Have you ever wondered how to turn your logs into usable wood after a tree removal At Snohomish Tree Company, we’re often asked about ways to repurpose wood from felled trees. In this guide, Log Milling 101, we’ll walk you through how landowners in Snohomish County can convert logs into lumber, furniture, or functional pieces for personal use or resale.
Step 1: Choose the Right Logs
Not all logs are created equal. The best candidates for milling are straight, solid, and free of rot or large knots. Species like Douglas fir, cedar, maple, and walnut are commonly milled in areas like Monroe, Lake Stevens, and Arlington. Trees removed for construction or safety can sometimes yield high quality lumber if processed quickly and properly.
Step 2: Decide How You Want to Use the Wood
Are you building a barn, crafting tables, or just making rustic outdoor benches Your goals will determine the log length, board thickness, and cutting pattern. Live edge slabs, beams, planks, and posts all come from different milling techniques. Our team can help advise based on your goals during a free consultation.
Step 3: Use a Portable Sawmill
Many homeowners in Snohomish, Mukilteo, and Edmonds choose to bring in a portable sawmill. These mobile mills can come to your property and process the logs right where they were dropped. This saves money on hauling and allows you to supervise the cuts in real time. You’ll need a clear, level area to operate and stack the boards as they’re cut.
Step 4: Let the Lumber Dry
Freshly milled wood needs time to dry before it’s usable. This process is called seasoning. Boards are usually stacked with spacers to allow airflow and stored in a covered area out of direct rain or sun. Drying can take several months, depending on wood thickness and weather conditions in Marysville, Darrington, or Bothell.
Step 5: Use or Sell the Finished Product
Once the lumber has dried, you can use it for fencing, decking, furniture, sheds, or art projects. Local woodworkers or builders may also be interested in buying unique or sustainably sourced lumber. Reclaimed wood is in high demand, especially when it’s from native trees harvested responsibly on private property.
Why Milling Is a Smart Option
- It reduces waste by repurposing valuable material
- You can save money on lumber for your own projects
- It adds value to tree removal instead of just grinding the wood
- Custom cuts and unique grains can’t be found at hardware stores
What We Can Help With
Snohomish Tree Company does not mill lumber directly, but we offer tree removal, land clearing, and log handling services that set you up for success. We can assist with cutting to mill length, stacking, and coordinating with local sawmill operators.
Ideal Situations for Milling
- Removing multiple trees from your property
- Clearing land for development or pasture
- Taking down a single, large tree with good structure
- Repurposing storm damaged logs
More Services for Landowners
- Forest Thinning to create usable logs from overgrowth
- Stump Grinding for clean ground prep
- Tree Pruning to maintain trees you want to keep
- View and Lot Clearing to open space for milling setups
- Leaning Tree Correction before removal becomes necessary
Schedule a Free Tree Evaluation
Curious if your logs are worth milling or want help preparing for a custom project Let Snohomish Tree Company help you decide how to turn your logs into usable wood. Use our contact form or request a free estimate. We serve Monroe, Gold Bar, Edmonds, Granite Falls, and all of Snohomish County.
