Is leaving the woods alone really the best way to preserve them? According to forester Ryan Trapani of the Catskill Forest Association, “doing nothing” comes with hidden costs—and a whole lot of shade-loving trees. In this immersive forest consultation, Ryan pays a visit to host Brett Barry's property to explore hands-on stewardship, the limits of laissez-faire ecology, and the surprising power of sunlight in shaping forest health.

In this episode:

• How to spot hazard trees before they fall (and cost you)

• Why “doing nothing” might be the worst forest strategy

• Tree-for-tree advice on pruning, spacing, and crop tree management

• Sunlight as a limiting factor in Catskill forest health

• Tips for invasive pest management: ash decline & hemlock woolly adelgid

• CFA’s hands-on services, from mushroom inoculation to apple grafting

Plus, hear Ryan’s reflections on 700+ episodes of From the Forest radio—and learn how CFA’s independent, community-driven model helps landowners steward their properties with purpose.

More info: 🌿 catskillforest.org 📡 CFA’s radio show: fromtheforest.podbean.com

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