Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering using our portable sawmill service, you may have questions about how the process works, what types of logs we can mill, and what to expect on your property. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from customers across Lower Michigan.
Can my tree(s) be used for lumber?
The quick answer is yes. But you should consider the following questions:
a. How much lumber will you get from it?
b. How much will it cost you to cut it down?
c. How much will it cost you to have it sawn into lumber?
d. What will you do with the remaining parts of the tree?
What kind of tree (species) can be used for boards?
This is the customer’s choice. I can cut up about anything you would like to have boards from.
How big do the tree(s) need to be to use for lumber?
The bigger the better. I can saw logs up to 34 inches diameter. Trees with larger diameters usually mean more lumber per log. On the smaller side usually 12 -14 inches is the smallest to efficiently saw.
What does good lumber tree look like?
It usually depends on what you would like to do with the lumber but usually you look for trees that have large, long straight trunks with none to limited branches. Large in diameter gives you more pieces of lumber. Long and straight give you more and longer pieces of lumber, and limited branches gives you wood with limited knots(clear wood boards).
What happens to the lumber that's generated?
I provide a service to you to convert your tree into lumber you can use for whatever you desire. Therefore all materials from the tree remain yours.
If the tree is dead is it still good for lumber?
Dead trees can still be good for lumber but you need to make sure the lumber is still in good condition.
Ie. Any rot or insect damage can damage the condition of the wood. If the tree has been laying on the ground, it may have already started to decay. Or if it has been dead for some time, insects could have already started to damage the wood even if it is still standing. This should be taken into consideration before deciding on using dead trees for lumber.
What size of lumber(boards) do you saw?
The size of the boards or lumber that is sawn depends on the preference of the customer. In general, I can cut boards down to ½” thick and up to as thick as you need as long as there is tree to cut. For width I’ve cut 2” up to 18”. Depending on how thick you want it I may be looking for help in getting it off the sawmill. Also, remember the saw blade cuts about a 3/32” kerf so the more cuts that are made, the more tree that
ends up in saw dust. Also, remember that more cuts mean more saw time.
What if the tree is still standing?
I typically only work with trees that are already laying on the ground. Please secure a tree feller to drop the tree so that it’s laying on the ground.
How should I store my boards after they are cut?
After your board are cut to the desired size you need to prevent them from warping, rotting, molding, etc. The best way to do this is to store them in a dry environment free of moisture and or rain.
If your boards still have moisture in them greater than 10% you should also stack them with thin dry wood slats (stickers) about every 1.5-2 foot along the length of the board to allow air ventilation for drying to continue. You should do this regardless of whether you intend to air dry or kiln dry your boards.
What will be left over after you have sawn the tree into lumber.
Once I saw up the tree you will have several bi-products to plan for.
a. Lumber – Boards that have been created from the tree. Cut up into the
dimensions you requested.
b. Tree Tops – The top of the tree and other limbs too small to cut into
lumber. Some of these could be used for firewood.
c. Logs – Unused logs that could not be converted effectively into boards.
These could be firewood as well.
d. Slabwood – Unused parts of logs that were sawn into boards. Usually
longer in length and has a lot of bark on it. Can also be used for firewood.
e. Sawdust – bi-product of cutting trees into boards.
f. Stump – Remaining part of tree after it is cut down.
Some of these bi-products will still have value to people with interest, others will
need to be considered as cost of tree removal.
Will you remove the waste?
I do not remove that waste after the tree is sawn up. There are debris removal companies you can contact that can remove the waste at a more economical cost to you. Remember some of this waste can have value so keep that in mind when arranging for its disposal.
Will you remove the stump?
I do not have the proper equipment to
remove the stump. There are many service providers that do have stump removal equipment and advertise to remove your stumps that you can contact.