Selling timber can be a complex process. While there is no single resource or publication that will make you an expert timber seller, asking key questions and knowing the appropriate answers will help tremendously.
Getting Started
To request a site visit and find out more about timber sales, contact your local GFC forester. We recommend that you engage the services of a consulting forester and a timber buyer/harvester when selling your timber. You’ll also want to use a Forest Products Sales Contract when conducting your timber sale.
View Our Sample-Only ContractSuch a contract will help everyone understand what is expected of all parties involved in the sale. All contracts should include the amount to be paid and how the payments will be disbursed, the type of sale, Best Management Practices (BMP) compliance, length of contract, damage penalties and harvest restrictions.
Things to Consider
When looking to sell your timber, make sure to consider the following:
- volume of timber you have for sale
- area of sale
- age of timber for sale
- tax implications of conducting a timber sale (state ad valorem, state income and federal income taxes)
- type of harvest (should be based on landowner objectives)
Timber Prices
When calculating timber pricing, make sure to consider the following:
- Timber prices may vary seasonally and by tract and timber characteristics.
- Tract characteristics that drive value to pricing include the tract’s operability, topography and access.
- Tracts that can be logged in wet conditions often demand a premium.
- Tracts that are unusually difficult to log due to poor access or steep terrain often bring lower prices.
- Tracts that have high quality sawtimber, high volume per acre, or are within close proximity to a wood-using facility often receive a premium. And to the extent that these characteristics are not present, the price may decrease.
- Timber price information can be found through price reporting services like Forest2Market or Timber Mart-South.
Helpful Resources
| Title | Description | Document Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Selling Your Timber | Selling timber can be a source of great satisfaction to a landowner. It may also be surprising, frustrating and stressful, especially for landowners who conduct timber sales infrequently. Relying on the expertise of a registered consulting forester for help with harvest planning and timber sales reduces the likelihood that sellers or buyers will be caught off guard – and that helps landowners get the highest return for their timber. | |
| Forest Product Sales Agreement (SAMPLE ONLY) | This is an example of a contract agreement for the sale of timber or forest products. It is meant for informational purposes and is a SAMPLE ONLY. This document has no legal standing in the execution of a sale between parties. | |
| Forest Product Sales Contract for Lump Sum Sales Sample | Sample contract agreement for private landowners selling trees, timber or wood by lump sum. | |
| Forest Product Sales Contract for Per-unit Sales Sample | Sample contract agreement for private landowners selling trees, timber or wood by unit. | |
| Forest2Market | Forest2Market is a global provider of timber pricing, cost benchmarks and in-depth analytics for participants in the wood raw materials supply chain. Our data-based solutions provide insight into complex business issues and support fact-based decision making and planning. | External Website |
| Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters | The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters in 1951 for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating those who engage in the practice of professional forestry. | External Website |
| Selling Your Timber (Webinar – .wmv file) | Video | |
| Selling Your Timber Guide | A timber sale is a serious matter requiring careful preparation. Download guide for best practices on selling timber. | |
| Timber Buyers Directory | This list is made up of buyers/harvesters who have submitted information to GFC and is not meant as an endorsement of any individual or company. For a full list of Georgia Master Timber Harvesters (GAMTH), visit the GAMTH database. To be added to the timber buyers directory, contact Angela Kimberly at akimberly@gfc.state.ga.us. | Page on GFC Website |
| TimberMart South | Timber and timberland market data, with analysis on current and historic trends and events. | External Website |