Where to spike trees
On Public Lands
Tree spiking has gotten a bad rap as a tool to protect forests
on public land (most often National Forests).
Tree lovers; so angered by the logging, most often, of irreplaceable/old growth forests belonging to the federal government; would sneak onto these lands and spike trees slated for timber cuts. Does this type of action save ancient forests? This has been debated ad nausea, but if the trees aren't spiked and timber companies cut down the forest, then the ancient forest definitely is lost.
Generally if the public land tree spikers are caught they are considered guilty by the courts of destruction of government property. Although it is a type of taking by force, tree spikers themselves and many in society consider it a necessary 'evil'.
On Private Lands
Tree spiking on someone else's private land is probably even
more controversial, but spiking you own woods shouldn't cause any problems at
all if its done correctly.
Recently we spiked several tracts of forest on our homestead/farm in Lincoln County, WV. Although we have always understood that we would never cut trees on the bulk of the property, the act of tree spiking with neighbors and friends fixes the idea and actuality of a wilderness area in the mind of the community. We can’t change our minds about timber harvesting this area, nor can future owners of this property.