Eastern Hemlock Logs
for Sale & Wanted
Tsuga canadensis — Canadian Hemlock
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a major Appalachian softwood historically used for framing lumber, barn siding, crate stock, pulpwood, and mine timbers. The wood is pale reddish-brown with a coarse, uneven grain and high proportion of summerwood that makes it harder than most softwoods but prone to splitting and ring-shake. Hemlock is abundant in cool, shaded slopes and stream valleys throughout the Appalachians.
Market Insight — Eastern Hemlock 2026
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect, has killed large areas of eastern hemlock across the southern Appalachians since the 1990s. The salvage market remains active for dead and dying hemlock, though prices are softer than for healthy stands. Structural applications — framing, barn beams, crane mats, pallet stock — absorb most hemlock volume; the wood is rarely used for furniture or fine work.
Delivered hemlock sawlog prices typically run $150–$350/MBF (Doyle), with large-diameter, clear material for crane mats or timber-frame construction bringing $350–$600/MBF. Pulpwood averages $28-$50 per ton. The Amish and timber-frame construction markets remain steady buyers for quality hemlock beams.
About Eastern Hemlock Timber
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a major Appalachian softwood historically used for framing lumber, barn siding, crate stock, pulpwood, and mine timbers. The wood is pale reddish-brown with a coarse, uneven grain and high proportion of summerwood that makes it harder than most softwoods but prone to splitting and ring-shake. Hemlock is abundant in cool, shaded slopes and stream valleys throughout the Appalachians.
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect, has killed large areas of eastern hemlock across the southern Appalachians since the 1990s. The salvage market remains active for dead and dying hemlock, though prices are softer than for healthy stands. Structural applications — framing, barn beams, crane mats, pallet stock — absorb most hemlock volume; the wood is rarely used for furniture or fine work.
Delivered hemlock sawlog prices typically run $150–$350/MBF (Doyle), with large-diameter, clear material for crane mats or timber-frame construction bringing $350–$600/MBF. Pulpwood averages $28-$50 per ton. The Amish and timber-frame construction markets remain steady buyers for quality hemlock beams.
Barn Siding
Traditional Appalachian barn wood
Crane Mats
Heavy construction support timbers
Timber Framing
Post-and-beam construction
Pallets & Crates
Bulk industrial market
Eastern Hemlock Grades & What Buyers Pay
| Grade | Key Requirements | Typical Buyers | Delivered Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber / Beam Grade | 14"+ SED, sound heart | Timber-frame shops, crane-mat mills | $400–$600/MBF |
| Standard Sawlog | 10"+ SED, sound | Construction mills, pallet plants | $200–$350/MBF |
| HWA Salvage | Any sound | Construction grade, pulp | $100–$200/MBF |
| Pulpwood | 4"+ top | Paper, OSB | $28–$50/ton |
Tips for Selling Eastern Hemlock
- Act fast on HWA salvage. Dead hemlock deteriorates quickly. Standing dead for more than 3-4 years often has sapwood decay and bark slip that disqualify for sawlog markets.
- Separate clear from knotty. Clear, large-diameter hemlock is in a different market (timber frame, crane mat) than knotty construction-grade stock. Price them separately.
- Watch for ring shake. Hemlock is prone to internal ring-shake (separation along growth rings). Check butt cuts; logs with visible shake should be discounted or sold as pulpwood.
- Hemlock is heavy. At 50 lbs/ft³ green, hemlock loads to truck weight fast. Don't over-volume your trucks.
- Know your nearest crane-mat buyer. Crane-mat mills pay premium for sound large-diameter hemlock and often buy in remote Appalachian areas where sawlog markets are thin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Hemlock Logs
What are hemlock logs worth?
Standard delivered hemlock sawlogs run $150-$350 per MBF (Doyle). Large-diameter timber/beam grade brings $400-$600/MBF. HWA salvage material runs $100-$200/MBF if still sound. Pulpwood averages $28-$50/ton.
What is Hemlock Woolly Adelgid?
HWA is an invasive aphid-like insect that has killed large populations of eastern hemlock across the southern Appalachians since the 1990s. Infested trees typically die within 4-10 years. Dead and dying hemlock is still merchantable if harvested before decay sets in. Landowners with HWA-affected stands should consider harvesting while wood remains sound.
Is hemlock good for construction?
Yes, for rough construction and heavy timber work. Hemlock is strong and dimensionally stable once seasoned, making it suitable for framing, barn lumber, timber-frame buildings, and structural beams. It is not used for fine furniture or finish work due to splintery grain and ring shake tendencies.
Why is hemlock used for crane mats?
Hemlock is strong, locally abundant, and cheap relative to hardwoods used for mats (oak, maple). Crane mats need to withstand heavy equipment loads and rough handling — hemlock's density and size availability make it a common choice across eastern logging and pipeline construction.
Can I sell HWA-killed hemlock?
Yes, within a window. Standing dead hemlock remains merchantable for 3-7 years after death depending on site conditions. Once bark begins sloughing and sapwood decays significantly, value drops sharply. Harvest as soon as practical after mortality is confirmed.
How does hemlock compare to pine?
Hemlock is harder and heavier than eastern white pine, with different grain characteristics. Pine is preferred for finish work, paneling, and furniture; hemlock is preferred for structural and rough applications. Pricing is broadly similar, with pine commanding a small premium for clear grade.
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