Your standing timber can easily fetch you a high return. With Phoenix Mat, you even get a free timber estimate in Indiana. And if you like our estimated price, we are licensed to harvest it for you.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a free timber estimate from us, here’s what you can expect.
Getting the process started is simple and straightforward. Simply reach out to us, provide a few details about your timber, and our team will travel to your piece of land to assess it.
When pricing timber, the first thing we look at is the quality of the tree, especially concerning the aspects that make it commercially valuable. A straight and limbless tree is likely to be more valuable than one that’s crooked and has many limbs in the first eight feet.
We also check for possible defects such as a hollow center or mineral stain, which are typically the result of the soil composition of your land.
After establishing that the tree is of reasonable quality, we start considering diameter.
The diameter of the tree gives the clearest indication of how much of its volume can be used for commercial applications. Mature trees are those that are at least 20 inches or more in diameter at breast height. This measurement is commonly shortened to DBH.
Generally, DBH is 4.5 feet from the base of the trunk, measured from the uphill side.
We sell timber by the board foot, and each unit is equal to about 144 cubic inches. If your trees are mature and fairly free of defects, they can produce between 250 and 500 board feet each. The exact number depends on the height, which we’re about to explain shortly.
However, the most important thing to remember is that if your trees are more than 20 inches in diameter, they are most likely ready for harvest. And keep in mind that board footage is the most important factor when estimating the value of timber.
Tree height is the second factor that gives us an idea of the tree’s volume, along with diameter. We measure the height up to where the trunk’s circumference narrows down to 8 inches.
If a part of the trunk has too many limbs or is too crooked for profitable harvest, we measure the height up to the point where the tree’s no longer commercially viable. We do this even if the width is still more than 8 inches.
Trees are measured in 16-foot lengths because of the harvesting process. So if yours is 32 feet tall, we measure it as having two 16-foot sections.
We also look at the species of the trees. As a rule of thumb, hardwoods generally fetch higher than softwoods.
Black Walnut is consistently the highest value timber in Indiana and surrounding regions, along with White Oak.
Other species that have proven to continue fetching highly despite market trends include Hard Maple, Hickory, and Tulip Poplar.
The species heavily determines the timber’s market value per 1000 board feet, otherwise known as MBF. You can view the Indiana Forest Products Trend Analysis for how the value of different species has changed recently and over the years.
If you feel it’s time to get the highest possible return on your standing timber, we’d be glad to evaluate your land in person and give you a free, no-obligation estimate. We’re able to provide a highly accurate estimate based on real market value because we’re heavily involved in manufacturing and supplying wood products.
Call us today at 812-362-3350 for your free estimate, or reach out through our contact form.
