Incense Cedar Removal: Value Assessment and Cost Fairness

Four 70-Foot Incense Cedars: Timber Value vs. Removal Cost

A homeowner was quoted $500 plus the wood for removing four 70-foot incense cedars (Calocedrus decurrens) and wants to know if the trees have value.

Factors Determining Value

• Location: Yard trees near structures/power lines = high removal cost, low timber value
• Access: Easy access increases buyer interest
• Log quality: Knots, sweep, rot reduce value
• Volume: Four trees = small volume; most loggers want 10+ MBF
• Market: Local demand for incense cedar (pencil wood, lumber)

Cost Assessment

$500 for four 70-foot trees is very reasonable in most regions, especially if:

• Trees are near house/utility lines
• Rigging/technical climbing required
• Debris removal included
• Stump grinding extra

In the South, $500 would be a bargain. In high-cost areas, it might be low.

Recommended Steps

1. Contact state forestry agency for free consultation
2. Get 2–3 bids from insured, ISA-certified arborists
3. Clarify: wood ownership, stump grinding, cleanup, liability
4. Check references and insurance certificates

When Trees Have Market Value

• Straight, clear boles >16" DBH
• Accessible landing for log trucks
• Volume >5,000 board feet
• Local mill buying that species

Yard trees rarely meet these criteria.