Ground-based skidding creates skid trails which are paths used to drag logs to an area where the logs are collected into a log deck for loading onto trucks. Limit the number and length of skid trails to minimize the total amount of area disturbed by skidding. In most instances, the disturbance by skidding will aid natural regeneration of the forest. However, care must be used to prevent excessive erosion of skid trails or sedimentation of streams.

Directional felling is one way to minimize the number of skid trails or amount of area disturbed by skid trails. The roads or skid trails are laid out before the trees are cut. The trees are then cut for the most efficient access.

Note the additional length and number of skid trails to access the same number of trees in the diagrams. Foresight is needed to facilitate skidding with the minimum amount of skid trails.