We pay top dollar for the trees we buy because we specialize in high quality hardwoods. We are most interested in species such as walnut, maple, oak, cherry, and hickory. But don’t worry if you don’t know what species you have — that’s our job. When you are considering a timber sale, however, please be aware of some of the trees that we can’t use. Unfortunately, we cannot buy trees from a yard or residential areas where tree removal requires specialized equipment. We also do not buy trees that have been blown down by weather, which generally damages the wood for use as a high quality hardwood — which is a good reason to harvest your mature timber.

See all the knots? Not! When the tree is sawed, all those knots become big holes that decrease the value of the lumber. Sorry, we can’t use this tree.

That tree looks perfect, EXCEPT . . . it’s in a yard. The house, the electrical wire, the propane tank are all in the way and special equipment will be needed to remove this tree. Please call a tree removal service.

It’s big and beautiful, but . . . the branches start close to the ground. This tree won’t yield lumber that is usable for us.

THIS IS IT! Although not all the trees we buy are this big or this perfect, this picture gives you an idea of what we are paying high prices for. No knots or low branches, but a high quality species that soars high in your timber lot.

There are lots of variables. Not every tree we buy is perfect.

Gotta love a great tree! — Jim loves a great tree!

Questions to ask yourself:

How big are my trees? Depending on the owner’s needs, we can buy trees with diameters as low as 14″; however, please realize that the smaller the diameter, the lower the value of the tree. If your woodlot is made up entirely of trees that are 13″ or less in diameter, we would probably recommend that you allow your trees more time to grow. When trees that small are sawed, they yield only a board or two. Neither of us would gain enough value to be worthwhile. (NOTE: The diameter is the measurement across–not around–the tree at chest height.)
What species are my trees? It’s taken me years to identify species accurately, so I don’t expect you to know what you have, and I’m always happy to take a look. But if you happen to know that the trees you wish to sell are dead ash or elm, cottonwood, pine, hackberry, black oak, basswood, or beech, I’m afraid I can’t help you. Such timber is generally considered pallet wood, bringing very low prices. While there are companies that specialize in pallet materials, our company is interested in high quality hardwoods. That is why we are able to make highly competitive bids on the timber we buy .
Are my trees growing primarily on low, wet land? Take a look at your property. Is there water standing most of the time where the trees grow? While there are always exceptions, typically trees growing where water is always standing are lower quality species that we can’t buy. If your land has some low, wet areas but you also have high ground with bigger trees, we can probably find trees with value on your higher ground.
How many trees of size do I have? While we can combine loads if we are buying from several woodlots in your area, it is important for us to buy enough board feet to make it worthwhile to dispatch a cutting crew, skid loaders, and semi trucks to your woodlot. We cannot deploy that much equipment and personnel for just one or two trees.
What are the obstacles, if any, to selling my timber? First of all, you must have clear ownership of the trees, and all owners must agree to sell. Next, the tree has to be clearly within your property lines. We use an app that will show us where your property lines are. We must also have manageable access to the trees. Timber buyers are not allowed to shut down roadways to load timber, so we have to be able to identify a landing area where the logs can be loaded onto a semi. With your help, we can usually figure this out, but we have to avoid power lines, driveways, lawns, septic systems and so forth if we are to safely remove the timber without harming anyone’s property.

Every timber sale is unique.

It is ALWAYS up to you, the owner, to determine how the woodlot should be handled.

Call me at (269) 919-0087 to discuss your options!