In timber harvesting, large volumes of logs are generally sold and cut at one time. For example, in Indiana, a timber sale with 20,000 board feet or less is relatively small and frequently brings less money per unit volume than a larger sale. To cut, load, and transport sawlogs, a front-end loader and a flat bed or standard log truck are required. Expensive equipment and labor cannot be concentrated on the removal of one or a few shade trees when much larger quantities can be harvested at the same time in commercial forest conditions. Even if shade trees could be economically harvested and utilized, the resulting lumber or veneer is often of poor quality.
Shade trees are open grown.
As a result, they branch profusely, and only the short trunks are available for producing lumber. In addition, shade trees are often improperly pruned by the owner or are damaged by lawnmowers, cars, etc. These wounds are subject to decay, stain, and insect attack. Butt rot usually results either at the tree's base or around cut limbs, and this detracts from the tree's lumber value. Shade trees can be difficult to cut down.