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How To Estimate The Age Of A Tree Without Counting The Rings.

Have you ever been on a nature trail with the family and the children, and adults try to hug the big trees. What fun!!  But, how can you determine the age of the big trees without counting the rings?

You can make a fairly good estimate of a tree's age using a simple formula published by the International Society of Arboriculture.

1.   First, determine tree diameter in inches measured at 54 inches above ground level.

2. Remember that diameter equals circumference divided by 3.14 (pi).

3.   Species (type of tree) Growth Factor X Diameter = Age

Get out and enjoy nature with the family.

Flint River Land & Timber

"Land Is Our Specialty" | 256.776.8519 | FRLandTimber.com

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2015 Earth Day Celebration Events in the Huntsville Area.

We all celebrate Earth Day but do you really know why?

The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. This day was created by American Senator, Gaylord Nelson, to make people aware of the importance of keeping our planet healthy and clean. On that day, people made promises to help the environment and make positive changes in their community.

Some family activities happening around the area are listed below. 
I will be helping at booth events in the SAF - Society of American Forester’s booth. Stop over and visit the booth and meet me.

Earth Day at Hays Nature Preserve

April 18, 2015
Times: Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM
Phone: (256) 534-5263
Admission: No admission charged
Visit over 70 earth-friendly exhibitors and vendors. Early morning birding hike led by John Ehinger begins at 8 AM. Bring binoculars.

45th Earth Day Festival at Monte Sano State Park

April 19, 2015
Times: Sun. 12 PM - 5 PM
Admission: $5 per car at gate
Great Music & Food, Earth Friendly Exhibits, Planetarium Shows, Birds of Prey, and  family fun.

Community Shred Day at Redstone Federal Credit Union
Protect your identity and the environment

April 18, 2015
Time: 8:30 am – 12pm
Where: RFCU Headquarters
220 Wynn Drive  (parking lot of South Building)

Stop by and visit me at the Earth Day events.  What plans do you have to celebrate earth day?

Scott Helms,  Flint River Land & Timber
Office:
203 Eastside Square, Suite 6
Huntsville, Al. 35801
Phone: 256-776-8519
email: s.helms@mchsi.com
Facebook: Flint River Land and Timber
Twitter:  @FRLT   

Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 6:00pm 

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15 Tips to Protect Your Home from Wildfires.

Winter dryness and human error can often spark forest fires and with many housing developments expanding closer to the woodlands homeowners must know what step to take to avoid losing their home.

Below are some tips from the Alabama Forestry Commission* to help homeowners take preventive step.

*Preventive Steps:

• Clean your roof and gutters of leaves and pine needles (best when done in fall and spring).

• Trim all tree branches that overhang your house.

• Trim all tree branches from within 20’ of chimneys.

• Move firewood pile out of your home’s defensible space.

• Prune branches that overhang the driveway to provide 14’ overhead clearance.

• Clear deadwood and dense flammable vegetation from your home’s defensible space. Thin and prune trees; brush back; and remove ladder fuels.

• Get involved with your community’s wildfire protection plans and disaster mitigation plans.

• Check your fire extinguishers. Are they still charged? Are they easy to get to in an emergency? Does everyone in the family know where they are and how to use them?

• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy for adequate coverage. Consult your insurance agent about costs of rebuilding and repairs in your area.

• Talk to children about not starting fires or playing with matches.

• If you have a burn barrel that you use for burning trash, obey local ordinances.

• Compost leaves in the fall, instead of burning them.

• Thin and prune trees for 30’ to 100’ around your home.

• Purchase and use a NOAA weather alert radio. Many types of emergencies are announced through this service.

• Install a spark arrestor or heavy wire screen with opening less than 1/2” on wood burning fireplaces and chimneys.


Stay warm and safe.

Scott Helms, Flint River Land & Timber 
Phone: 256.776.8519

Stay connected with Scott and the Team.
Facebook: Flint River Land and Timber
Twitter @FRLT   https://twitter.com/FRLandTimber

* Information provided 

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Most common reasons why many people are afraid of going in the woods or on a nature trail and how to overcome it! 

Snakes, spiders, and bugs are the reason many people are afraid of going in the woods or on a nature trail.  Be cautious but don’t let it stop you from enjoying nature.  Below are a few tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Snakes know you are approaching well before you get to them and most of the time they have moved on.  Making noise, perhaps with your hiking poles or a stick, while you walk can help let snakes or other animals know you’re coming.

Spiders are not always as easy to avoid. There are a few ways to prevent exposing yourself to a spider. 

1. Watch for webs as you walk or hike.

2.   Empty or shake your shoes, hats or clothing before putting them on if left outside.

3.   Use a stick or pole if turning over leaves or debris in the woods or on the trail.

Bugs are nature’s entertainment and caretakers. Many people are afraid of bugs because they do not like bugs to crawl on them.  If a bug crawls on you while resting along a trail, simply swipe it to the ground.  Most are harmless.

The best way to overcome the fear of bugs crawling on you is to allow some lady bugs to crawl on your arm for a few seconds.  

I have the privilege of enjoying the relaxation and rejuvenation of nature most days because of my job as a Forester.

Go out and enjoy the day with your family and friends.

Scott Helms, Flint River Land & Timber
Ph: 256.776.8519

Stay connected with Scott and the Team.
Facebook: Flint River Land and Timber
Twitter @FRLT   https://twitter.com/FRLandTimber

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Osage Orange – Have you seen this funny looking fruit?

Maclura pomifera, commonly called Osage orange, hedge apple, horse apple,  bois d'arc, bodark, or bodock is a small tree or large shrub, typically growing to 26–49 feet tall. The male and female flowers on different plants.

The fruit, from a multiple fruit family, is roughly spherical, but bumpy, and 3–6 inches in diameter. It is filled with a sticky white latex. In fall, its color turns a bright yellow-green.

Picture of Osage Orange -Flint River Land and Timber

Despite the name "Osage orange", it is not closely related to the orange. The fruit is not poisonous.

The heavy, close-grained yellow-orange wood is very dense and is prized for tool handles, treenails, fence posts, and other applications requiring a strong dimensionally stable wood that withstands rot.

Straight-grained Osage timber (most is knotty and twisted) makes very good bows.  The trees acquired the name bois d'arc, or "bow-wood", from early French settlers who observed the wood being used for war clubs and bow-making by Native Americans.

Some historians believe that the high value this wood had to Native Americans throughout North America for the making of bows, along with its small natural range, contributed to the great wealth of the Spiroan Mississippian culture that controlled all the land in which these trees grew.

Learn more about the Alabama area.

Stay connected with Scott and the Team.
Scott Helms, Flint River Land & Timber
Ph: 256.776.8519

Facebook: Flint River Land and Timber


Twitter @FRLT   

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What are the three most common causes of incidents while hunting in Alabama?

Hunting is one of the safest outdoor-related activities that an individual can participate in Alabama, but there are some injuries, below are the most common causes of incidents.

 1. Falling from Treestands
 2. Failure to identify your target
 3.   Self-inflicted incidents

 

Falls from treestands are a leading cause of injuries for Alabama hunters.


It is recommended to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions prior to using an elevated platform.  Always Inspect your stand and tree prior to each use.

For Land Management and Hunting  Leases Administration, please contact me.

See the New deer season proposals considered by state regulators.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Hunting Season.

Scott Helms, Flint River Land & Timber
Ph: 256.776.8519

Twitter  @FRLT

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What does it mean to be a Forester?

Many people confuse the role of the forester with that of the logger, but most foresters are concerned not only with the harvest of timber, but also with the sustainable management of forests to provide the greatest good for the greatest number in the long term.

A forester is a person who practices forestry, the science, art, and profession of managing forests. 

Foresters engage in a broad range of activities including timber harvesting, ecological restoration and management of protected areas.


Foresters manage forests to provide a variety of objectives including direct extraction of raw material, outdoor recreation, conservation, hunting and aesthetics.  

Foresters are often employed by private industry, federal and state land management agencies, or private consulting firms.

Scott Helms is a 1999 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Forestry and has 13 years of experience as a procurement forester evaluating land and its numerous attributes including timber.  


As an Alabama Registered Forester, Scott brings a unique perspective to the commercial and recreational markets.

Flint River Land & Timber is located in Huntsville, Alabama. Our coverage area for Timber Sales and Management ranges from North Alabama up through Southern Tennessee. 

Flint River Land & Timber
Scott Helms
Ph: 256.776.8519

203 Eastside Square, Suite 6 Huntsville, Al. 35801
Facebook: Flint River Land and Timber
Twitter @FRLT     

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Explore Nature by Flatwater Kayaking

Flatwater kayaking can be great fun for the family on long summer days and as fall approaches it becomes even better. Whether borrowing a friends kayak or renting make sure you know the basics, how to get in and out safely as well as navigating especially when waves from boats happen before you enter the water. 

This outdoor sport can be a great opportunity to spend time with family or friends while exploring local nature like the Tennessee River here in Huntsville, Al. 

Tennessee River  heading east from Ditto Landing.

We are blessed to have the Tennessee River and Ditto Landing.
  

One of many locations to launch from along the River

 

Below you will find a list of flatwater kayaking gear that you may need.

Rash guard shirt

Quick dry shorts or pants

Sandals/water shoes

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Sun hat

Life Jacket (PFD; should always be worn)

Water

Food/snacks

Camera & Cell Phone (keep in dry sack)

Enjoy and be safe.

Information brought to you by:
Flint River Land & Timber
“Land is Our Specialty”
256.776.8519
@ FRLandTimber

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Nature Trails in Huntsville

Hayes Nature Preserve
7153 US 431 Owens Cross Roads, Alabama 35763

Enjoy the Flint River with over 10 miles of trails for walking, hiking or biking while exploring the bottomlands, hardwood forest, fields of plants and flowers, wetlands, swamps, sloughs, all suitable for walking, hiking or mountain biking. Horses can be ridden on the northern trails. 

Wildlife abounds with deer, rabbits, raccoon, and resident and migratory birds, in fact, this natural area is an important part of the North Alabama Birding Trail.

There are play areas for children and picnicking as well as fishing.

Some popular Play Days at Hays are the educational series held in June and July on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 am. Each Play Day explores a different topic --- all based on enjoying the great outdoors. 

It's free and a fun way to enjoy being outside while learning. Learn more about the Nature Explore Classroom at Hays Nature Preserve.

Visit the Hayes Nature Preserve with your family time and time again.

Stay connected with Scott and the Team.

Scott Helms, Flint River Land & Timber 
Phone: 256.776.8519
Facebook: Flint River Land and Timber
Twitter @FRLT   

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What Is My Timber Worth, and How Do I Sell It?

These are common questions asked by landowners' when considering the sale of timber on their property.

What Is My Timber Worth?

Here are 5 things that impact the value of your timber or logs.

1. Even though statewide or regional prices can provide a taste of the level and trends of prices, what your timber is worth is somewhat dependent on local market conditions.

2. A timber stand's value is dependent on the species, sizes, and qualities of the trees growing in it.

3. The value of timber depends heavily on how much timber is sold in one timber sale and what kind of harvesting is done.

4. What a timber buyer will pay for your trees depends on the conditions of the site in which they are growing, which affects how expensive it is to remove them and haul them to a mill.

5. State and local timber harvesting and management practices laws can affect what kind of harvesting equipment can be used, how close harvests can come to streams, and what contingencies must be made if there are local populations of vulnerable or legally protected plant or animal species in your area.

How Do I Sell My Timber?

Selling timber is not simple.  There are many ways in which a landowner working independently, without professional forestry expert, one can be taken advantage of. By obtaining the services of a professional, you can ensure that the land and forest remaining after the harvest is more productive in the long run.

As a professional forestry consultant I provide a wide variety of services that include: tree planting advice, forest management, timber appraisal, and timber sale preparation and supervision.

Contact me today to get started!

Flint River Land and Timber

Scott Helms
203 Eastside Square, Suite 6 Huntsville, Al. 35801
Phone: 256-776-8519 
email: s.helms@mchsi.com
Facebook: Flint River Land and Timber
Twitter @FRLT  

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Interesting Facts about Alabama‘s Timberland according to the Alabama Forestry Commission.

·       There are 22.9 million acres of timberland in Alabama, accounting for 68% of the total land area in the state.

·       Alabama has the third most timberland acreage in the 48 contiguous states, behind only Georgia and Oregon. As far as private timberland acreage is concerned, Alabama ranks second behind Georgia.

·        Of timberland acreage, 85% is owned by non-industrial private landowners.

·       Approximately 30% of Alabama’s timberland is comprised of pine plantations.

·        The forest industry is the state’s second largest manufacturing industry, producing an estimated $12.78 billion worth of products in 2010.

·        There are approximately 650 active forest products manufacturing operations in the state.

·        Alabama forests generate over $21 billion in timber production & processing revenue.

·        Alabama forests provide over 122- thousand jobs in timber production & processing.

Contact us today with your timber and land needs. Flint River Land and Timber serves north Alabama and south Tennessee.

Scott Helms is an Alabama Registered Forester; he brings a unique perspective to the commercial and timber markets. 

Flint River Land and Timber 203 Eastside Square, Suite 6 Huntsville, Al. 35801
Phone: 256-776-8519
email: s.helms@mchsi.comFacebook: Flint River Land and Timber
Twitter @FRLT  

Source: Alabama Forestry Commission website