What is a harvest proposal?

A timber harvest proposal is a document that we prepare after investigating your woodlot. It will include items such as: a description of your woodlot, what type and size of trees are growing there, your expected income, as well as a map of your woodlot.

What does a harvest proposal cost?

Absolutely nothing. There is no obligation and the document is yours for free.

Why should I work with Maine Custom Woodlands?

We believe that Maine Custom Woodlands is Southern Maine’s premier timber harvesting and forest management company. We are a Master Logger Certified company, and one of the original 24 companies certified as a Master Logger Certified Company in the State of Maine. Master Logger Certification is a third-party audit system to ensure all harvest practices and laws are followed with every company harvest. Our company is a member of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, an organization that strives for continuous improvement within the profession of logging. Maine Custom Woodlands’ crew members are trained Certified Logging Professionals, and some have been working with the company since its inception. Owner Tom Cushman is a Licensed Professional Forester and is involved in every harvest.

Should I harvest my woodlot?

Chances are that if you have not had your woodlot harvested in the past 10-15 years, it is time for a harvest. Think of your woodlot as a slow growing garden–it requires tending from time to time.

Why should I harvest?

Besides promoting a healthy forest, increased recreational opportunities and increased bio-diversity, a harvest can provide you with immediate income for such things as property taxes, college educations or a much-needed vacation.

What kind of harvesting do you normally do?

Most of our harvests are “improvement thinnings” where poorly-formed, over-mature, or low quality trees are removed, which in turn will increase the value of your woodlot and greater profits in the future.

What about “selective cutting”?

The term “selective harvesting” is misleading. What most people want when they say “selective harvesting” is removing only one or two trees within a group. This is called selection harvesting. “Selective harvesting” means that the best trees are removed, leaving poor or diseased trees uncut. This is also known as “high grading”.

I’m interested in developing my land. Can you help me?

Yes! Maine Custom Woodlands can help you with the first steps in construction of your development by offsetting some of your overhead costs with a timber sale.

What forms will I have to fill out?

None. Maine Custom Woodlands will fill out and file the correct forms with the State of Maine, and if necessary, your local government. We will also take care of any permits that will need to be filed for a timber harvest. You will be provided with duplicate copies of all forms.

What about taxes? What will I have to pay?

A sale from a timber harvest is considered income according to the United States Internal Revenue Service and subject to taxation. You will want to talk to your accountant to determine the lowest amount of liability for your timber harvest.

What about wetlands and streams?

Wet areas are flagged to let the machinery operators know that it is a potentially sensitive area. We also use portable “skidder bridges” to cross streams and brooks when necessary. They are made from strong eastern hemlock beams bound together with steel rebar rods.

How long is the contract good for?

Our contracts are usually written for one year from the date it is signed. This allows a little flexibility in order to accommodate Mother Nature. Long periods of rain can temporarily stop the harvest.

If you have a question or want to learn the value of your timber, call:

207-688-5334
for a free consultation