Forest land is possibly one of the most personally-rewarding assets one can own. They can provide a source of lumber, recreation, and even meaning as you watch your trees grow. Even so, many owners of forest land understandably want to get more than just personal reward: they want financial reward. The most common and well-known…
It is no secret that using a chainsaw is dangerous. In fact, logging is consistently the most dangerous profession in the United States due in no small part to the use of chainsaws (and of course the risks of felling trees). However, there is one part of chainsaw use that causes disproportionate fear among those…
As a landowner, logging can be one of the most consequential decisions you make for your land and forest. Thus, it is common to have apprehension over the decision and worry that logging will be irreversibly damaging to your beloved forest. While this can be a real concern, done responsibly with careful silvicultural considerations, logging…
Logging can be of great benefit to you and your land. In fact, it can be necessary for maintaining the long-term health of your forest. But that doesn’t mean it is always beneficial or does not come with certain costs. Improperly managed, logging can ruin your land. Wide and frequent trails, deep ruts, high-grading, residual…
Thinning your forest is one of the most important silvicultural operations you can conduct on your land. It is an intermediate treatment that focuses on selectively removing trees to reduce competition and allow residual trees to flourish. However, the process is more complicated than simply cutting out a few trees. The stand dynamics and silvics…
There is a common confusion between two terms commonly used in forestry: Selective cutting and selection cutting. While the two terms are often used interchangeably (usually by laymen), they couldn’t be more different. Selective cutting is a non-specific description of partial harvesting that usually refers to high-grading or other destructive harvesting practices. Selection cutting, however,…
A timber harvest is probably the most important and consequential event in the course of managing a forest. There is a lot that can go wrong and many elements that can be handled improperly. Mistakes can cost thousands, damage your land, and greatly impede the quality of your future forest. It is crucial to carefully…
Timber truly is one of the most ancient industries around. We have been harvesting and utilizing wood for energy and construction for millennia, but only recently has forestry itself become an established science and practice. Like any science, measurement is key to successful timber management, but that’s where the simplicity ends. Timber measurement units are…
Hickory, another highly valued species of tree in North America, boasts exceptional strength and hardness, making it ideal for various wood products such as furniture, tool handles, and sporting goods. With its beautiful grain and durability, hickory has become a staple in the woodworking industry. So, what is the value of a hickory tree? The…
For many in the industry, logging isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. Those who were once in the industry and left often find themselves dreaming of sawdust and mountain air, longing to return. A great many more who have never lifted a saw find themselves drawn to the idea. But it isn’t all…