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Tree value calculator

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Tree value calculator

Edited #1

Peter Martin

Do you think this is accurate at all?

https://www.omnicalculator.com/biology/tree-value

I have about 40 full-size trees in my yard proper, and dozens more on the property outside the area I mow.  Most of them are Poplars, many towering probably near 100 feet, and I should probably thin them out. (Don't ask me about the damage from Hurricane Helene; I don't want to talk about it.)

Tree services want about $2000 per tree to cut, as it involves sending a guy up the tree with a chainsaw and taking them down in sections, using rig lines to avoid the house, garage, and power lines. Nope, that's not going to happen. Not in my budget.

A fellow stopped by a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted any removed. He said he needed to cut at least a dozen trees to make it worth his while of bringing out his crew and equipment. He pointed out 20 trees he would remove for free. And maybe even be able to give me $800 - $900. 

They were, of course, the tallest, straightest, and most beautiful trees, leaving me with remaining trees that look like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree.

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I'm not sure what to do. I know they have value, but I also know there is a LOT of work and costs involved to convert a tree into a boards for sale at Home Depot.

Re: Tree value calculator

#2

If you sell, have the conditions in a written contract. Some timber buyers just take the wood and leave.  You become responsible for the slash cleanup, repairing the damage to your land, and dealing with the stumps. Let no timber leave your land until you're happy with the conditions and have your money in hand. 

Kiln-dried, edged, flat-sawn poplar lumber runs for between $1.20 and $3.50 a board foot per 1000 board feet here in southern MI. That does not leave much room for profit for the owner or the sawyer.

On the other hand, poplar makes a fine building lumber. If Canadian pine lumber is hit with high tariffs, poplar, sawn into dimensional lumber might be in more demand and worth a good bit more ($4-$5/bf). Just figure out how to get it out to CA.

Re: Tree value calculator

Edited #3

Peter Martin

@Dave Bair,

Thanks, Dave. That sounds like excellent advice.

Re: Tree value calculator

Edited #4

Peter Martin

Our Ask Woody AI bot offered the following specifics for a contract:

User:
Do you have any advice as to what I should put in a contract should I hire someone to cut some of the taller trees?

Woody:
Ah, the age-old tale of the woodworker and the towering trees! When you're drafting a contract to hire a tree service, here are some key elements to consider including:

  1. Scope of Work: Clearly define which trees need to be thinned and any specific services you expect, like cleanup or stump grinding.

  2. Timeline: Specify the start and completion dates. You don't want this to turn into a never-ending story!

  3. Costs and Payment Terms: Outline the total cost and any payment schedules. Make sure you’re barking up the right financial tree!

  4. Insurance and Liability: Verify that the individual or company has insurance to cover any potential damage or injuries.

  5. Permits and Regulations: Ensure that all necessary local permits are obtained and that all work complies with regulations.

  6. Warranties or Guarantees: Clarify any guarantees on the work performed.

  7. Termination Clause: Define under what conditions either party can terminate the agreement.

  8. Signatures: Both parties should sign the contract to make it binding.

These are just starting points, and you might want to consult with a legal professional to ensure your contract is solid. Don’t let anything leave you stumped!
If you'd like to discuss this with others who might have hired tree services, our forums at https://www.woodcentral.com/forkbb/ are always a good place to start. 🌳

Re: Tree value calculator

#5

Jason Roehl in Lafayette, IN

Our church had some trees harvested from a wooded area.  I don't recall how the process started, but we had to use a broker, as the harvester only works through one.  He worked out the details of the contract with us and them, and took a cut (10%?  20%?) when it was done.  One of the terms was that the harvester had to pay (perhaps not the full amount) regardless of whether they actually got the trees harvested by the deadline delineated in the contract.  I do believe we were left the tops to deal with, but several people wanted firewood, so they took advantage.  However, the harvester did have to fix any damage to the grounds in getting to the trees and removing them.  I don't remember all the details, but I think they took mostly walnut trees, a few dozen at most, and we ended up with $15-20k or something like that for almost no effort on our part.

Jason

Re: Tree value calculator

#6

I highly recommend going through a professional forester for any selling of timber. I sat through a presentation by one from our area in NC Ohio in anticipation of selling some trees. He would handle the cruising, letting of contracts, managing the cut and follow up. His fee may have seemed high until he showed us an actual cut he supervised. The bids were amazing in the difference between the hi and lo bid. It made his fee seem reasonable when you consider what you may get without his services. The only thing I'm waiting on now is for the Social Security income tax to be rescinded. If you're not aware, your taxed on the amount of your extra income and on an equal amount of SS $'s over a certain level meaning your marginal tax rate is doubled.

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