girdling makes sense if the trees are in your keeping from the get go. why not let it dry standing? if you're going to saw it this seems like a practical option. there are years in front of us, and more for the trees.
if i recall correctly phelps recommends dropping it and leaving the branches on to pull some of the sap up the tree. corrections...? i've done this, though i haven't taken moisture measurements. makes some sense though.
Bob- i wish i could command your self assurance about building and cutting down the best trees. maybe this is a matter of preparation! i have in mind a really broad-eaved wood/cheese/root cellar shed- one of the pictures in phelps' log building book actually. so maybe this is the beginning of the collection of timbers.
