Big Pine Down

[JDGreenGrass]

Hello all.

This past winter I had a big Maine pine tree blow down (up-rooted) in my back yard. It is the sort of about 60 to 70 feet and the trunk at it's widest point is roughly 24to 30 inches. It's a big tree. Questions.....

I have limbed it out. The slash is laying along the down tree. Can I pile it up and burn it.?? It's pine...will it burn or smolder.?? Or, how can I use my tractor to clean up the slash.(get it into the woods).?? I don't have a grapple. I have a bucket, a 6' rake and a 6' rear blade and a carry all......any use at all.??

What is the best way to use the pine.?? I am thinking of haveing a portable saw mill come and cut it into 2x4's and boards....maybe 1x6's or 1x10's. It's one tree...Is it worth it and how much lumber would I get (roughly).??

Well, let's start with this.....

Suggestions please.

 

[20 20]

I use pine for burning and making lumber. Pine burns fast and hot, great for camp fires, I also use it for home heat in the wood stove. Depending on knots curving etc... it makes very good indoor lumber. Needs to be stacked for a couple of months to become dry, but can be used green.

 

[beenthere]

Can you post a pic of the tree down? Can't make a comment on the lumber from this pine until seeing the tree. And a sawyer might not take on a job of sawing into lumber unless you buy the bands that get taken out with metal inside the log (from bird houses, laundry lines, signs, etc over the years).

A pic would help.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've found that to burn pine, I need to cut it into lengths and let it dry out a bit. Even if it's been laying on the ground for months, it still full of moisture. Once the end grain is exposed, it's ready to burn in just a week or two.

With just one tree, it will cost you more to have it cut into lumber then it will to buy the boards at Home Depot. You also don't know how good the grain is on the tree, or how the lumber will come out. Some pines are good, others are terrible.

I'd just burn it and get rid of it.

Eddie

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Can you post a pic of the tree down? Can't make a comment on the lumber from this pine until seeing the tree. And a sawyer might not take on a job of sawing into lumber unless you buy the bands that get taken out with metal inside the log (from bird houses, laundry lines, signs, etc over the years).

A pic would help.

Yes, I will post pictures when I get home from work this afternoon.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I've found that to burn pine, I need to cut it into lengths and let it dry out a bit. Even if it's been laying on the ground for months, it still full of moisture. Once the end grain is exposed, it's ready to burn in just a week or two.

With just one tree, it will cost you more to have it cut into lumber then it will to buy the boards at Home Depot. You also don't know how good the grain is on the tree, or how the lumber will come out. Some pines are good, others are terrible.

I'd just burn it and get rid of it.


Ah, there's an answer to one of my questions....It's not worth sawing it into lumber. I trust you Eddie....In all due respect.....Do others agree that it is not worth the cost to saw it into lumber.??

Maybe when I post the pictures someone could decide the "grade" of the pine. I'll post some of the knots and try to post it's "straightness."

Honestly, if I am not going to turn it into lumber I would rather just haul it into the woods....give my 770 a little workout. Probably burn the slash.

Thanks guys.

 

[pharmon]

If it has lots of branches near the base, that means lots of knots in the wood. If it's real straight you might have a good log. Generally it will not be worth your time for one tree, but check with a local logger or wood hauler. I sold some pine a couple years back and think I got around $200 for 1000 board feet of good quality lumber. Trucks in my area haul about 5K bf a load and like to avoid partial loads. Good luck.

Paul

 

[JDGreenGrass]

If it has lots of branches near the base, that means lots of knots in the wood. If it's real straight you might have a good log. Generally it will not be worth your time for one tree, but check with a local logger or wood hauler. I sold some pine a couple years back and think I got around $200 for 1000 board feet of good quality lumber. Trucks in my area haul about 5K bf a load and like to avoid partial loads. Good luck.

Paul

Meh, I am beginning to think I will just put it back where it came from.

It doesn't have a lot of branches near the base and the first 25' from the base is quite straight. IMO, it is a #3 grade pine at worst. In other words, it is a pine that is tall and straight....not a "gnarly" pine. It is a true Maine Pine, the State's official tree.

What a PITA.!!!......I'll post pictures later today.

I'll take a hardwood over a soft wood everyu day of the week. Seems to have more uses. I ain't burning it through my wood stove.

 

[miramadar]

I agree with Eddie...not worth the trouble of milling. If it were a valuable wood (Walnut, cherry, etc.), different story. You'd be lucky to give it away. Saw it up and sell it for firewood. Somebody will buy it.

 

[20 20]

I'll have to disagree with most on this one. Your saying it is straight without knots for atleast 25' that would be some real nice lumber especially if it is 24-30" diameter. If you lived closer I'd be right over to pick it up. Put an add on CL and see if someone wants the trunk, maybe? I have milled lots of lumber over the years and anything straight, easy to get to, without nails knots etc, is worth something. Shame to just throw something over a bank, especially if it could be put to a better use, JMO.