Lumber or firewood?

Richard · Dec 29, 2002

Using the bar on my Stihl as guide, I guestamate a 22 to 24" diamater oak tree fell over. Seems there was a dead spot at the base of it, and tree was too top heavy.

I have two logs, roughly, say 22 inches diamater (not measured), and roughly 10, 15 feet respectively.

Someone (a very non expert like me) said he thinks they are red oak..

None the less... These logs are straight, solid, and the dead part has been trimmed off. I am currently cutting up 4 other oak trees that also fell (most of them in recent windstorm) and wonder if I want to split this log, or cut it into lumber.

Is this an expensive ordeal? I have no real need for wood like this, but if it is in fact, "good wood", I also hate to see it go up in smoke.

any merit in offering it to someone? What kind of valuation do you put onto it? (presuming above dimensions reasonably accurate & red oak)

I DO know if they are worth say, $200, then I'd be just as happy cutting them for firewood for my uncle (we have no woodburning fireplace). If on the other hand $$$$.......?

Anonymous Poster · Dec 29, 2002

You might want to post this question over on www.arboristsite.com
If you're in an area where there are guys with portable sawmills, there might be value.

Richard · Dec 29, 2002

did not know of the site, will do, thank you !!

Will_C · Dec 29, 2002

Richard; I do know that red oak has a fairly high value right know. If you know a wood worker, you might get them to buy the logs to be sawed by a portable mill. I know a couple of guys that would do that in my neighborhood.
Will

northcreek2624 · Dec 29, 2002

Richard,I faced your dilemma with a Black Walnut tree that I had to take down.
Basically it boils down to the level of finish and what you want to do with the finished product.
If you want to have it rough cut for the wall behind your bar it's worth it.
If you want it suitable for a hardwood floor it's cheaper to buy the floor outright.
Also White Oak is better suited for fine work,Red oak tends to splinter which is why it's often used for making pallets.....Mike

jyoutz · Dec 30, 2002

Richard, look up your local State Forestry District office. Call them and talk with them. They will give you the straight information based on your locality.

riptides · Dec 30, 2002

I had a similar problem on clearing pastures. Unfortunate in my area, any type of wood, even 150 year old oak trees are just not worth the companies time or effort to come get.
It was explained to me that acres of trees would have to be felled for them to consider coming by for pickup.

We ended up burning (in the fireplace) most of the trees, others were given as partial payment to the excavator. I thought about renting equipment to take the others up the road for fencing, but the price did not work out.

Go figure. hope you have better luck.

-Mike Z.

woodmills1 · Dec 30, 2002

this is an interesting dilema that faces many people. You didnt post a picture so I can't really say what you have. there are many people like me who have portable sawmills who would probably look at your logs and give an opinion. go over to http://forestryforum.com/ and post a picture along with your location and you might just get one of the woodcutters there to come over and look. I picked up some nice pine and hemlock from a conversation I joined here. I will look for the thread and post a repy.