Logs Logs Everywhere

lauren on October 14, 2025

The devastation that Hurricane Helene caused will be felt for untold years, among that being a large influx of downed trees of all sizes and species. Landowners have no doubt noticed the increase in coarse woody material deposited on the forest floor. While some may consider it unsightly, it’s important to look at the fallen trees through an ecological lens and recognize the positives this glut of material can offer the forest habitat.

We talked with Joey Borders, Forester with EcoForesters, for his take on what the storm aftermath means for organisms large and small. He explained that a natural forest is a shifting matrix of successional stages, with historical storm disturbances shaping the forest. 

“What we have now in the modern era is second or third growth forests that have been shaped by logging. Trees are all cut at once, resulting in a continuous canopy that has been in place for decades, and an altered understory that lacks structural diversity,” he said. 

When Helene knocked down so many trees, it tipped the scales in favor of a more natural forest that provides habitat for all organisms in the food chain. The coarse woody material (not debris) provides mulch that regulates moisture on the forest floor, fertilizer for emerging plants, and habitat for everything from insects, rabbits, rodents, snakes, ground nesting birds and woodpeckers looking for meals in snags. This woody material was greatly lacking before the storm, and now the needle has been greatly turned the other way, providing an opportunity for the food chain to thrive.

“In terms of establishing historical conditions, this kind of disturbance is representative of these stand replacing disturbances that we often talk about that have historically shaped our forest. In that regard, that would be a positive,” said Borders. “There are opportunities that come out of an event like this.”

Species that thrive in early successional habitats like ruffed grouse, golden-winged warbler and even deer and foraging ungulates will have increased habitat to explore, said Borders. 

  “As the forest grows in, there will be shrubs and herbaceous species that thrive with the increased spatial and light resources, all species that either forage or nest in those circumstances will have an advantage,” said Borders.

Since our forests have been greatly shaped by human influence, there are risks to just walking away and allowing them to naturally regenerate. Non-native invasive species have a chance to explode in the sunlight. Borders also said that since the forests have had a consistent canopy for so long, mesic species  (ones that thrive in more moisture) have an advantage over others. 

In terms of dealing with fallen trees in a landowner’s forest in the most ecological way possible, non-traditional forest products such as cultured mushrooms on logs are a great ingredient in the mix. Borders said that a diversity of thinking will be required, with a mix of using the logs and mitigating fuels that should be a concern. 

“Salvage logging is an option that I think is appealing to a lot of people because it allows you to offset some of the cost of managing those fuels, but there’s an increasingly limited window we have to salvage logs. There’s only going to be a few more months where it’s reasonable to get merchantable timber,” he said.

Helene Impacted Over 800,000 Acres of Forest

lauren on October 14, 2024

It’s safe to say that the damage from Hurricane Helene is unprecedented, creating challenges that will impact the landscape for generations to come. Our team has been using remote monitoring from satellites and drones to get a better understanding of the destruction, as well as the opportunities for restoration. Each forest stand will have its own unique challenges that EcoForesters and others will be addressing in the coming year, but here are insights into what we are seeing so far. 

In addition to the massive toll on people and development, many forests have been heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene. The main current concern to address quickly is the potential for ongoing erosion from badly damaged forest roads, landslides, or just ground disturbance.  Any disturbed soil should be stabilized and reseeded as soon as possible. 

Risk from more severe fires due to increased fuels is a concern too.  Clearing woody material at least 30’ away from structures is essential to reduce fire risk, possibly farther, then clear roads for access in case of fire with increased fuel loads. Firewise gives good directions for fire safety around homes. Community Resource and Conservation Districts may also have funding to help with Firewise practices. 

Water quality is of utmost concern and state regulations still apply in stream side areas. Even if trees are down in stream sides areas, ground disturbance still must be minimized in these areas to meet environmental regulations.

Damaged forests will re-grow. Virtually all of WNC was clearcut within the last 100-150 years. The forests we have (or had) were natural 2nd or even 3rd growth. It will take years and even decades, but hardwood tree stumps will resprout and ample native seeds have been left by the pre-existing forest. And we have a chance to shape the future forest to make it more diverse and of higher quality for wildlife and/or timber. As the forest regrows we can favor more desirable trees that need help (like oak) by releasing them from their more common competition or invasives. 

If invasives were or are present they will need to be carefully monitored and controlled, as they spread very rapidly and will take over the new growing space with more sunlight.  If not controlled they will outcompete and grow over native trees, stopping the natural forest from regenerating 

It’s important to document any damage done to your forest, infrastructure, or equipment before work is done for possible reimbursement by insurance or emergency relief funds.

Trees that came down or are badly damaged (>50% crown broken off) can be salvage logged, if still solid, but usually at no profit to the landowner. Finding loggers to work on salvage timber harvests could be the limiting factor.

Financial assistance is available for forestland owners impacted by Helene through the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. Your local county USDA office is likely to be your best first contact for that. Our work is just beginning. We will be surveying landowners soon to better understand needs, but please reach out to our staff if you have questions or need assistance.

Here are some key facts to determine feasibility for a salvage timber harvest:

1) Logs need to be at least 12” diameter at the small end and be solid for at least an 8′ length to have any value and only logs that are without any significant damage (e.g. no splitting) or major branches are merchantable.  

2) Downed timber is only merchantable for about up to a year before it starts to decay and loses all value.  Best to harvest high value timber as quickly as possible.

3) The primary merchantable, possibly, profitable species is oak (especially white oak); large yellow poplar and white pine are selling for close to the salvage logging cost (i.e. no profit for landowner).

4) Loggers usually want at least 10-acres of good timber, especially under these demanding circumstances.

5) Sites with good accessibility to, and around, them for large machinery are much more feasible.  Loggers and mills were already in short supply so only larger tracts with good access may be appealing.  

-If you are interested in finding a buyer here is a link to timber buyers searchable by county.

Here are some potential issues to consider:

A) Protecting water quality is the key first thing to do.  Stop any ongoing erosion from badly damaged roads, landslides, or any ground disturbance. 

B) Road building is the biggest impact of any woody material removal.  So logging/clearing still must be planned well especially with increased erosion risk.

C) Smaller (<12″ diameter at small end) or damaged timber and unmerchantable species will be left on site, so it won’t look good for a few years at least, until things regrow.  Though unsightly to humans often, the large amount of downed woody material is good mulch to prevent erosion and future fertilizer for the forest to regrow, as well as good habitat for small animals.  If you want your forest “cleaned up” that will be a significant cost to you.

D) The risk of a severe wildfire will increase with all this extra downed fuel, especially as it dries (starting in Fall of 2025).  So if there are large amounts of downed trees downhill from any structures or other areas you want to protect, then a cleared buffer area (30’ up to 100’ depending on many factors like the size of the material) should be established to reduce risk to areas you want protected.

E) But trees do regrow well naturally around here.  So planting should not be necessary, unless there is erosion and/or bare mineral soil. Hardwood (deciduous) tree stumps will resprout and grow quickly, and there are usually plentiful seeds. However, this also can be an opportunity to plant highly desired trees (like oaks) if you are willing to tend them every couple years for 5-10 years.  Similarly, with natural regeneration you could wait 5-10 years and then release the more desirable saplings.

F) After a major disturbance, it is important that many mostly intact trees (>50% live crown remaining), especially oaks and other trees that provide good food for wildlife, be left to provide some habitat structure and as future seed sources.

G) After disturbances, Non-native invasive plants can and will quickly infest more areas and/or become more severe.  They should be carefully monitored and controlled as needed, especially this coming spring before they get too bad.

Helene Recovery

lauren on October 13, 2024

As I write this article, a little over 5000 acres are on fire in Polk County, about 37 miles away, and I can smell the smoke from my house. Jordan, an EcoForesters’ forestry associate, was scheduled to meet a landowner not far from the fire, but weather conditions and the remoteness of the area caused us to reconsider. In the world of forestry, safety and caution reign supreme.

I share this information  not to be alarmist, but to best share with our readers the challenges professional foresters and land managers are facing post Hurricane Helene. The unplanned disturbance that struck over 800,000 acres has left access to the areas that once acted as fire breaks impenetrable. A wildfire that once was put under control after burning only 1 acre is now a 15-20 acre fire. Drought-like conditions are creating headaches and dangerous situations for a lot of brave workers and communities alike.

Our staff has spent the last 6 months in the woods. Our field staff has stayed busy restoring access into the woods and planning for the future challenges that will come this spring. Our foresters have been assessing what it means to lose 50% of your trees over a 100 acre parcel. What is the cost and feasibility of removing tangled timber without further damaging property and streams? What is the right prescription for regenerating oaks where the movement of earth and trees has changed the environment? And most importantly, what will it cost?

The next 10 years of forest stewardship will be in reaction to Helene’s footprint and require an effort of similar magnitude. When disturbance happens in the absence of planning, regeneration and competing invasive plants are not considered. The planning decisions made today will help guide future wildlife populations, recreational opportunities, and future markets like biochar. This edition will share what we are seeing in the forest and how we are planning for the future. 

The greening of this spring will help all of our psyches. The response to new growing space will remind us that disturbance is an opportunity for natives and non-native species alike. While we are usually okay with letting nature duke it out, the winner getting the light and growing space, we know that past management has degraded species favorable to wildlife and given an unfair advantage to faster growing invasive plants. But with planning, education, training, and hard work, EcoForesters has begun the journey towards restoration. Thanks for coming along for the ride.