What to look for in a logging company and how to sell?

[clovergamecock]

Hey guys! I have between 100-120 tall and I mean tall pine trees that I want to get cleared out. The average width appears to be about 3 feet in diameter. I am looking for a logging\timber company in the Clover SC area. What should I look for in a logging company? How do I figure a fair price for me to sell it for? Pine around here goes for around $13 per ton from what I have read but I have no idea how much a tree would weight. How do I figure this up so I at least have a ball park number in my head? Any questions I should ask?

Thanks
Wade

 

[ericher69]

Hey guys! I have between 100-120 tall and I mean tall pine trees that I want to get cleared out. The average width appears to be about 3 feet in diameter. I am looking for a logging\timber company in the Clover SC area. What should I look for in a logging company? How do I figure a fair price for me to sell it for? Pine around here goes for around $13 per ton from what I have read but I have no idea how much a tree would weight. How do I figure this up so I at least have a ball park number in my head? Any questions I should ask?

Thanks
Wade

Try this to get you started

http://www.woodweb.com/Resources/RSCalculators.html

 

[Rustyiron]

If your state, county etc. has a forester, he should be able to assist you with your questions. You might check out the Forestry Forum or arborsite.com for some local suggestions, of course you'll have to sign up to ask questions. Before signing with a logger, I'd ask him to show you one of his recently completed jobs, there is a big difference between how some of these guys will leave your property looking.

 

[jpm1]

Make sure the company has workmans comp insurance and willing to write a contract that works for you too.
If you can find a forester, talk with him or her and they can set you on the right path and possibly manage the harvest for you depending on the percentage they get, but talk it over with them, thats what they do. . . .
Check into having the pine cut into logs and sold. Most buyers when buying saw logs, buy using the Doyle log scale which gives good measure but the International scale is a little better for the seller. Usually when using the international scale the log grade drops a bit though.
Personally i wouldn't sell by the ton unless they are "cull" pines, in other words junk trees, all limbs and real crooked. Keep us informed . . .John

 

[toddbailey]

Do some research and look for small operations, I believe it will be hard to find a big time operation that will show up for only 100 trees. One thing to think of what are you going to do about the stumps it will be easier to get them up with the tree attached.

 

[smstonypoint]

Your best bet is to contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission forester serving your area.

He/she should be able to provide you with a list of consulting foresters and logging companies in your area, and advise you on appropriate action.

Check this link for some useful info: SCFC Before You Sell Your Timber

I have my doubts about whether a large logging company will be interested in a small tract.

Steve

 

[JerryK]

Try to get some references from any company you decide to have come in. There are some that will give you a decent price on the wood they want, but tear the heck out of the trees they don't want in the process. Every tree they skin up driving around in your stand will loose future value, and they will sometimes drive over lots of future good trees making them junk. You don't have to hook up with a horse or mule dragging company, but make sure they are on the up and up.

 

[MarkV]

It isn't going to be possible to give you an accurate price for the timber. Much depends on how far you are from the mill that takes big trees. Not all mills will and shipping costs run pretty high these days. I also agree that 100 trees are not going to attract many logging companies. Around here most will not bid on less than 10 acre tracts. For a small tract there are companies that we call "Short Haulers" that may be interested but don't expect much money.

MarkV