logging questions

[BeatCJ]

Also, in the past, short logs were favorable to the logger but not the mill. Logs are scaled with a cylinder in mind and the small end is the diameter used. There is taper in trees so a longer log actually provides more "free" wood to the mill.

Isn't that the truth. The last time I sent logs to the mill, we didn't buck anything to 40s. The contractor sent most of it as 24s, a lot of taper.

Our last sale in SW Oregon ALL went as tonnage, which I found surprising. None of it was export size or quality, though. That was as much a rehab sale though, the last time it was logged my grandfather (may have been in my great-uncle's control as he was dying from colon cancer) the contractor didn't replant. About 55 years ago.

And having the logging pay for rehab, replacing poplar with more desirable species sounds like what the OP is trying accomplish.

 

[trialanderror]

As stated previously, those a logs, not trees. Second growth at that. Each mill has preferred lengths. Also, in the past, short logs were favorable to the logger but not the mill. Logs are scaled with a cylinder in mind and the small end is the diameter used. There is taper in trees so a longer log actually provides more "free" wood to the mill.

Perhaps this photo will give more of an idea. View attachment 1208510

Yup. We had a logger that attempted full length skidding. I hope that man is dead now, otherwise if I see him, he will be dead.

That man ruined nearly every hardwood alongside the ~3 miles of trails he used because everything was pulled 50ft+

 

[slowp]

Yup. We had a logger that attempted full length skidding. I hope that man is dead now, otherwise if I see him, he will be dead.

That man ruined nearly every hardwood alongside the ~3 miles of trails he used because everything was pulled 50ft+

It can be done and is done successfully elsewhere. But it takes people who care. You really shouldn't threaten people online either. Layout of skid trails is extremely important and yes, you will get a bit of damage to leave trees along some portions of the trail. Even when skidding log length some damage will occur. Rub trees can be cut, if damaged too much, after skidding is complete.