It moves up to a tree, grasps it, and cuts it close to the ground. The operator then places the trunk, or stem, upright on the ground. This keeps the tree from falling and reduces the number of splits. Some of these machines can de-limb the tree and set it aside to be picked up. The cut trees are collected and picked up for shipment to the mill.
Helicopters pick up some of the logs but the majority are moved by truck.
The woods are later monitored for damage and, if necessary, trees are planted to prevent erosion. Sawmills of today can process a much greater number of trees than could the old steam mills. Almost all the tree is used for some purpose. This is used for fuel or decorative bark for landscaping. After debarking the log the stem is scanned to determine how it is to be cut.