I would cut wood in 4' lengths and give the wood soil contact.

Also brush piles are good for wildlife as well.


--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Tree Biologist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.
Some people will buy products they do not understand and not buy books that
will give them understanding.

"Digital Larry" wrote in message
...
In the aftermath of a 4,000 acre fire that spent the last week
scorching through the local mountains

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:/...web_summit.kmz

I thought I'd do a bit more thinning out of primarily bay laurel on
the back hill. Now I've already cut down quite a few trees over the
years and they take their sweet time turning back to the soils and
nutrients from which they originated. I figured keeping them wet and
close together near the ground would help. Any other helpful
suggestions?