I hunt 100% public land so I don't leave anything behind. This is what I do post season. Prepping trees for me consists of:
-Clearing a climbing lane up a tree that can accommodate sticks or screw in steps. This mainly applies to heavily limbed trees like cedars. I say "lane" because I don't cut anything I don't have to. I keep all the cover I can for myself and my sticks.
- At hunting height, I saw off loud bark if it's a thick bark tree like a pine and I also saw anything that will prohibit me from shooting at my target areas. At height, I take note of what needs to be cleared on the ground for shooting lanes.
- On the ground I cut shooting lanes to my target areas.
When doing all this I try not to over clear, damage, or disrupt anything I don't have to. This helps ensure that deer still feel safe there and keeps other hunters from finding and hunting my spots. Most of the time I don't even tack the trees and when possible I prep the tree on what I consider the back side of it to keep a low profile from other hunters.