amateur-status sage ability in the studies of Trees and Forester. Also known as selective cutting, woodcutting is the practice of harvesting trees in a way that moves a forest stand towards an uneven-aged or all-aged condition, or 'structure.' In this manner, the forest can provide a steady flow of resources to be marketed while allowing the forest to retain its vitality and serve as a positive environment for wildlife. The practice involves harvesting single trees whose canopies are not touching, to produce small canopy openings conducive to the establishment and growth of new trees.

Adding in time to walk and select trees, up to 1 cord of timber logs can be cut down and cleared of branches in the space of a day. Once the tree is selected, however, an untrained laborer can cut it down; so if the knowledgeable character works with a laborer, up to 3 cords of wood can be cut in a day. This includes hauling the logs to a place where they can be cut or sawed.

Over the course of a year, this will produce 32 cords of wood per acre. A cord is the equivalent of 85 cubic feet of firewood or 1,536 board feet. To transform a cord of cut trees into firewood requires 2 days of untrained labor. Using a handsaw and saw pit, it is possible for two men to cut up to 96 board feet in a day (requires two people, but one can be untrained labor). Using a water or wind-driven saw (mill), up to 1,600 board feet can be cut in a day.

Trees are often moved along water sources to save transport costs.