Hi Dave,
I have had good results setting the log sections, 6'-16',on the ground. I put them in areas that avoid heavy sunlight. The fungus spores are everywhere so they will find the log, rain provides the water. I roll them every month to keep the moisture and spalting more even. (if left on one side the spalting seems to be primarily on the side with ground contact) I check the logs with fine end cuts to see how spalting is progressing.
White birch spalts fast and then rots, I watch closly. Yellow birch and maple seem to take two years. I am on the WI/MI border. I would assume things would spalt sooner where the number of 50+ degree days are more.
I have also put sections on end on the ground, covered with garbage bags, turning also. I find this more bother than a log and a cant hook.
Good luck, George