Timber marketing

According to an article by ResourceWise (April 7, 2025), the value of an acre of timber is dependent upon four major factors:
Location and Proximity to Mills – The closer the timber is to the mill the lower the trans-portation cost.
Timber Type and Age – Managed pine plantations, typically clearcut at age 25-35, may yield 80-105 tons per acre, with sawtimber (12”+ DBH) yielding the highest returns. Natural mixed stands are often denser with 90-110 tons per acre.
Harvest Methods – Clearcuts maximize the per acre revenue, but thinnings provide earlier cash flows with lower yields. Thinnings of young pine plantations (16-20 years old) with 30-50 tons per acre of mostly pulpwood and chip’n’saw typically command less than 21-25 year old stands with more, and larger, sawtimber and chip’n’saw. Natural pine thinnings may yield 40-60 tons per acre.
Market Trends – Demand for timber products fluctuates with construction cycles and pa-per production.
Based on 2022-2024 stumpage prices, the article states that a 100-acre pine plantation in the U.S. South at 26+ years old, might yield $211,100 - $227,500 from a clearcut. Thinned at 21-25 years, it would typically bring $53,800 - $90,400.
A 100-acre natural stand might yield $196,000 - $216,800 with thinnings at $66,400 - $75,700. Soil quality, accessibility, mill proximity, etc. could significantly adjust these dollar amounts.