logyards

A logyard is an outdoor storage area for cut timber, typically consisting of felled trees that have been debarked and cut into manageable lengths. These yards serve as crucial points in the forestry and timber processing supply chain, acting as intermediaries between the logging site and the sawmill or other wood processing facilities. Logyards are usually located near roads or railway lines to facilitate efficient transportation of the logs. They can range in size from small, temporary areas near a logging operation to large, permanent facilities managed by major timber companies.

The primary function of a logyard is to hold and organize timber before it is processed. This allows for the accumulation of sufficient quantities of wood to meet the production needs of a mill. In a logyard, logs are often sorted by species, size, and quality to ensure that mills receive the specific types of wood they require for different products. This sorting process can be done manually or with the aid of specialized machinery. In some cases, logyards also serve as points for debarking, where the bark is removed from the logs before they are sent for sawing. This is important as bark can harbor insects and fungi, and its removal improves the quality of the final wood product.

Environmental considerations are important in logyard management. Proper drainage is necessary to prevent soil erosion and water contamination. Measures are also taken to prevent the spread of pests and diseases among stored timber. The efficient management of logyards is key to the economic viability of the timber industry, ensuring a steady and organized flow of raw material to processing plants.