A general information page for consumers

Timbering for lumber:
Quite often a land owner can generate a substantial amount of revenue from his timberland while not decreasing the value of the property. In some cases, thinning the trees can add visual appeal to the property and even increase the growth rate of the remaining timber.

Timber Bids:
The quality of a timber harvesting job can greatly depend on the price paid for the lumber. Don't assume that all timberers work the same. If a price estimate seems too good to be true, it may be. Remember that the future value of your land is at least as important as your immediate profit. If timber harvesting is given to the highest bidder, you should expect nothing more than what is explicitly written on the contract (and sometimes less). If instead, your timber is negotiated on a per ton or per cord rate, a timber company has more incentive to make sure you are pleased with the final product.

Timber Dangers:
As a landowner, you should be aware of potentially devastating occurrences that can devalue or destroy valuable and beautiful trees.

If pine trees are turning brown for no apparent reason, it could indicate the presence of Southern Pine Beetles. An infestation of these insects can damage or destroy a large tract of pine timber. If detected soon enough, the devastating effect of these insects can be stopped or contained by harvesting the infested area and thinning the timber that surrounds it. We have worked several land tracts on which a landowner has lost thousands of dollars in timber value. Much of this damage could have been prevented had the owner recognized the danger early enough.