Hiring a qualified logger – it’s a matter of doing your homework!

Going through the process of hiring a qualified logger to work in your woodlot can be a daunting task.  For many woodlot owners, this task is only undertaken once, or perhaps twice, in their lifetime. However, taking the time to hire the right logger is an important step.  You need to feel comfortable with the people working in your woodlot and to ensure that the harvesting operations are undertaken in a careful manner.

Poor logging practices resulted in excessive rutting caused by skidding when the soils are saturated with moisture.  Harvesting is best carried out during the winter or during dry summers to this type of site damage. (Photo: A. Corlett)

Most loggers want to do a good job and build a list of happy customers.  A word of mouth reference from a satisfied customer is generally the best reference. Yet, even with such a reference you should always meet the logger in person yourself.  You want to build a good working rapport with this person, and the best way to do this is by discussing his business practices and operations.  Ask the logger for references and make sure that you check them

Questions you may want to ask when hiring a logger
  • How long have you been in business and how long have your employees been with you?

  • Do you handle the entire logging process yourself or do you use subcontractors for part of the work?  If you use subcontractors, how do you ensure that your quality standards are met?

  •  Do you have coverage for workers’ compensation and liability insurance for yourself and your employees?  Do your subcontractors have coverage?  Will you and your subcontractors provide me with certificates of workers' compensation and liability insurance coverage?

  • Have your employees (cutters and skidder operators) completed, and are they certified under the province’s Professional Cutter Operator and/or the Professional Cable Skidder Operator Program?

  • What kind and size of skidding equipment do you use?  How does it match up with the conditions and requirements of my woodlot?

  •  Are you on the work site on a daily basis to supervise your workers (or subcontractors)?

  •  How many and what types of roads and skid trails will you need to construct in my woodlot?  What equipment would you use to build them?  How will my skid trails, landings and haul roads look when you've completed the logging operation?

  •  How would you handle a dispute over a trespass (the unintentional or willful theft of timber outside of the timber sale area) or unauthorized cutting practices (cutting unmarked trees)?

  • What best management practices do you normally implement?   Which ones would you have to use in my woodlot?

  •  Can you provide me with two or three references from landowners you have worked for recently?

  • Are you prepared to enter into a written sales agreement?

Correct timing of operation.  Fall harvest and careful layout of skid trails has resulted in minimal logging damage and no disturbance to the site (i.e., no rutting).

Questions to ask when checking references

Once you have interviewed several prospective loggers you still have some additional work to do. 
The second phase in the hiring process is to talk to the landowners provided as references.  This is an important part of the screening process and it shouldn’t be overlooked.  Here is a list of potential questions that you may want to consider asking.
  • Did the logger fulfill obligations for such things as payment, providing mill scale returns, road restoration, fence repair and cleaning up trash?

  • Was the logger willing to listen to your concerns and answer your questions directly?  For example, did the logger explain any necessary changes in operation?   Were these changes implemented?   Was he flexible in responding to your needs?

  • How was the logger’s working relationship with your forest consultant, the tree-cutting bylaw officer and neighbouring landowners?

  • Did the logger get the job done efficiently and within the specified timeframe?  If not, why not?

  • How about his previous work?   Was the logger willing to show you any of his previous jobs?

  • Was the logger careful to avoid damaging land improvements (gates, crops, fences, culverts, etc.)?  If there was damage, did he make appropriate repairs or compensation?

  • Was the logger concerned with protecting sensitive areas (e.g., wetlands, wildlife habitat, steep slopes, water quality and aesthetic values)?

  • Was the logger careful to avoid damaging residual trees?  Did he stop or modify operations appropriately during wet weather (e.g., to avoid rutting damage)?

  • In what condition did the logger leave your skid trails, haul roads and landings?

  • Would you use the logger again?   Why or why not?
    Can I visit your woodlot to look at the work (logging operations) that was done?

Additional tips

Whenever possible, you should follow up a reference by visiting the actual harvest operation.  This is an important step in the review process because one landowner’s expectations of a good job may not meet with your expectations. 

Make use of a forest consultant to provide you with their expertise and independent advice.  Often, consultants will have a list of reputable loggers that they have worked with in the past.

It is not recommended to sell your timber over a handshake or verbal agreement.  Always have a written agreement!   This is simply a good business practice.  Sample timber sale agreements can be found on the association’s Web site at <http://www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org>.  Or, members can call the OWA office for a copy.

Summary

As noted in the introduction, most loggers want to do a good job and build a solid foundation of satisfied customers.  By doing your homework, you can find that reputable logger – someone who will meet your objectives and treat your woodlot with the care that it deserves.

Acknowledgement

Information included in this article, in part, was adapted from information from the Maryland Forests Association’s Master Logger Program.

This article was featured in a past edition of the S&W Report, the newsletter of the Ontario Woodlot Association. 

© Ontario Woodlot Association, 2010 
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