Cedar trees are a valuable commodity in the timber market, prized for properties that go beyond simple volume. Their economic worth is highly variable, depending on biological characteristics, industry measurement standards, and market forces. Understanding a cedar tree’s potential value requires focusing on species identification, how its wood is quantified, and the specific factors that modify the final sale price. This detailed calculation moves from the forest floor to the lumber mill, revealing why some cedar logs command a premium while others are less desired.
Identifying Commercially Valuable Cedar Species
The term “cedar” encompasses several different species, and the commercial value of a tree is primarily determined by its specific type. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is one of the highest-value species due to its natural durability and aesthetic appeal. This wood is resistant to decay and insect damage, making it a top choice for demanding exterior applications like siding, decking, and roofing shingles. Its fine, straight grain and rich reddish-brown color also make it highly sought after for high-end finishes and custom woodworking projects.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is technically a juniper, but its wood is commercially valuable for different reasons. It is known for a dense, knotty appearance and a strong, pungent aroma, often called a “cedar chest” scent. These aromatic qualities repel moths and make it ideal for closet linings, fence posts, and small specialty items. Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) is a third high-value species, prized for its strength, straight grain, and decay resistance, often used in boat building and specialized construction.
Methods for Calculating Timber Volume and Value
Once a valuable species is identified, the next step is calculating the volume of usable wood, which the timber industry measures using specific technical standards. The standard unit for sawtimber, wood intended for lumber, is the board foot (BF), representing a volume equivalent to a piece 12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch. Volume is estimated by measuring the tree’s diameter at breast height (DBH) and its merchantable height, then applying a log rule such as the International 1/4-inch, Scribner, or Doyle rule to estimate the gross board feet.
The price a landowner receives for the standing tree is called the “stumpage value,” which is the price per board foot before harvesting costs are deducted. This is distinct from the “log price,” which is the higher price paid for the tree once it has been felled, bucked into logs, and delivered to the mill yard. Log price is calculated by mill buyers using a log scale, where logs are measured and graded to determine the net board feet after deducting for any visible defects. Other cedar products, such as fence posts or poles, may be sold by the linear foot, or low-grade material might be sold by the cord for use as firewood or mulch.
Quality and Location Factors Affecting Final Price
The final price for cedar timber is significantly modified by the tree’s physical quality and the logistical challenges of the harvest. Tree quality is assessed through grading, which determines the amount of clear, knot-free wood a log can yield. A high-value log with minimal knots and straight grain, known as “clear cedar,” will command a substantially higher price than a knotty or structurally compromised log. Logs with defects, such as rot, internal cracks, or excessive taper, will have a percentage deduction applied to their gross board foot volume before payment is calculated.
Market factors related to location and accessibility also heavily influence the final price offered to the seller. If the cedar stand is located on steep terrain or far from a navigable road, the increased difficulty and cost of logging and hauling the logs will directly reduce the stumpage value. Regional demand plays a role, as the price is higher when the timber is closer to a specialized mill that can process a particular species or grade of cedar. Transportation costs, fuel prices, and the density of the cedar stand all contribute to the overall logging expense, which is subtracted from the mill’s log price to arrive at the final value for the standing timber.