The ongoing competition for sunlight, water, nutrients and growing space is constantly shaping and reshaping the composition of a forest—and how each tree grows. A look at the growth rings of trees will show the story of when resources may have been plentiful or scarce. A dry season or an extended spell hidden in the shade of another tree will slow down a tree’s growth, while an opening of sunlight and space will speed up its growth.

The role of sunlight in tree growth

Some species of trees can grow well under the shade of other trees, so they are called shade-tolerant. Other species are adapted to growing in full sunlight, so they are called shade-intolerant. Shade-intolerant trees are the first trees to colonize an open area. Examples of these fast-growing, sun-loving, short-lived trees are aspen and paper birch.

While these trees are growing, more shade-tolerant species are growing in their understory, waiting for the day when the aspen and birch die to create an opening of sunlight and space. The next trees are likely to be species like red maple, red pine, and white ash. As the canopy gets thicker, and the forest floor gets darker, even more shade-tolerant trees take over. These trees include sugar maple, hemlock, and balsam fir.

The role of soil in tree growth

Your woodland’s soil also plays a role in the type and quality of trees that will grow there. In general, soil type is classified by its texture (or size of soil particles), porosity, and fertility. These soil characteristics will determine the quality and quantity of water and nutrients that are available to help trees grow. Soil types span a range from sand to loam to clay, and every combination in between.

Similar to sunlight conditions, some trees have adapted better than others to withstand less-than-ideal soil conditions, which means they have a competitive advantage there. For example, tamarack can grow in wet soils, and jack pine and oak can grow in sandy soils.

Working with a forester

It’s understandable if you are skeptical about employing a professional forester, since it might seem like nothing more than an added cost. In fact, research shows that landowners working with a professional forester during a harvest end up with a healthier forest, greater satisfaction in the results, and more money. Here is what a forester brings to a timber sale and how these skills can help you meet your objectives and get a fair price:

• Forestry expertise—they will estimate the volume of timber to be harvested, mark the trees to be harvested in line with your goals, and plan for how the sale will take place, including how the trails and roads will be used.
• Market knowledge—they can ensure that you get fair market value for your trees and match the local demand for timber with your forest and goals.
• Experience with loggers—they will know reputable loggers, understand their equipment, and be able to communicate your needs and concerns.
• Sale oversight—they can protect your interests during harvesting, ensure that best management practices are properly implemented, and administer the timber sale contract.

Working with a logger

Connecting with the right logger is critical to you getting the most out of any timber harvest. The forester you employ will help find the logger that offers the best combination of skills, willingness to address your needs, and price for your timber. There are many reputable loggers that work in the state. Other characteristics to look for when considering a logger include:

• Training, education, and professional memberships
• Experience
• References from other landowners
• Proof of insurance

Timber sale contracts

The contract is the most important part of the timber sale and should not be left out or glossed over. The contract protects both the buyer and seller as each knows what is expected of the other. It is best to utilize a contract that you and your forester create rather than one the logger provides. The contract should not give the buyer free reign, nor should it be severely restrictive either.

A timber sale contract can be complex. A landowner should consider consulting with both a forester and an attorney to cover all aspects of the contract. Foresters are not always aware of all the legal and liability concerns. Key elements in the contract include:

• Liability and responsibilities
• Property and sale description
• Sale method
• Bid price
• Sale date
• Terms of payment
• Utilization standards and bond requirements
• Notification and cutting notice responsibility
• End of sale requirements.

A lot goes into what a logger will pay for any trees, including the size of the sale (acreage and volume of timber), price of fuel, how accessible the trees are, and more.

One tip for potentially increasing the attractiveness and value for a timber sale is to work with a neighboring property to offer multiple sales at the same time. For determining the value of individual logs (trees can be made up of more than one log), the three main factors are grade (quality), scale (an estimate of the quantity of lumber within a log), and species.

Additional resources