If you own wooded land, the timber on it is valuable. However, before you start trying to sell it, it's worthwhile to learn the basics of the selling process, as well as the benefits of hiring foresters. The following guide can help get you started.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring Foresters?

Foresters are professionals that assist with forest management and sales. They can be public, meaning they work for state or federal agencies, or private, meaning they manage their own business and charge a nominal fee for their services. Public ones often have long wait times, while private ones are more prompt. 

Foresters assist you in achieving your land goals while maximizing your profits and maintaining the health of the forest. They decide which trees to harvest, such as healthy, valuable species, and which ones to leave to support wildlife. They'll also take note of what's being sold, market it to potential buyers, and discuss the possible tax implications of the sale. Their expertise and skill will help you make informed decisions regarding your land, ensuring proper procedures are followed at every step.

While it's not legally required to hire a forester before selling timber, it's highly recommended. They'll advocate for you, creating the optimal deal for you and your land. It's similar to hiring a real estate agent when buying a home or having a tax preparer file your annual taxes.

What Else Should You Keep In Mind?

It's helpful to have clear goals in mind for your land, whether it's removing crowded trees, clearing the lot for trails or recreation, or optimizing the health of the forest for wildlife. It will help your forest management team create a customized plan to achieve those goals. It's also essential to market your timber to multiple buyers instead of accepting the first offer presented to you, as rates can vary widely between buyers.

Timber is often most in demand during the winter, allowing you to sell it faster and for better prices. Be sure you understand the different methods of selling timber and their tax advantages or implications. Once you've signed a contract, periodically visit the harvesting site to check that they're adhering to the terms of the agreement.

Get the most from your timber by reaching out to Neeley Forestry Service in Camden, AR. With over 140 years of combined experience, their foresters provide land, wildlife, and forest management services, as well as timber appraisals. They also handle land transactions, and they connect hunters with landowners. Learn more about their extensive forest services online, and call them at (870) 836-5981 to schedule an appointment.