Hardwood Sawtimber Trends in Alabama 1953-2000

1. Hardwood Sawtimber Trends in Alabama 1953-2000

3. Alabama’s hardwood sawtimber In 1953, specifications for hardwood log grades 1, 2 and 3 were based on the suitability for producing lumber. The “…yield of No. 1 common and better lumber in grade 1 logs varies from 65 to 80%, in grade 2 logs from 40 to 64%; and in grade 3 logs 13 to 36%” (Wheeler 1953). Only about 5% of the sawtimber volume in Alabama was classified as Grade 1 in 1953 (Wheeler 1953).

5. Alabama’s hardwood sawtimber For many hardwood species, we have more sawtimber today (growing in the woods) than we did in 1990 or 1953. From 1990 to 2000, the inventory of hardwood sawtimber increased by 33% (SRS-67). From 1953 to 2000, the increase was approximately 180%. We have more grade 1&2 sawtimber trees today than for all tree grades in 1953!

7. What about “select oak” species? For all oaks, we have more grade 1& 2 sawtimber trees in 2000 than we had of all tree grades in 1953. For white oak and chestnut oak, we have more grade 1&2 trees today than we had of all grades in 1953. For southern red, cherrybark, and Shumard oaks, we have more grade 1 trees now than had of all grades in 1953.

13. What about black walnut? In 1953, black walnut was grouped with ash and basswood. In 2000, we have 5 million board feet of grade 1 black walnut trees. For black walnut, ash and basswood, we have more grade 1&2 trees now than for all grades in 1953.

15. What about yellow poplar? In 2000, we had more standing board feet of grade 1 trees than for all grades in 1953!

17. What about sweetgum and hickory? For sweetgum, we had more standing board feet of grade 1&2 trees in 2000 than for all grades in 1953. For hickory, we have more grade 1,2&3 trees today than we did in 1953.

20. What about soft maple, beech and cottonwood? In 2000, we had more standing board feet of grade 1 trees than for all grades in 1953.

23. What about longleaf and slash pine? Although we have more standing sawtimber today of longleaf and slash pine, the percentage increase over the past 50 years has not been as great as with most hardwood species. Today, the amount of standing longleaf pine was about 0.896 billion cubic feet in 1953 compared to 1.004 billion cubic feet in 2000.

25. What about stumpage value? Although there are exceptions, landowners are typically paid less per ton for hardwood sawtimber than for pine sawtimber. Depending upon species, some mills do pay more for grade 1 hardwoods than for grade 3 loblolly pine.

27. What about the opinions of foresters?

29. References