Harvesting and Marketing of the timber

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Harvest age will depend on the species grown and the intended product. For example, radiata pine is typically grown for pulp, posts and sawlog, with several thinnings through the rotation, followed by clear felling at ages ranging from 28 to 50 years. First thinning will usually occur between 10 and 15 years followed by further thinnings at 5 to 10 year intervals. Stands of other species established for firewood, posts and/or pulp only are usually grown over a rotation of 10 to 15 years.

As the time for harvesting approaches it will usually be necessary to upgrade or construct access roads to allow harvesting equipment and log trucks to access the plantation.

Marketing of the timber is the responsibility of the grower. Issues to consider include:

  • yield prediction and/or volume measurement
  • contractor harvesting or self harvesting
  • timing to take advantage of high prices or nearby logging
  • payment system and point of payment – stump or mill-door, and
  • operational considerations – contractor management, wet weather logging etc.

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