Questions to Ask Your Logging Company

Sometimes as a landowner you will need to hire a logging company to clear or thin trees, either for a food plot or to remove diseased trees. When that need arises, it’s important to be sure that you are working with an experienced logging company that can handle the work. As a reputable logging company serving Mifflin County and the surrounding area, A.M. Logging has provided a list of questions to be sure to ask when choosing a logging company. These questions can ensure that there are no surprise costs and that everyone is on the same page – before the job starts.

Who pays for set-up (moving equipment)?

When getting a price quote from logging companies, you’ll notice that there are almost always some fixed costs included. One of the larger fixed costs is normally the cost of moving equipment to the job site. No matter how many trees are to be cut, the cost of moving equipment remains about the same due to the logistics of moving the required equipment.

What equipment/method of logging will be used?

As a landowner, it’s important to understand that the equipment and methods used will cause the least amount of residual damage while remaining efficient to save on operating costs during the job. A reputable logging company will understand that different areas sometimes require differ methods of logging and equipment.

Does the price quote include hauling?

As you get bids for projects from logging companies, be sure that the price includes an estimate or more information about hauling timber. Depending on the logging company, this can be determined by load, hour or ton. Any information about how timber hauling for the job at hand is priced should be included in the price quote and the contract.

Who marks the trees?

In cases where you want the trees thinned rather than cleared or you want a specific section cleared, who is going to mark the trees that will be cut? As a landowner, you may not have the knowledge necessary about tree spacing and health to determine which trees should be cut. You can always ask the logging company for assistance or consult with a professional forester beforehand if you are unsure!

Does the logging company have proof of insurance?

Before hiring a logging company, be sure that they have appropriate insurance for the work they will be completing. When checking their insurance, be sure that it includes liability and property damage and that the expiration of their insurance occurs after the end of your job. This protects you from any financial burden in case someone becomes injured on the job site.

Once these questions are answered and the terms agreed upon, everything should be clearly written in a contract so both parties are aware of what is and is not included with the logging project and how pricing will be determined. The contract is extremely important as it clarifies the project and protects both you and the logging company.

Are you ready to choose the right logging company for you in Mifflin County or anywhere else in Pennsylvania? Here at A.M. Logging we are happy to answer all of these questions and more! Call our office today at 814-349-8089 or contact us!