how can i reuse trees?

Question

we would like to build a barn for our horses, but the only to have anough room is to cut down a whole bunch of scrub oaks.
i would rather not cut down the trees just because i am somwhat a enviromentalist, but there really is no other way to keep my horses safe from storms and such.
so other than burning the trees that we cut down, is there any way that we could re use the trees? and what would be the cost?

i greatly apprecieate your help.
THANKS

thank you so much people all of your answers are helping me!

Answer 1

You don't say exactly how big these trees are, but since you say they are scrub oaks I'm guessing they're pretty small and not suitable for use as lumber. If that's the case consider renting a brush chipper (most equipment rental stores and home improvement stores have them for rent by the hour, half day, day, or weekend) and grinding the trees up after you've cut them down. The chips make excellent mulch that you can use around landscape beds or other, more valuable trees. In fact the chips may even make suitable bedding for your horses if it isn't too coarse.

Answer 2

a number of my customers here in the San Antonio area have cut down mesquite trees and had a local mill plane them into usable lumber, boards. The cost was much less than buying this kind of material from a supply store. If you have to cut the trees down then at least use it for mulch or floor covering for the stalls. Remember that trees are one of the best sources of protection that horses had before man's sheltering them.

Answer 3

Since you are out in the country, a brush pile is an option, it provides habitate and shelter for small animals and birds, and is a good conservation idea recommended by the National Wildlife Federation.

Answer 4

Well, you can find recycled wood somewhere and use that. Always trying to help!

Answer 5

only cut what has to be cut,