Selling a Tree in Your Yard
Although you may be able to market and sell your yard tree, you still have to attract a local timber buyer with trees that get a higher market value. Trees like grade oak, black walnut, paulownia, black cherry, or any other high value tree in you area are mandatory for a buyer to be interested enought make an offer.
Remember this key requirement; in order for a timber buyer to be interested in purchasing a yard tree(s), the tree or trees must have value in excess of the purchase cost to offset costs to the timber buyer to bring equipment (log truck, skidder, and loader) to the property, cut the log, haul the log(s) to a mill, pay the landowner for the tree(s) and still make a profit off the end product. Just that simple.
Woods Grown Trees are More Valuable Than Yard Trees
As a general rule, woods grown trees are more valuable than trees grown in a yard. They have the advantage of access without property damage, easier equipment operating conditions and there are usually more trees which relates to more volume and a better economic situation for the timber buyer.
Problems With Yard Trees
Yard trees that are "open grown" tend to have short boles, large crowns, and are subjected to human pressures such as nails being affixed to the bole of the tree, mower and weed whip damage to the base of the tree, or wire fences and clothes lines. They are less resistant to the natural elements such as wind or lightening damage. Often, a yard tree is difficult to get to. There may be structures, power lines, and other obstacles in the way that would hamper cutting and removal.
Attracting a Yard Tree Buyer
Even though selling a tree in your yard is not an easy thing to do, it is not impossible. Here are some excellent tips from Indiana Department of Forestry to improve your chances of selling a tree in your yard:
- Know the tree species. Consult a tree identification book to identify the tree or check with your county forester. You will have a better chance of selling if it is a valuable species in your area. It is also good to have more than one tree.
- Know the tree’s circumference. Bigger trees mean more volume and will have a better chance of attracting a buyer. Measure with a household tape and convert inches to Diameter at breast height (DBH). To do this, measure the circumference and divide by pi (3.1416). Measure the tree at 41/2 feet (DBH) above the ground.
- Know the height of the tree. With a yardstick, pace 50 ft. on a parallel plane. Hold the stick 25 inches out parallel to the tree. Every inch represents 2 ft. of height.
- Know if the location of the tree is one that large, heavy tree harvesting equipment can get to. What structures and infrastructure are in the path of the tree’s removal? Is there a septic system, structures, other trees and plants, power lines, underground pipes? Would it be expensive (or even possible) to transport and run harvesting equipment onto your property?
Finding a Yard Tree Buyer
Some states only allow licensed timber buyers to buy trees. Other states have logging associations who can help you and every state has a forestry department or agency. These departments of forestry have lists of potential timber buyers who are often interested in purchasing excellent quality yard trees. Whenever possible, multiple bids should be obtained for the sale.
