1. Determine if Your Timber is Ready to Sell
The very first step in selling a timber stand is to evaluate whether or not it is ready to be put up for sale and harvested. Different species of trees grow at different rates and have different applications for their wood. For example, loblolly pine grows extremely fast and can be harvested as soon as 15 years, while oak trees need at least 60 years of growth before they are ready to be cut.
Some of the primary factors that you can use to determine whether or not your timber is ready to sell include:
Tree Species and Diameter
Each species of tree will grow at different rates and is ready to harvest at different diameters. Trees must be between 10 and 14 inches in diameter at a minimum for basic sawtimber, while high-value hardwoods need to be closer to 18” in diameter.
Stand Age
Another factor in determining harvest is stand age. Stand age is exactly what it sounds like: an average age of a timber stand across all the trees in that stand. In North Carolina, most timber has been harvested before, with older stands mostly clearcut. In some cases, more modern foresters will recommend two aged stands where there are 2 separate groups of timber at different ages in the same stand.
Volume of Marketable Timber
Before you harvest a stand of timber, it is important to ensure that the value is there across the entire stand so that loggers do not waste their time. Lumber companies must invest quite a bit of up-front capital to log a property. There are logistical challenges, labor, and equipment that must be accounted for before the first tree is logged.
2. Get Your Timber Stand Evaluated
When you have a rough idea of whether you are ready to harvest your timber, it is time to call a forester. Many landowners will skip this step and go straight to a lumber mill. However, without a registered forester, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table, as they will ensure that you get the most out of your timber stand.
Hiring a registered forester is as easy as looking at your local Forest Service’s list of approved consultant foresters. At that point, you are hiring a consultant to help you with decisions and evaluating the value of your timber. Foresters will offer management plans and timber cruises.
A timber cruise is very important as it determines the species and volume of timber that is present in a stand of timber. Foresters will take a number of random plots across your timber stand to establish an average volume across the property. Additionally, they will identify trees that are of a higher value, or whether or not some plots need to continue growing before harvest. This information helps establish an estimated value and can be used to negotiate the price of a timber sale.
It is important to work with a local forester who understands the regional timber market. A forester from California will have far less experience with the timber business, regulations, and common species in North Carolina. Finding someone who understands regional logging conditions, current demand, and local species and markets is vital for getting the most out of your timber sale.
3. Begin The Sale Process
When working with a forester, you can ensure that you get the best value for your timber. They will work across a variety of different lumber companies to match them with the inventory that they are looking for. They can also help negotiate different timber sale types such as:
- Lump Sum Sales
- Per Unit Sales
- Sealed Bid Sales
Once a sale type and lumber company have chosen to buy your timber, a contract is written up. The timber sale contract will clearly define the timber being sold, payment terms, and property access, and any additional considerations that need to be made. After a contract is signed and notarized, it is time for the timber harvest to begin.
4. Preparing a Stand for a Timber Harvest
Once everything is approved, the lumber company will pull survey information and begin identifying property boundaries to ensure that neighboring properties are not bothered by logging operations. Some properties will have different harvest types across a stand and will need to be marked so that loggers follow the harvest plan.
Loggers will also need to begin building logging roads and a landing where equipment and cut timber can be staged. Bridges and water crossings will need to be put in and inspected to ensure that regulations are met.
Finally, equipment can be moved onsite, and loggers can begin marking and harvesting trees, which are transported to the lumber mill on logging trucks multiple times a day.
Ready to Sell Your Timber with Church and Church Lumber Company
Selling a timber stand is a significant decision that can provide valuable income while also shaping the future of your forest. Before accepting an offer, it is important to understand what you have growing on your property and how the sale can affect the land for years to come.
Taking the time to evaluate your timber and work with an experienced local buyer can help you make an informed decision. From identifying marketable hardwoods to considering access, harvesting conditions, and the long-term health of the forest, every property has its own considerations.
For landowners in and around Northwest North Carolina, Church & Church Lumber Company works with private landowners to purchase timber and help navigate the timber-selling process. With experience working with Appalachian hardwoods and local forest conditions, our team understands the importance of responsible harvesting and clear communication throughout the process.
Talk to Church & Church About Your Timber Stand
If you're considering selling timber, the first step is finding out what your stand may be worth. Contact Church & Church Lumber Company to discuss your property, timber, and harvesting options.
Contact Church & Church Lumber Company today to learn more about selling your timber.