Illinois & Southern Wisconsin Logging Company & Walnut Timber Buyer

Walnut log markets have been very good in Wisconsin and Illinois. However, here is no way of knowing even a rough value without seeing them in person. What dollar amount they will bring is dependent on several factors including quality, quantity, diameter, height, accessibility, and freight (trucking) costs. We are not interested in residential, “yard” trees, or any trees growing near buildings.  We are interested in small jobs with as little as 10-15 mature walnut trees. And jobs as large as hundreds of hardwood trees including walnut. 

Walnut and white oak timber in all areas. Red oak, cherry, ash, hickory, maple depending on markets and/or proximity to  local sawmills.

All trees are cut by hand with a chainsaw. The logs are “skidded” out to a designated landing area with a timberjack log skidder. The Timberjack we use is small and very maneuverable.  Sold, cut logs will be hauled away by the log purchaser’s log truck. 

 We have two methods.  The first one is the landowner is paid in full for the marked trees immediately  upon signing of our timber- sale contract. The second way is called a percentage share harvest. The landowner will receive an earnest money deposit which can range anywhere from $1k-$10k. This is paid upfront upon signing of contract. Then after the trees are harvested the logs will be sold. The log buyer will issue the landowner a check in the amount of agreed landowner percentage share. The landowner’s share of the total log sale can range from 50-75%.  With either method, no logs leave the landowner’s property until paid in full.  Illinois landowners timber is subject to a 4% timber tax which comes off the purchase price.

When a tree is felled, the marketable portion of the tree is removed and taken to the landing. The top will remain in the harvest area. No tops, slash or any logging debris will be left in crop fields r on trails. It’s in our contract! These tops can make excellent wildlife habitat and they also shelter new hardwood growth from deer browsing. In 2-5 years significant decay will start to occur and the tops will begin to lay down and be less noticeable. 

• TSI work, timber-stand improvement. Post harvest cutting of undesirable, understory trees such as ironwood, elm, sugar maple, boxelders, etc.
• Hinge cutting for wildlife habitat.
• Firewood cutting- Using the tops of harvested trees .