Frequently Asked Questions

We take care to only log under dry and/or frozen conditions. This allows us to minimize our footprint in the woods and ensure the timber owner’s property is kept in the best condition. Given appropriate weather conditions and a signed agreement with a land owner, we work with our customers to decide the best time to begin harvesting their timber.

We work carefully with the timber owner to come up with a complete harvest plan before any trees are cut. These trees fall within an optimal range best suited for harvest both financially and from a forest-management perspective. Timber Works never pressures a landowner to cut trees they do not agree are appropriate for harvest.

The area of a circle grows exponentially as its diameter gets larger. So a tree that is 20″ across has much more volume (board footage) than twice the amount contained in a tree that is only 10″ in diameter. That’s why we prefer to only harvest mature timber, leaving the rest to grow and increase in value.

Specifically, Timber Works prefers to cut trees at least 18″ to 20″ in diameter depending on the species. Diameter for calculating timber volume is the width of the tree taken at breast height.

It is impossible to harvest timber from a woods without a footprint, but Timber Works strives to minimize the impact to your property as a result of skidding logs and tree top debris as much as we can. In fact, once our loggers are finished with a timber harvest, they always smooth out log and skid roads and offer reseeding with site-appropriate grasses. This step is complimentary, prevents soil erosion and is just one of many ways Timber Works is striving better service than the competition. We also offer top removal and mulching services to ensure that your stand of timber looks as good as it ever did, even after harvest.

The Role of Timber Harvesting in Forest Management

In fact, timber harvesting plays a vital role in any well-designed forest management plan. Like all organic life, trees have a natural lifespan. They grow rapidly in height during the early stages of life. Once they reach the canopy, they shift to growing steadily in width. If allowed to mature without intervention, many species eventually enter a slow, steady decline that can last for hundreds of years.

Balancing Ecology and Economics in Timber Harvesting

We harvest timber in a way that balances immediate returns with long-term ecological goals. We focus on harvesting healthy, mature trees before they begin to decline. This approach allows the remaining trees to continue the natural cycle of growth.

Are Yard Trees Suitable for Harvesting?

Not usually. Yard trees are notorious for containing hidden metal, which can cause serious and costly damage to saw blades and other timber processing equipment. Even if you can’t see it, yard trees often have metal buried deep within them.

The exception to this rule tends to be developments in wooded areas — if your home is on a wooded lot that was once part of a larger forested area, it’s possible you do have timber suitable for harvest.

Exceptional Cases of Valuable Yard Trees

Occasionally, a tree of exceptional value may be considered. You can read more in this article from the Ohio State University which explains the difficulties associated with purchasing yard trees.

Yes. Because of the fixed costs related to moving our equipment and crews to a timber harvest location, Timber Works prefers to buy a minimum of 12 trees at any one location. However, we sometimes make exceptions for small stands of timber when the property in question is located close to another, larger harvest — or when the trees are exceptional.

Understanding Timber Valuation

For more information about appraising your timber, check out the blog articles /blog/2025/04/standing-tree-volume/ Estimating Standing Timber Value

What Does “Buying Timber on the Stump” Mean?

Buying timber on the stump means a logger purchases timber harvesting rights for a set number of trees from a landowner’s woods. Additionally, you can check the average prices being paid for such timber in
The Ohio State University’s Timber Price Report. This report is compiled yearly with data collected by OSU Agriculture Extension offices. It reflects the prices paid for timber while still on the stump.

Interpreting Timber Price Reports

The numbers in this report reflect averages from millions of board feet of timber harvested in Ohio. Consequently, they may not coincide with the value of your standing timber. In fact, Timber Works has paid amounts much higher than the averages quoted for exceptional or veneer timber. Nevertheless, this stumpage price report is a good starting point for your research.

How to Assess Your Timber

The easiest way to assess your timber is by scheduling a site visit with Timber Works. However, if you’d like to start evaluating your timber independently, we recommend reading our blog articles:

• Estimating Standing Tree Volume
• Estimating Standing Timber Value

These resources are great for anyone seeking guidance in on their timber harvest.

Yes. We do not utilize all of the timber we harvest at our sawmill, and therefore maintain markets for saw logs, veneer sticks and even pallet grade material. If you’re industry requires timber inputs in the manufacturing process, give Timber Works a call.