The page is dedicated to landowners dealing with the sale of timber.
HERE ARE SOME MUST DO’S
CONTACT YOUR STATE FORESTER FOR AN UNBIASED OPINION
Hire a consulting forester certified by the Society of American Foresters or one that is recommended by your local State Forester.
ALWAYS SIGN A CONTRACT WITH THE LOGGER AND THE CONSULTANT
- BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP’s) SHOULD ALWAYS BE A PART OF THE CONTRACT
- NEVER LOG WHEN IT IS WET
- Stay out of Creeks and Streams
- Keep Logging Debris out of Waterways
AVOID SELLING ON THE “SHARES”
- YOU may be LIABLE FOR THE LOGS ALL THE WAY TO THE SAWMILL
- IT IS LIKE GIVING SOMEONE A BAG OF MONEY,NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH IS IN THE BAG AND ASKING THEM TO DEPOSIT IT
CONTACT THE STATE FORESTER AND ASK FOR A LOGGING INSPECTION
AVOID HIGH-GRADING BY PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
NATURAL REGENERATE YOUR FOREST
First I recommend that you read the links below then contact your local State forester before you attempt to sell your timber. Below is a link to State of Tennessee foresters that serve your area. It may be to your benefit not sell your timber at this time for various reasons.
A Glossary of Common Forestry Terms
Best Practices For Selling Timber (University of Tennessee)
Best Management Practices For Logging
Best Management Practices for Bats
Landowner Guide to Timber Sale
Conversion of Board Feet to Tons
It is highly recommended that you contact a consulting forester to handle the sale of your timber. Below is a list of consulting foresters for Tennessee.
Tennessee Consulting Forestry Directory
Timing you sale is very important. For example you may save a considerable sum in taxes by selling your timber over a two year period. Calculating your timber tax basis may also save you lots of dollars in taxis. You can also trade your timber for other like property and pay no or little taxes. Use the links below to find out more. Tennessee has no tax on a timber sale.
Common Federal Income Tax Questions and Forest Landowners Guide to Federal Income Tax
Always Remember Tax Basis and Setting up the Books:
A contract is a must in all timber sales. If you are using a consulting forester be sure to have a contract. Always have a written contract with the logger. Below are links to sample contracts. Make sure your lawyer reviews the contract.
State of TN Invitation to Bid on Timber
Contract Guide, Sample Contract, Logger Contract, 2-Logger Contract
I recommend never log when it is wet and always follow Water Quality Best Management Practices.(BMPs)
I highly recommend hiring a logger that is a Master Logger.
Here is a list of some, not all, timber buyers in the State. This list is of sawmills and manufactures.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to harvest your timber wisely. Think of the FUTURE. Do you want your forest to be full of junk trees that are valueless? This happens when you high-grade. Most timber stands have been high-graded in Tennessee. Do you want a forest that has high dollar trees that produces food for wildlife? Below are some links that can help you decide.
Managed Forests for Healthy Ecosystems
Treatments for Improving Degraded Hardwood Stands
Check List Pre and Post Logging
It is important to keep good records during the management of your timber.