Timber sales can be complex, but forest landowners can make the most of this unique opportunity to generate revenue, achieve ownership goals, and ensure compliance with Virginia’s forest laws.
- Get a professional forester to develop a management plan and determine if it is ready to harvest.
- Hire a private consulting forester review (“cruise”) the timber, evaluate and value timber, and coordinate the timber sale.
- The seller should get a written contract, which protects both the buyer and the seller by identifying the responsibilities of each party. Never use a verbal agreement to sell your trees.
Selling Methods
Methods of selling timber fall into three categories – there are advantages and disadvantages to each method.
- Sealed Bid.
- Fixed Price Negotiation.
- Percent Basis Negotiation.
Forestry Services – Public and Private
We recommend getting professional guidance to help you with selling your timber and ensure your goals as a landowner are met.
Virginia Department of Forestry Services
- Forest Management Plans
- Explain methods of selling timber
- Pre-Harvest Plans
- Lists of private consulting foresters and timber buyers who provide timber valuation and sale administration
- Suggestions for timber sale contracts
Private Consulting Forester Services
- Timber appraisal
- Harvest planning
- Timber sale coordination
- Financial planning
- Boundary marking
Find a Private Consulting Forester
Loggers and Timber Harvesters
- Regeneration harvests
- Thinning harvests
- Partial harvests
- Timber stand improvement harvests
- Timber purchasing
- Road construction and BMP work
Additional Resources
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- Association of Consulting Foresters
- Virginia Loggers Association
Contact Us
To get assistance with selling your timber, contact your local forester.
For more information or questions, email us or use our contact form.