The three major types of harvesting methods used in Michigan are shortwood, tree length, and whole-tree methods. It is critical that the harvesting method be compatible with the silvicultural system and site conditions of a particular forest stand. Improper logging can seriously damage a stand, which will have long lasting effects and undo years of careful management. Appropriate skidding equipment for the job, operated by an experienced and conscientious crew, will minimize the amount of damage done to the soil and remaining trees. Setting up a harvest usually consists of establishing the outside perimeter of the area to be harvested.
Ribbons are hung or trees are spot painted to identify the boundary of the harvest area.
Often the property boundary lines are used as part of the harvest boundary. In plantations undergoing the first harvest, individual rows of trees are often marked for removal. In subsequent harvests, trees within rows are marked as described for partial harvests. In this way, the logger knows which trees to cut and the landowner can check on the logger. The shortwood harvesting method involves the conversion of trees into desired length products at the stump, either by hand with chain saws or by using a mechanized processor which fells, delimbs, and bucks the tree into sawlogs, pulpwood sticks, or other products.