Frequently Asked Questions: Grade Timber, Your Central and Southern Illinois Forestry & Tree Service Partner
Serving Alton, Decatur, Madison County, and the wider central-southern Illinois region, Grade Timber is your trusted expert for a comprehensive range of forestry services. We pride ourselves on transparent practices, environmental responsibility, and maximizing your timber's value. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you understand our services.
General Services & Company Information
Q: What areas do you serve? Grade Timber provides tree removal, land clearing, logging, and timber buying services throughout central and southern Illinois, including Alton, Decatur, and Madison County.
Q: Are you licensed and insured? Yes, Grade Timber is fully licensed and insured, including liability and workers' compensation coverage, for your protection and peace of mind. We are also a registered timber buyer in Illinois.
Q: Why should I choose Grade Timber? We combine local expertise with professional techniques, prioritizing your financial goals and the health of your land. We offer transparent appraisals, competitive offers, and efficient, environmentally responsible practices. Our team is dedicated to a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Tree Removal Services
Q: What kind of tree removal services do you offer? We provide expert tree removal services for both residential and commercial properties. This includes removing dead or hazardous trees, storm damage cleanup and emergency removals, and clearing overgrowth for safety and visibility. We also offer tree pruning and shaping to improve the health and appearance of your trees.
Q: Do you offer emergency tree removal? Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency tree removal services, especially for storm-damaged or hazardous trees that require immediate attention.
Q: Do I need to be home for an estimate? While not strictly required, it is preferred for better communication and to address any specific concerns you may have directly during the estimate.
Land Clearing Services
Q: What is land clearing? Land clearing involves removing all trees, stumps, and brush from a property to prepare it for construction, agricultural use, or other development projects.
Q: What type of debris can you remove during land clearing? We clear all trees, stumps, and brush, ensuring your property is ready for its next purpose.
Q: Do you offer site restoration and replanting options after land clearing? Yes, we offer site restoration and replanting options as part of our comprehensive land clearing services.
Q: How long does a land clearing project typically take? The duration of a land clearing project varies depending on the size and complexity of the property. We provide a detailed timeline estimate during the initial consultation based on your specific needs.
Logging Services & Timber Buying
Q: What types of logging services do you provide? We offer both selective harvesting to maintain forest health and full-scale land clearing for development or agricultural use. Our services include cleanup and debris removal post-logging.
Q: What kind of timber do you buy? We specialize in buying high-quality walnut and white oak timber, which are in high demand for various industries like furniture, flooring, and barrel making. We also have competitive markets for other marketable hardwood species such as red oak, hickory, and cherry.
Q: How do I know if my timber is valuable? Timber value depends on factors like species, tree size, quality, quantity, and accessibility. We offer a free timber appraisal to assess your property's timber potential and provide a fair market value.
Q: What is the process for selling my timber? The process is simple:
- Free Consultation & Appraisal: We conduct a free on-site assessment to evaluate the quality and quantity of your timber.
- Competitive Offer: We provide a detailed estimate and competitive offer for your timber.
- Logging & Cleanup: Once you agree, we coordinate the logging process, ensuring timely and professional service. We handle cleanup and leave your property in excellent condition.
- Payment: We ensure you receive full payment before any logs leave your property.
Q: What size of trees do you typically buy? For walnut trees, we generally consider marketable trees to be 16 inches or more in diameter, measured about four feet from the ground. For oak species, the smallest marketable size is typically around 18 inches in diameter, measured four feet from the ground. However, we're interested in all quality timber, so please contact us to discuss your specific trees.
Q: Do you purchase "yard trees" or trees near buildings? No, we are primarily a logging company and timber buyer, not a general tree removal service for individual yard trees. We are interested in projects with a sufficient quantity of marketable timber, typically a minimum of 10-15 quality walnut or white oak trees. For smaller residential tree removal needs, we recommend contacting a local certified arborist or tree service.
Q: When can my property be appraised and/or logged? We appraise and harvest timber year-round, as long as weather permits safe and efficient operations.
Q: Are there any costs associated with the standing timber appraisal? No, Grade Timber provides standing timber appraisals free of charge. We believe it's essential for landowners to understand the value of their forest products.
Q: What happens to the "tops" and other debris after logging? The marketable portion of the tree is taken to a log landing. The tops, limbs, and branches will remain in the harvest area, but none will be left blocking existing trails or in crop fields. This debris can provide excellent wildlife habitat and shelter new hardwood regeneration. Over time, it will naturally decay.
Forestry Equipment Sales
Q: What kind of forestry equipment do you sell? As an authorized Tajfun dealer, we offer a range of dependable, professional-grade forestry equipment, including:
- Tajfun winches for powerful tree hauling.
- Heavy-duty Tajfun log splitters.
- Forest machinery like skidders and cranes.
- Chipper machines for wood processing.
- Log handlers and grapple systems.
Q: Can you help me choose the right equipment for my needs? Absolutely! Our team can provide tailored recommendations to help you select the perfect Tajfun gear for your specific forestry operations, whether you're a commercial logging team or managing your own land.
Ready to make space or reduce risk? Call us today at 309-264-0805 to get started.