A Landowner's Guide to Successful Timber Sales

An Informative Look at an Important Natural Resource Management Tool

Introduction

A common question that landowners often ask is "What is my timber worth?" Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Prices for standing timber can vary widely depending on a variety of factors and forces.

The quantity, quality, and species of your timber will determine a large part of its value. Two of these, quality and species will affect value by determining the end products that will be produced from your timber and their associated values.

The location and access conditions of your timber will affect the value. Timber stands that have extreme moisture conditions, steep slopes, or are remotely located will affect the price you will receive for your timber. Any restrictions placed on timber harvest, either by you or by governmental regulations due to the site conditions or characteristics, can also impact timber value.

Finally, the method of sale will increase or decrease your timber's value. Timber sold by sealed bid generally brings a higher price than selling your timber to an individual or company directly.

These factors and others will determine the price you receive for your timber and the success you have with your timber sale. This module presents a series of steps that can help you obtain the highest price for your timber with the least damage to the property and residual trees. At the end of the module, we would be happy to provide you with information on how to contact a resource professional in your area for further assistance. There will also be an optional brief quiz to help you gauge what you have learned from the module. Please feel free to provide us with feedback as to how we can improve these modules as well. Please continue by clicking on "Next" below.

 

 

Next
Center's logo National Web-Based Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landownerss
Center's logo
home || search this site || modules || references & links