Sell Your Trees Carefully

[blake]

NEWS!
From the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com

Iowa</st1:State> DNR:
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Sell Your Trees Carefully

Posted: October 13, 2009
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If you own one acre of forest land or more than 1,000 acres, the trees represent one of the most valuable resources on your property. Trees can provide a source of income, habitat to wildlife and can improve the value of the land. The decision to harvest trees is important for you and your family and should be protected by using a professional forester and a written contract.
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A professional forester will protect your interests much like a real estate agent helps with selling your house. They are uniquely qualified to assist with a timber harvest that accomplishes your needs and expectations. It is in their best interest to market your trees to reputable loggers that will pay a fair price. Never sell your trees without a contract with whoever will be paying you for your trees.
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"Every year I get calls from forest landowners who made a handshake agreement to sell their trees to people who will pay the landowner after the trees are graded and they get paid by the sawmill. After a year goes by and the landowner has not been paid, they call the DNR for help.

Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to help landowners that do not have a signed contract," says Aron Flickinger, forester with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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A good contract is developed to ensure that: <O

• You are paid in full prior to the time that trees are removed
• Your forest, soil and water resources are protected
• The harvest area is left in good condition
• There are no assumptions about how the harvest will be conducted
• Your special concerns are addressed
• You are satisfied with the outcome of the sale <O

"A reputable logger is working hard to make a living for themselves and maintains a good reputation in the community. No matter how nice the person seems, get a signed contract before one tree gets cut. After all, you wouldn't sell your corn, beans or livestock without a contract," Flickinger said.
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"Think of the trees on your property as another type of crop. They just take longer to harvest, and if managed properly, can provide income for your farm as well as habitat for wildlife along the way," Flickinger said.

Work with a forester before you sell your trees. People that can assist you with your timber harvest can be found at this website: http://www.iowadnr.gov/forestry/district.html or http://www.iowadnr.gov/forestry/pdf/Consultant%20list.pdf. <O></O>

 

[Joey Rott]

Good info. Had my best hunting spot logged by some out of staters, for Cottonwood Trees (to make pallets) about 6-7 years ago. The 1st few months, that's all they did. But it wasn't too long before I noticed quite a few walnut tree's missing. I told the landowner and he ended contacting the logger, and getting paid for them, even though not much.

Long story short... have a detailed contract of exactly what is to be done before anything is done.

 

[Hardwood11]

Joey: Good point, many landowners don't know what each species looks like. I had a logger look at my 40 and offered me $5000 for "all the big oaks". No way. I only cut the dead or storm damaged trees for logs or firewood, and then plant new seedlings or acorns/walnuts in the empty space. The next chore is a timber stand improvement to get rid of the buckthorn and boxelder.

 

[letemgrow]

Be very careful, I was offered 1500 for all my walnuts by one guy so I told him I would just let them grow....2 years later, they were worth 8 along with a few white oaks. It pays to shop around and find good people to do the work. Loggers can be like used care salesman from what I have seen and experienced.

My trees were logged and I was paid when the buyer came out and graded them before they went to the mill. That away neither me or the logger were hosed from trees that looked good, but were not after being cut. I would recommend anyone to have a forester walk your land first, then have them contact the loggers to big on your property to get the best deal and best care taken of your land (02).

If I could do it again, and I will hopefully in 20-30 years I will no doubt go this route!!!

 

[HighJumper]

Did a sale last year. Hired a 37 year retired forester who measured, marked and graded all of the walnuts for sale. He prepared the bid and sent it out to the loggers. We received 6 different bids and selected the highest bid with a bonded logger that paid in full within 10 days of award of contract. The experience of the consulting forester no doubt paid multiple times over his 5% fee and it was a pleasure to walk, talk, grade and learn from an expert. Gave me a very high comfort level that I was proceeding in the right direction.

 

[Hardwood11]

Trees

Just out of curiousity, was the market very good for walnut trees. I have heard it was down, but slowly recovering? Personally, I think walnut trees will jump in value in the next 5 years, along with oak, cherry and maple.

 

[HighJumper]

The sale was completed in late October of last year. At the time, the construction grade was down about 30% from the high, but veneer grade was holding up fairly well. The sale had a significant amount of veneer in it and the trees were ready for sale. I also had plans to do a cp22 in the area so it was beneficial to that project to get the trees sold. The Forester set a target price that he thought we could get and we did better than expected. Lot of variables in each sale, but for htis one it was the right time and everyone was happy.
http://www.nfs.unl.edu/forestproducts.asp