Finding the right tree is the first step in the mishoon-making process. Different varieties of trees may be used, pine or chestnut, traditionally in the eastern woodland regions of the United States. Given the decimation of the American Chestnut from blight in the early 20th century, a White Pine log is most often used today. The log must be freshly cut from a tree that is wide in circumference, straight, and tall from the base to the first set of existing branches.

With these criteria in mind, Hartman walked the property with TWIF staff and Innkeeper Steve Pickford to assess potential mishoon trees growing on The Wayside Inn grounds. After much discussion, it was decided that a tree on the west side of the Inn, growing dangerously close to the kitchen and guest rooms, would simultaneously serve the needs of The Wayside Inn and the project.

Because of the tree's location, it was decided that professional expertise was needed. TWIF staff contacted Lynch Landscape and Tree Services, Inc. and Rusty's Tree Service for in-kind donations of services and machinery to remove two trees, one of which ultimately became the mishoon.

Before the landscape crews cut the trees on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, Hartman Deetz arrived at sunrise on a beautiful summer day to make a traditional offering of sage and tobacco while reciting a traditional Wampanoag prayer. This offering recognizes the sacrifice given by the tree and is presented in exchange for its life. Following the offering, those present quietly reflected on the greater meaning of the offering while waiting for the arrival of the tree removal equipment and workers.

The process of burning a mishoon requires a lot of firewood. Given the size of the log, it was estimated that five cords of wood would be needed to burn for a period of at least ten days. The firewood, provided at a reduced rate by Lynch Landscaping, was stacked by a group of local Sudbury volunteers on Friday, August 26th. The stacking took about two hours and was finished minutes before a deluge of much-needed rain.