Birch trees are probably the most ubiquitous tree in the world. A circumpolar species, birch trees grow all around the northern hemisphere, and its characteristic white, papery bark makes it readily identifiable, even to children. In fact, for many, it is the first tree they learn to identify. No question, birch trees have a special…
It does not need to be said that chainsaws are incredibly dangerous tools, deadly even. Their use absolutely necessitates careful operation and a keen eye for safety. Luckily, their operation is made substantially safer with a mechanism known as a “chain brake.” The chain brake of a chainsaw is a pressure-activated switch that abruptly and…
Hemlock is one of the largest trees in the northeast, and being so large, these trees must be worth a lot, right? Unfortunately not. Despite their nice form, large size, and theoretically-desirable qualities, hemlock trees have few markets, rendering them of little value to the landowner. Standing hemlock timber usually sells for around $5-$10 a…
The forest economy is full of various actors and agents that provide different services in the supply chain. Usually, these are broken down into three roles: The landowner, the logger, and the sawmill. If you act as a landowner, you usually sell timber to a logger. Occasionally, however, a landowner will act as a logger…
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is one of the most valuable species of timber in north America. With a beautiful grain and stunning reddish-brown color, its wood is cherished material for high-end furniture, flooring, and other decorative surfaces. But how much are black cherry trees worth? Typically, Standing black cherry trees can fetch the owner between…
Whether you are buying logs or selling them, it is likely you could find yourself transacting in a not-so-standard unit of measurement known as the “truck load.” Thus, it is helpful to know exactly how much a truck load of logs is worth. Generally, one can expect to pay (or get paid) between $1,000-$2,500 for…
Transportation is the backbone of the forest industry, and it is possible all thanks to logging trucks. Logging trucks are real behemoths of machines designed to carry freshly-felled trees along America’s roads and highways to be sawn into boards or made into all sorts of products at the sawmill. Because transportation of roundwood can be…
While timber is a totally renewable resource, it can take a long time for timber to grow back once cut. It can take so long, in fact, that many mistakenly believe that once timber is cut, it can never be cut again in one’s lifetime. While that is a total myth, it comes from a…
Black Walnut trees (Juglans nigra) are well-known as one of the most valuable species in North America. With a natural, dark brown heartwood, these trees are highly valued for the depth and color they can give high-end pieces of furniture and wood work. As such, a common question for timberland owners and those with a…
Lumber is most often measured in board feet, especially in forestry and milling. Whether you are a sawmill operator wondering how many boards you can get out of a tree or a carpenter tallying up board feet for a project, it can be helpful to know exactly how many board feet are in individual boards….