I have 5 wooded acres in Maine that I want to build on in 5 years or so. Since I have some time, I would like to dry the timbers. Most of the trees on the property aren't big enough for a frame, but I should be able to use some of them and purchase the rest.

What is the best way to dry these timbers? Should I have them cut to size now and then dryed or what? Is there any way to lay them on the property under cover and let them dry naturally? Also, I can go ahead and purchase the other timbers and dry them as well, if that is the best way to go. (I assume that no rational timber framer is going to want my logs sitting around at his place for that length of time.)

Thanks for any advice.