1. Harvesting & Replanting
Clearcutting is the most common ceda…
1. Harvesting & Replanting
Clearcutting is the most common cedar harvesting method. Replanting cut forests is not a feel-good strategy—it sustains the logging industry with future tree stock. Usually within a year of harvesting, cedar companies return to plant seedlings—typically, eight for every tree removed. Once replanted, the forest is left to grow for 60 to 80 years.
Jameson Simpson
2. Transporting
Near water, felled logs may be grouped into raf…
2. Transporting
Near water, felled logs may be grouped into raftlike “booms” (left) and floated downstream toward saw mills. Otherwise, they are moved over roads by trucks. Before leaving the woods, the delimbed tree is first “bucked,” or cut to mill-specified lengths, while working around diameter changes or damage and taking into account the log’s quality grade.
Jameson Simpson
3. Sorting & Storage
Most damage to sawed logs happens before t…
3. Sorting & Storage
Most damage to sawed logs happens before they reach the mill, so careful handling and storage is crucial. Logs in the booms are separated by the “jack jadder” (above left), which loads them onto the log deck. There they are sorted (above right) and stored according to their grade, species, and diameter. To minimize defects in storage, inventories are rotated so the first logs put in storage are the first taken out for sawing.
Jameson Simpson
4. First Cuts
For large logs (more than 18 inches in diameter),…
4. First Cuts
For large logs (more than 18 inches in diameter), initial mill cuts usually are made by a “headrig,” consisting of a headsaw (may be a band or circular blade), a carriage loader for handling, and a turner to rotate partially sawn logs. “Full-taper” saws cut around a large log to a tapered core to get the outer lumber. “Half-taper” saws cut smaller logs in which quality is similar throughout, orienting the log’s pitch so it’s parallel to the saw line.
Jameson Simpson
5. Finishing Cuts
After being debarked (top), the logs are squa…
5. Finishing Cuts
After being debarked (top), the logs are squared and broken down based on grade and target products. In a secondary breakdown (bottom), the grades are separated and the lumber is edged to remove remaining bark or defects. Edged lumber is then trimmed and may be resawed and possibly kiln-dried. Finally, a planer mill finishes the surface to the precisely correct size.
For centuries, the Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) was the tree of life for cultures along British Columbia’s rain coast (hence the genus Arborvitae). Growing commonly to 150 feet high with a trunk more than 20 feet across, it provided bark for baskets, blankets, and diapers; twigs for rope; and tons of lightweight, fine-grained wood for canoes and buildings. Today the rot-resistant cedar still becomes posts, beams, decks, siding, and shingles. But first it’s put through several paces after leaving the rich, moist soil where it grows.
