Due to a recent windstorm, I have quite a few large, uprooted trees in my woods. The trees are hardwood and include white oak, hickory and red oak. I would like to have them put to use but all the timber buyers in the area are too busy to stop by right now. Could I cut the logs and stack them for future use and if so, what lengths should the logs be cut?

Thank you

Paul Cline

Hardwood product markets are variable and some markets and products require longer log lengths. The key to bucking, of course, is maximizing lumber grade!

Crosstie markets might want 8'6" or 9', whereas lumber/veneer mills might want 8'6", 10's, 12's, 14's, or 16's. However, the most important point about bucking logs is "maximizing" lumber grade! This means, don't cut a defect-free 12' log to 8'6" just because it is a common log length -- the 12' log will likely be more valuable.

Please refer to the following Website for Hardwood Bucking/Grading Rules:

http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pbfiles/PB1772.pdf

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-190.pdf

Best of luck!