Green Horizons

Landowners who receive proper training gain confidence in felling their own timber. Note: The chainsaw operator shown here is wearing specially designed protective jeans for added safety.

The woodland owner who cuts and delivers the logs or other products to the roadside or mill may substantially increase profits from the sale. However, logging requires special skills and knowledge and there are substantial risks involved. It is hard and potentially dangerous work. In addition to personal risks, engaging in logging may alter your insurance coverage.

Some types of logging may require special equipment. Attempting to log with some agricultural equipment could result in extensive damage to the equipment and increase the chances of personal injury. Furthermore, improper cutting, handling, or transporting of highvalue logs can destroy much of their value. As with most projects, logging often requires more time than is initially estimated.

Recommendations for harvesting your own timber: Have a market for your product before you invest the time and money necessary to harvest it. If possible, have a written contract with the buyer. Do not get stuck with a product to sell without a buyer. Know your buyer's specifications and requirements. What size log will they accept (minimum, and in some cases maximum, diameter and length)? How much volume or how many trees will they accept in a given period of time? Are they only interested in veneer quality logs? Once the tree is down, know where to cut the logs. There is more to it than simply laying out a tape measure and cutting at every 16 feet. One can ruin a perfectly good lumber log (or heaven forbid, a veneer log) by cutting at the wrong place. Super glue will not help you here! If you employ other people to help you, know your legal responsibilities for such things as workers' compensation, minimum wage, social security, state and federal income tax, O.S.H.A. requirements, etc. Use the proper equipment. Seek out others who have harvested similar timber in conditions like those found in your woodlot and see what they recommend. Observe all safety precautions and procedures. Check with your insurance carrier to determine if logging alters your coverage. If it does, work with your carrier in securing a special rider that will provide you with the necessary coverage.

Hence it may interfere with other activities and responsibilities. Once begun, logging is best finished as quickly as possible so the forest can begin regenerating itself.

For these reasons alone, harvesting of high-value species, such as black walnut or white oak trees containing veneer quality logs, should be left to the buyer.

A discussion of proper techniques of cutting, handling, and transporting timber products is beyond the scope of this article -- but if you’re thinking about harvesting, keep the following points in mind.

The Missouri Forest Products Association offers an excellent timber harvesting short course and it is open to private landowners. For a schedule of course offerings, visit www.moforest.org or call education coordinator Glenda Fry at (573) 634-3252.