How to Find a Local Sawmill to Turn Your Tree into Lumber

Trees can be turned into a variety of things.

If you have a dying tree, a storm-damaged tree or a large tree you just want removed from your yard, having it cut down and turned into lumber is a smart idea. The wood boards can be used in a number of ways. Depending on how much you end up with, and the type of wood it is, you can build furniture or cabinets, create house siding or trim, use it for flooring, or even turn it into beams and rafters. Before you have the tree cut down, locate a sawmill to do the job. The right company will cut the lumber to your specifications for a reasonable cost.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil and paper
• Local phone directory
• Phone
• Computer
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Ask friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers for referrals. Word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising. (Plus, small operations may not be listed in the phone book or advertise.) These folks may have personal experience with hiring a sawmill. Or they may know someone who has dealt with, or who works at, a sawmill. Start a list of possible sawmills.

2. Check your local phone directory to find sawmills in your area. Look-up "Sawmills" and

   "Wholesale lumber" in the phone book. Add companies you find to your list.

3. Look up the phone number of your local county extension office and contact them. Look in the local government section of the phone book to find the number. They can provide you with resources for agricultural matters such as this.

4. Find local sawmills by using the Internet and your favorite search engine. If you live in a large town, key in "sawmills in (your city), (your state)". To expand your search area, enter "sawmills in (your county), (your state)". Add the results of your search to your ever-growing list.

Tips & Warnings

• There are actually two types of sawmills available. The first is the traditional mill where you take your trees to them. The second type is a portable sawmill. You don't go to them -- they bring their equipment to your property and process the trees right there on the spot.

References

• Ohio State University: Using Local Woodlot Lumber
• Bill Spohn, Sawmill Owner; Lucas, Ohio