I agree with Mick Thompson's sage advice. Also, burning in hardwoods is a good idea if you are trying to create an oak savannah (lot of meadows and some oak trees), which TN had centuries ago and is very beneficial to wildlife. There is research that says It is also helpful if you had a clearcut and want to help oaks return after the cut (oaks will resprout after the fire and the other species may not). I contracted with the TN Division of Forestry and had two controlled burns in pines in 2015 and last March. I have some large white oak trees in the pines and they were not harmed - it helps if you rake burnable debris away from around the base to help prevent a long lasting fire up against the trunk. Oaks are generally fire tolerant. The Division performs controlled burns for a fee ($60 per acre?). If you have forest land I highly recommend contacting your area forester with the Division, whether you burn or not. They have a degree in forestry, will walk your property with you and give you free advice. I met with them in 1993 and an hour spent with them was the best thing I ever did - it gave me a mental plan of what I needed to do to meet my objectives. If you are in Madison County contact Jon Marden at 731-307-8199. He can also discuss the Tennessee Tree Farm program with you which is a free Tennessee, and nationwide organization. Also ask if there is a County Forestry Association in your area - the cost is probably $10 per year and they have field days and dinner meetings yearly with a chance to meet and talk with forestry professionals. I've learned there is a lot more to forestry than meets the eye and it isn't intuitive so it helps to be around some forestry professionals.
