aspen clear cut timing

[JFK52]

Two separate ice storms have more or less closed off access to my farm at present. I was going to clear cut some small groves of aspen on my land in the Town of Almond, Portage county Wisconsin. Impossible task right now. Mother Nature rules!!
How late can I do these clear cuts this winter without hurting the trees? I am hoping for a thaw that will allow my helper to get to my Kubota in its shed and then to the areas to be clear cut. If the job can not be done this winter, it will be first on the list for next winter.

 

[bwoods11]

Two separate ice storms have more or less closed off access to my farm at present. I was going to clear cut some small groves of aspen on my land in the Town of Almond, Portage county Wisconsin. Impossible task right now. Mother Nature rules!!
How late can I do these clear cuts this winter without hurting the trees? I am hoping for a thaw that will allow my helper to get to my Kubota in its shed and then to the areas to be clear cut. If the job can not be done this winter, it will be first on the list for next winter.

I can't answer your question, but like to see someone answer your question.

 

[rocksnstumps]

Read of a late winter cut in March that was done to promote new growth for grouse habitat so maybe use that as a guide. Was in zone 4 not too far from Duluth, MN so would guess into mid March is ok.

 

[wiscwhip]

Any time they after they have gone dormant is fine. They do tend to "wake up early" in the spring, so don't wait too long, you want to get them before they break dormancy to promote the maximum amount of suckering/stump sprouting.

 

[Tree Spud]

Late February is usually best as all of the tree's energy has moved into the lower root system.