First thinnings

Cavanjack

I know this is a sort of how long is a piece of rope question but my parents have some spruce planted about 15 years and it's time to start planning on its first thinning. Typically Will the timber harvested pay for the contractor or will there be a few pound left over?
I know it depends on quality and quantity but anyone do first thinnings lately?

manjou

Thinned mine this year came out with money after all was paid. There are alot of variables like haulage distance ,timber quality ,road costs etc .The most important thing about first thinnings is getting it thined properly getting good roads in so the value of future thinnings are more valuable.

fits

Major predictor of whether it will be profitable is the size of the plantation. Are there any forest owner groups near you? They could recommend a good contractor. Its important to get a good one as a less honest one could take good timber trees and leave the bad.

Cavanjack

Thanks for replies. About 25 acres with good enough access to it. Are we talking €20 or €100 an acre after costs? Sorry but I've no knowledge of this industry at all and just want to give them a rough idea before we investigate further.

fits

Teagasc have a lot of information online about forest management. You could contact your local forest advisor.

http://www.teagasc.ie/forestry/advice/first_thinning_conifers.asp

manjou

got about 150 an acre after costs. but the timber in the lines was good and had a good bit of stake and some pallet.You need to get inspection paths in and get the plantation looked at and you will know what quality timber you have.