Logging FAQ: Answers for Timber Landowners

We schedule harvests around weather, ground conditions, and existing commitments. In Ohio and the surrounding region, we prefer to work under dry or frozen conditions when possible to reduce soil disturbance and protect the woods.

After we sign a timber purchase agreement, we will:

1. Confirm access points, landings, and skid trail layout.
2. Coordinate with you on preferred start and end dates.
3. Schedule the job within our current lineup of harvests.

In many cases, work begins within one harvest season of signing, depending on weather, ground conditions, and the current harvest schedule. If timing is critical, tell us during the planning process.

A tree’s value is closely tied to size, species, form, and quality. Larger diameter trees usually contain more board-foot volume than smaller trees, but size alone does not determine value.

As a general rule, Ohio Timber Works looks for:

• Minimum harvest diameters:Typically 18–20 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) for higher-value hardwoods, depending on species and stand conditions.
• Good form: Straight trunks, limited branching in the lower log, and minimal defects.
• Marketable species: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Hickory, Red Oak, and other quality hardwoods.

For more detail, see our guide to Estimating Standing Timber Value.

Yes, when the harvest is planned correctly. Removing mature, declining, crowded, or poorly formed trees can create space for younger trees and improve the future stand.

Thoughtful selective logging can:

• Remove trees before they decline and lose value.
• Reduce competition around better future-crop trees.
• Improve access, sunlight, and regeneration conditions.
• Support long-term species diversity when paired with appropriate regeneration practices.

Usually not. Yard trees, especially isolated shade trees near homes, fences, and utilities, often create problems that make them poor sawlog candidates.

• They may contain embedded metal such as nails, wire, hooks, or hardware.
• They often have short, heavily branched trunks.
• They may require complex removal near structures or power lines.

There are rare exceptions for very large, high-quality stems with good access and low risk, but most yard trees have more value as shade, ornamentals, or firewood than as sawlogs.

Stumpage value, or what a timber buyer pays for standing trees, depends on species, size, grade, access, logging difficulty, and current hardwood markets.

Landowners can review the Ohio Timber Price Report for general market trends, but the most accurate estimate comes from walking the property and evaluating the actual trees.

Related guides:

• Estimating Standing Tree Volume
• Estimating Standing Timber Value

After felling and skidding, logs are sorted by species, size, and grade. Higher-grade sawlogs and veneer-quality logs may move through our log brokering operation, while other logs may be processed into lumber, flooring blanks, slabs, or other hardwood products.

Knowing that your trees will be fully utilized can be an important part of deciding how and when to harvest.

Before cutting begins, we walk the woods and develop a harvest plan. During that walk, we evaluate:

• Species present, including Walnut, White Oak, Maple, Hickory, and other hardwoods.
• Diameter at breast height, merchantable height, and log volume.
• Form, defects, grade, and overall quality.
• Areas that should be protected for access, erosion control, water quality, or habitat.

From there, we identify trees that are financially mature and appropriate to remove. The final decision about which trees are harvested is always discussed with the landowner.

Any timber harvest leaves a footprint. Skid trails, landings, tree tops, and equipment paths are part of the process. The goal is to keep that footprint organized, controlled, and appropriate for the site.

Ohio Timber Works works to reduce and repair disturbance by:

• Planning skid trails and landings before cutting begins.
• Avoiding wet areas and sensitive soils where possible.
• Using equipment suited to the site and season.
• Smoothing and grading main skid roads after the harvest.
• Offering reseeding, top removal, or mulching where appropriate.

Yes. Because there are fixed costs in moving equipment, crews, and trucks, Ohio Timber Works generally prefers a minimum of about a dozen good sawtimber trees at one location. Most purchases involve more than that.

Smaller jobs may be possible when the property is close to another scheduled harvest or when the trees are exceptional in species, size, or quality.

A reputable logging job should be backed by clear paperwork and adequate insurance coverage. When you work with Ohio Timber Works, you can expect:

• A written timber purchase agreement describing what is being cut and how you will be paid.
• Proof of liability insurance and applicable workers’ compensation coverage.
• Clear standards for access, road repair, landing cleanup, and slash handling.
• Defined contract length and completion expectations.

You do not need to cut or mark trees ahead of time. A little preparation can make the visit more efficient.

• Locate surveys, deeds, or maps that show property boundaries.
• Think about your goals: income, wildlife, access, cleanup, reforestation, or future building sites.
• Note wet areas, steep slopes, fences, trails, or sensitive areas you want protected.
• Be ready to walk part of the woods if you are able.