Timber Valuation

Find out what your standing timber is really worth — and gain confidence before you sell or plan.

Every landowner eventually asks the question: “What is my timber worth?” The honest answer is often, “It depends.” Timber values fluctuate with species, quality, market demand, and even the time of year. That’s where our Timber Valuation service comes in. We take the mystery out of the process by providing you with an accurate, professional estimate of the market value of the trees on your property. Whether you’re thinking of selling timber, purchasing land with woods, handling an estate, or just planning for the future, knowing the dollar value of your forest’s resources can be incredibly helpful. Stevens Forestry will evaluate your timber in a transparent way, so you can make decisions with your eyes open.

Key features of our Timber Valuation Service:

• On-Site Assessment: We begin by visiting your forest to gather information on the timber that’s standing. This often involves a targeted inventory of the valuable trees — measuring sizes, noting species and quality, and estimating volumes. If you already have current inventory data, we can also work with that as well. Seeing the timber in person ensures our valuation reflects the true condition of your woods.

• Market Analysis: Next, we analyze the data against current market conditions. We look at timber market prices for the species and products you have (for example, sawlog-quality oak versus pulpwood or biomass). We consider factors such as local mill demand, timber buyer interest in your region, and even seasonal price trends. By taking these into account, we ensure the value estimate is rooted in the real-world marketplace, not just generic price tables.

• Detailed Valuation Report: Stevens Forestry will provide you with a clear report outlining our findings. You’ll see estimates of the volume of different timber products on your property (e.g. X board feet of red pine sawtimber, Y cords of aspen pulpwood) and the estimated dollar value for each category. We sum it up so you know approximately what your timber is worth today. We’ll also explain the assumptions made — for instance, the prices used for each product and why (maybe referencing recent timber sales or price reports). This report can be useful for your own knowledge, and it can support things like appraisals, insurance, or financial planning.

• Budget-Friendly Options: Not every situation requires an ultra-detailed (and potentially costly) appraisal. We offer flexibility in the level of detail based on your needs. If you just want a ballpark figure for personal planning, we can perform a simplified valuation with fewer sample plots to save time and expense. If you need a very precise valuation for legal or tax purposes, we can do a more intensive cruise with tight error margins. In either case, we discuss these options with you so you get the information you need at a price that fits your budget.

• Guidance and Next Steps: Beyond just giving you numbers, we’ll talk through what they mean. If the valuation is for a potential timber sale, we can advise on whether now is a good time to sell or if waiting could be beneficial (for example, if markets are weak at the moment, or if your trees could grow significantly in value over a few more years). If it’s for an estate or tax scenario, we make sure you understand how the valuation was done, which can be useful if you’re working with attorneys or accountants. And of course, we answer all your questions — our goal is that you feel confident and informed.

Our approach to timber valuation is rooted in honesty and thoroughness. We know that as a landowner, you are relying on us to give you a fair assessment — after all, a lot of money can be on the line. You can trust that Stevens Forestry will not inflate numbers just to please or deflate them out of caution; we strive for accuracy and transparency. If part of the valuation requires input beyond our scope — say, a full land appraisal — we can coordinate with professional appraisers while providing the timber data expertise. Our independence is a big plus here: since we aren’t buying your timber ourselves, our only job is to tell you truthfully what you have. This independent perspective is why many private landowners have trusted Stevens Forestry for timber appraisals.