Following a storm timber owners are often interested in salvaging their timber, but the utilization of storm-damaged timber depends on physical damage to trees and the length of time between damage and harvest. This publication provides guidelines for the utilization of storm-damaged timber.

Sawtimber trees with broken tops may be unusable for lumber because of wood splintering and internal tearing (shake). Salvage of usable sawlogs from broken trees depends on the height of the standing stumps. Uprooted or leaning trees usually can be converted to lumber. Badly splintered trees also present problems in debarking and chipping prior to pulping or conversion to hardboard or particleboard. However, trees with shake or just end splintering can usually be processed successfully although there will be some decrease in the quality of chips.

Fungi and insects require time to degrade the quality of timber. Rapid harvest and removal is the most effective method to prevent damage by these organisms. However, if this is impossible, timber can still be utilized for some products for up to a year. Table 1 provides guidelines for the utilization of storm-damaged timber for various products. The times are approximate and will be affected by timber species, size, part of the state, and whether the trees are standing or on the ground.

When logs cannot be used rapidly, it is possible to prevent attack by fungi and insects by storing the logs under water. Valuable logs can be protected by floating in a pond or by keeping waterlogged under a water spray. To be effective, the logs should be water logged as soon after the harvest as possible and should be kept wet continuously. Ponding and water spraying can prevent deterioration for at least a year. For more information on use of these methods contact your county extension agent.

For more information, visit the NC State Disaster Portal.