Smith Lumber

09/10/2026

There was much discussion about taking out limb wood on a photo I posted earlier. The consensus from most of the guys who identified as loggers was take everything out from the stump end while it’s still attached. This white oak top is a great illustration of why that’s an awful idea when select cutting. This limb is nearly 12” where the saw is sitting. The other limb is almost 15’ away at similar size. Every tree between this and the dragging trail would be skinned if you took it out with the log. The decision needs to plan a quarter century ahead, not just today.

09/10/2026

09/09/2026

A few days ago, I posted a video from 2013 of loading a large walnut log. It was later slabbed with our Alaska mill (powered by two ~75 cc Stihl powerheads).

09/08/2026

Any of you ever stand up a 440?

09/07/2026

Here’s to all those doing the work!

09/05/2026

Big logging operations fell a tree, cut it where the diameter drops below 12” and move on. I understand why. Removing the smaller diameter wood is time consuming, especially when you have to pull cable to get to it.

09/05/2026

Scouting for storm damage today. Invasive Tree of Heaven is easy to find this time of the year. It’s covered in invasive spotted lantern flies. They feed on the sap and excrete sweet waste which mildews, leaving everything black!

09/05/2026

This should cool you off! Dragging whole trees across the frozen farm.

09/04/2026

The woods is exploding with mushrooms this wet summer. These oysters are being enjoyed by many insects.

09/03/2026

Flashback to July 2013: one of the biggest walnut we’ve ever cut. The backhoe was available, so that’s what loaded it. The log was almost too heavy for the hoe to drive while lifting it. The farmer operating the hoe was not used to handling logs, let alone something this size—he did a great job. If you notice, one knot goes through the truck bed when the log lands. 😳

The log was slabbed into live edge planks.