CUT TREES FOR THEIR HIGHEST VALUE 



.# 





PULPWOOD 



SAWLOGS 



POLES 



19? 



41 4 



46? 



72? 



_J 



$1.07 





I 



$1.72 

 $3.50 



$7.70 



45? 



$1.30 



12" 



15 



18 f Diameter breast high 



In cutting timber, each tree should be made into products that bring the 

 largest profit. For example, a good 15-inch pine tree could be cut either 

 for pulpwood, sawlogs, or perhaps a pole (see the chart). A tree of this 

 size standing in the woods is worth 72 cents for pulpwood, $1.72 for sawlogs, 

 and $3.50 for a pole. Therefore, if a farmer sold his timber for pulpwood 

 he would lose a dollar on each 15-inch tree suitable for sawlogs. If he 

 sold as saw timber he would lose $1.78 on each 15-inch tree that could meet 

 the requirements for a pole. Cutting for sawlogs, however, could give a 

 better return than is shown here, because the tree might also yield some 

 pulpwood bolts. 



Many trees of sawlog size may be of poor quality and not suitable for 

 sawlogs, but they could be used for cross ties, pulpwood, or fuel. Ordinarily 

 only a few trees in a pine stand will meet pole specifications. So a farmer 

 should examine his stand carefully before cutting or selling. He should 

 consider the quality of individual trees and the prices they will bring as 

 different products. In this way he can decide how to utilize them for their 

 highest values. 



Commercial operators usually buy timber for just one product, such as 

 pulpwood or sawlogs. So the owner must do his own logging, or have it 

 done under his supervision, if he wishes to get utilization for the highest 

 values. Some localities may have markets for pulpwood and sawlogs only. 

 However, poles may be salable at an outside market if suitable arrangement 

 can be made for trucking. Always contact several buyers for each product 

 before cutting the timber. 



With a little experience and observation in cutting and marketing, the 

 timber grower can look at a tree and decide what products it will make. If 

 the stand contains a number of poles or piling, he may decide to harvest 

 these first. A second operation may take out the sawlogs. Next he may 



