Your First Steps After the Storm
As your trusted partner in forest management, Church & Church Lumber Company recommends contacting a professional forester immediately after the storm. Our team of experienced foresters can:
- Assess the extent of damage to your timber
- Develop a customized salvage strategy
- Guide you through both immediate recovery and long-term forest management
I) Damage Assessment
Quick evaluation is crucial for minimizing losses. Our professional foresters recommend:
- Documenting all damage
- Take extensive photographs
- Save local news coverage
- Keep detailed records for insurance and tax purposes
- Safety First
- Watch for hazards like lodged trees and broken limbs
- Be cautious of compromised roads and culverts
- Let our professionals handle dangerous situations
II) Understanding Timber Salvage
At Church & Church Lumber Company, we understand the urgency of salvage operations. Storm-damaged trees often retain significant value for wood and paper products, but this value diminishes rapidly over time. Here's what you need to know:
Value Recovery
- Many damaged trees can still be processed into valuable wood and paper products
- Swift action is crucial as value decreases significantly over time
- Insects and decay can further reduce timber value and usefulness
- Professional assessment helps maximize recovery value
Salvage Contracts
The complexity of salvage operations requires careful contract preparation:
- For Large-Scale Operations:
- We strongly recommend engaging a consulting forester
- Professional evaluation of timber value
- Expert sale administration
- Comprehensive contract preparation
- For Smaller Operations:
- Legal consultation is recommended
- Clear contract terms protect both owner and purchaser
- Detailed specifications of salvage expectations
- Professional oversight ensures compliance
III) Timber Salvage Priorities
Church & Church Lumber Company recommends prioritizing salvage in this order:
- High-value products (sawtimber and veneer)
- Must be removed within 4-6 weeks to prevent blue-stain fungus damage
- Easily accessible damaged timber
- Groups of trees fallen in the same direction
- Time-sensitive materials
- Pulpwood should be removed within 8-12 months
IV) Financial Assistance and Tax Considerations
We can help connect you with:
- Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) through USDA
- Provides up to 75% cost coverage for emergency restoration
- Tax professionals specializing in timber damage claims
- Assistance with casualty loss claims
- Guidance on involuntary conversion considerations
V) Forest Health Management
The Church & Church Lumber Company forestry team monitors for:
- Secondary stress factors
- Pest infestations
- Pathogen development
- Long-term storm impact on tree health
VI) Wildfire Risk Mitigation
Storm damage significantly increases wildfire risk due to accumulated debris and compromised forest structure. Church & Church Lumber Company provides comprehensive wildfire risk mitigation services and guidance:
Immediate Property Protection
- Structure Defense Zone (0-30 feet from buildings)
- Remove all storm debris immediately
- Clear fallen branches, leaves, and damaged vegetation
- Maintain grass height under 4 inches
- Remove dead or damaged trees and limbs
- Keep firewood and lumber at least 30 feet from structures
- Clear roof and gutters of debris
- Outer Defense Zone (30-100 feet from buildings)
- Reduce ground fuel accumulation
- Space trees 10-20 feet apart
- Remove storm-damaged understory vegetation
- Clear fallen trees and large branches
- Create fuel breaks where appropriate
Forest Management Practices
- Access Management
- Clear and maintain access roads
- Establish multiple entry/exit routes
- Ensure roads are wide enough for emergency vehicles
- Install/maintain proper signage for emergency response
- Firebreak Establishment
- Create or restore firebreaks around property boundaries
- Maintain firebreaks at minimum 10-foot width
- Clear vegetation down to mineral soil where appropriate
- Install water bars on sloped firebreaks to prevent erosion
- Fuel Load Reduction
- Remove storm-damaged trees and woody debris
- Implement prescribed burning when conditions permit
- Create fuel breaks in large timber stands
- Maintain proper spacing between tree crowns
Ongoing Maintenance
- Regular Monitoring
- Monthly property inspections
- Seasonal cleanup operations
- Documentation of changes and improvements
- Assessment of new hazards
- Seasonal Tasks Spring:
- Clear winter debris
- Maintain firebreaks
- Check emergency water sources
- Summer:
- Monitor grass height
- Maintain defensive zones
- Update emergency plans
- Fall:
- Remove fallen leaves
- Clear gutters
- Check emergency access
- Winter:
- Prune trees and shrubs
- Maintain equipment
- Review/update fire plans
Emergency Preparedness
- Communication Plan
- Maintain updated emergency contact list
- Install proper signage for emergency responders
- Establish neighborhood communication network
- Keep maps and property plans accessible
- Equipment Readiness
- Maintain basic firefighting equipment
- Keep water sources accessible
- Service emergency generators
- Store emergency supplies
How We Can Help with Wildfire Risk Mitigation
Church & Church Lumber Company offers:
- Professional assessment of fire risks
- Custom mitigation plan development
- Debris removal and processing
- Firebreak construction and maintenance
- Prescribed burning services
- Emergency response planning
How Church & Church Lumber Company Can Help You Recover Your Land from the Storm
Our comprehensive storm recovery services include:
- Emergency damage assessment
- Salvage operation planning
- Professional timber harvesting
- Reforestation planning
- Long-term forest management
- Contract preparation and oversight
- Value assessment and recovery maximization
Contact Church & Church
Don't face storm damage alone. Contact Church & Church Lumber Company's professional forestry team for immediate assistance with your storm-damaged timber. Our experienced foresters are ready to help you protect your investment and restore your forest to productivity. Reach out to us at (336) 973-5700, or contact us online.
Additional Resources
For more information about forest management and recovery, visit:
- NC State Extension Forestry
- N.C. Forest Service
- USDA Farm Service Agency
- National Timber Tax Website
Church & Church Lumber Company is committed to helping forest landowners recover from natural disasters and maintain healthy, productive forests for generations to come.