Forest Management & Logging

At Grabeldinger Firewood & Logging, we take a long-term, stewardship-focused approach to forest management. Our specialty is selective cut hardwood logging — a method that removes only mature or declining trees, allowing healthy younger trees the space and light to thrive.

We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” forestry. Every woodlot is different — and so is the equipment we bring to the job. Depending on terrain, soil conditions, and harvest goals, we scale our operation using a mix of machines and hand-felling techniques to minimize disturbance.

Equipment-Matched Harvesting

One of the ways we protect your land is by tailoring our approach to each site:

  • Hand-felling crews for smaller or sensitive parcels with tight access

  • Compact, low-ground-pressure skidders and equipment for selective harvests in delicate terrain

  • Larger machines where appropriate — to speed up production on accessible, high-yield tracts without damaging soil structure or residual trees

This “surgical” method allows us to harvest efficiently without tearing up your woods — a major concern for many landowners. We pride ourselves on leaving behind clean, navigable trails and a stand that’s healthier than when we arrived.

What You Can Expect

We handle every step of the logging process in-house, with transparency and care:

  1. Consultation and walk-through – We assess your forest together, reviewing species mix, access, and your goals.

  2. Custom harvest plan – You receive a tailored cut strategy based on tree maturity, spacing, and regeneration needs.

  3. Cutting and skidding – All trees are felled and removed with minimal ground impact, using the right equipment for your site.

  4. Grading and market placement – We sort and grade logs to ensure top-dollar returns, using our own network of buyers.

  5. Cleanup – Depending on your preferences and what is agreed upon.

Want to learn how selective logging supports wildlife and native habitat?
Read our blog on forest animals and habitat after logging

Common Questions

Is there a minimum acreage?
We typically work on parcels of at least 5 acres of standing hardwood, but are happy to assess smaller woodlots if they’re high-quality or accessible.

Do I get paid for the timber?
Yes — all valuable logs are graded and marketed to the best-fit buyers, and you receive a detailed payout breakdown. Some times we work on a split percentage, or purchase the trees upfront. There are pros and cons to each method.

What happens to the firewood (tops and limbs)?
In most cases, we keep the firewood-grade material — and use it in our own processing operation. This helps keep your site cleaner and allows us to extract value from lower-grade wood. That said, if you’d prefer to keep the tops for your own firewood, we’re happy to work that into the agreement. Every job is a little different, and we tailor the terms to what makes sense for you and your land.

Will my land look torn up afterward?
No — we do everything we can to minimize ruts, protect residual trees, and leave your woods in better condition than we found them. Our right-sized equipment and selective approach are designed for low-impact harvesting. We also clean up trails and main access areas wherever possible so your property remains usable and visually tidy after the job is complete.

We’re not a volume-based operation — we’re selective, thoughtful, and focused on building long-term relationships with landowners. If you care about your woods and want to see them improve with each harvest, we’d love to talk.

Contact us to schedule a walk-through and consultation.