Then the usual time to let the wood and brush dry so you're not burning it green is the biggest issue.

(Of course that's my opinion. Any corrections/suggestions are welcome)

I do it as a shallow rectangular pit.

Pile up 1/2 to 3/4 of the material and light it.

As it begins to show the beginning of white ash forming on the top, ad more debris until it's all in the pit.

Once that starts to show embers/white ash on the edges, The smoke will be more billowy and white, then kind of yellow, then a thinner blue/grey. That's the stage I throw on soil and let it ride out until it self extinguished.

(I do know of people that use water to quench it at this stage)

This the technique I've used, but I'm sure there are several that work.