The Forestry Forum

Jim from Alabama asks:

What size (DBH and useable length)must a pine tree be to qualify as chip and saw grade? Thank you.

My experience has been that it varies in my area depending on the mill.  (Florida/SE Georgia)

These two sites describe chip and saw.  The first is Mississippi and informative.  The second is Georgia Pacifics requirements for Alabama, Georgia and Florida and includes listings of some of the mills.
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http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1777.pdf

Straight, clear stems with diameters from 8 to 14 inches can qualify for chip-n-saw

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http://www.gp.com/forestry/southern.html

Claxton, Ga. Contact: (912) 739-4803, Joe Cheney
Cross City, Fla. Contact: (352) 498-7140
Palatka, Fla. Contact: (904) 325-7582
Warrenton, Ga. Contact: (706) 743-8034
Pine Chip-n-Saw Wood Specifications:
Species: all Southern yellow pine including loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf and slash
Large-end diameter: min. 9" and max. 16"
Small-end diameter: Ranges from min. 4" to 6"
Lengths: most mills accept tree-length; for cut-to-length requirements, please call individual wood procurement offices listed here.
DBH: 9" min. diameter at breast height
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I hope this is helpful
tom

Thanks Tom!

Ron Scott usually handles our Ask the Forester service on the Timberbuyers Network. (Not this, but the email one on the main site). But Ron will be gone until after Memorial day. He is driving out to California for the birth of a new grandbaby.

So I am counting on you guys to help me get answers I don't usually have to worry about!