Tree selection when thinning / clearing

[Ken45101]

I too think an open woods is very pretty.

You mention that you want to dry out the ground. Realize that some species only do well in wet ground. If you dry it out, you might lose the remaining trees.

I would really get a state forester or soil and water conservation agent to come out and evaluate things before you make any decision with a timber harvester.

Ken

 

[forester2]

Who would be representing YOU in a timber sale transaction? Certainly not the logger. Get a consulting or State forester to take a look. Remember, the stewardship decisions you make today will carry beyond your lifetime.

 

[Eagleview]

For the paltry amount a logger will give you in royalty , the cleanup cost of the mess they will leave will kill any profit your thinking of . The stumps will be left standing , head of trees will be scattered everywhere and the trees you want to keep will be badly damaged when the others fall against them . Then they will push tracks in with a skidder to snig the logs out and leave ruts and bare earth . The log truck may also leave wheel ruts when leaving .

 

[AlanB]

Bluf (Bottom line up front)
Loggers offered $5K to $10K IOW the logs at the mill would bring 10 to 20K and they would get half.


The loggers were out yesterday, we toured the property looking at the various tree's, talking about what would be taken, what would be left, and the current value of lumber / wood, especially in relation to the species of tree and length etc.

Our thoughts are pretty much running along what Iron Horse said, in that I think the damage and aggravation that would come from it, would outweigh the $ benefits. Still looking.

Have not called the extension agency yet, but one of the agents is a good friend of the wife so I am sure she will be out and look with us.

Going to go to the mill's direct, and while I would not get the $ for the same tree that the mill would give a logger that better knows what to cut, and what the correct lengths are, and where to cut to get the most value. I think with a reasonable amount of education I can make reasonable decisions on what to haul to the mill instead of letting it sit and rot.

Another option is to have it cut on site by a local guy with a wood mizer, and another option I am considering is to purchase a small bandsaw mill or build a chainsaw mill and utilize the lumber myself.

Plenty of options, go along with no rush equals lots of opportunity and the comfort of being able to make decisions that I can live with.

Hopefully next weekend one of the mulchers from here will be out and evaluate with me what he can provide, at what cost and I will be another step closer.

 

[tlbuser]

Going to go to the mill's direct, and while I would not get the $ for the same tree that the mill would give a logger that better knows what to cut, and what the correct lengths are, and where to cut to get the most value. I think with a reasonable amount of education I can make reasonable decisions on what to haul to the mill instead of letting it sit and rot.

that is a risky proposition too. Logs are heavier than most people think. Can you move 20 + foot logs? Now , after you get all that going, the day you get to the mill will be the day after they really wanted that type of wood
If you have the ability to load a log trailer, you may find someone that will leave one and haul for you.

 

[AlanB]

that is a risky proposition too. Logs are heavier than most people think. Can you move 20 + foot logs? Now , after you get all that going, the day you get to the mill will be the day after they really wanted that type of wood
If you have the ability to load a log trailer, you may find someone that will leave one and haul for you.

Yes, I have the capabilities to move logs.

 

[jimgerken]

My suggestion would be to proceed slowly. I mean, study the site for a couple years before cutting anything that is alive. First, clear and pile up the stuff that is down. Sort it for: sellable, hired sawmill size and grade stuff, good for heating, good for fireplace, and finally good for nothing. Make a few piles of the good for nothing, keep them under 20 feet square, to burn in your rainy season or winter. Get the good stuff dealt with immediately, 'cause it is rotting every day. Get the firewood under cover, even if in log size pcs. Now, go in and cut dead trees. Push over first if possible, which gets the stump too in some cases. Same process as above, sort, deal with it, process accordingly. Now you can move thru the woods and cut undesireable species like buckthorn, etc, that is small and limiting access. Soon you will be able to brush mow. Right after that point you will begin to appreciate the remaining trees.
The advice of getting an arborist or conservation officer's opinon would be very valuable. Also, research programs in your state that encourage treed areas. It may be that the state will pay you a yearly payment to simply manage it and maintain it. There are many many different programs like this. Good luck.